Page 22 of Fast Justice

God, Rowan would be frantic. And if someone had planted explosives in her vehicle, then she had been the intended target.

A shockwave of protectiveness blasted through him. “They have security on scene yet?” He needed to know she was safe.

“Yep, everything’s locked down.”

“What about Rowan?”

“She’s at the hospital now with her parents.”

“Have they got security there for her?”

“Not sure.”

Mal didn’t like it. Despite their breakup, he would never leave her vulnerable to a threat if he could help it. “Her brother’s a friend of mine. I’d like to check on things personally.” Well, more of an acquaintance now, but he needed a reason other than Rowan to go to the hospital.

“Why don’t you put in a call to Hamilton, then. See if he’ll cover for you with Lockhart while you go to the hospital.”

“I will. Thanks.” He ended the call and immediately dialed his team leader, impatience humming through his veins. He needed to get to the hospital right the hell now, see Rowan for himself and make sure she was safe.

****

SA Brock Hamilton spotted Victoria the moment he stepped through the door of the secure, private government gun range.

He had the entire day off, a rarity, and the first he’d had in a damn long time. He’d been looking forward to it for more than a week, planning to spend it parked in front of his TV with a few cold ones, and maybe even take a nap later on. Precious few things could have persuaded him to give that up, but then her text had come in this morning and he couldn’t say no.

Because it was Victoria and he couldn’t get her out of his mind.

She stood over in the far corner, back to the wall, constantly scanning the room. Assessing everyone in it to discern whether or not they were a threat, even with her U.S. Marshal security detail close by.

The two marshals spotted him first. He knew them, from the night they’d come to escort Victoria from the hospital to the WITSEC Safesite and Orientation Center.

Brock gave them a chin nod by way of greeting, then Victoria’s restless gaze connected with his from across the room, and warmth spread through him at the relief that flashed in her deep brown eyes.

The corner of her mouth lifted a fraction, on the verge of a smile. The first hint of one he’d seen since finding her in the woods that night months ago, when he and his team had stormed one of Ruiz’s hideouts down on the Gulf Coast. She’d been naked, beaten and bloody with a fucking collar and chain hanging from her neck, running for her life. He’d never forget that first sight of her as long as he lived. It had haunted him ever since.

Her happiness to see him surprised him almost as much as the text she’d sent him a few hours ago, asking him to meet her here. And damned if knowing the sight of him made her feel safe and at ease didn’t compress something inside his chest.

He smiled back and closed the distance between them, careful not to move too fast. She looked like a completely different person now.

Her long, tangled brown hair was now cut into a sleek, jaw-length bob. She’d put some weight on since the last time he’d seen her. It looked good on her. Her body still too slender for her frame, but at least now she didn’t seem half-starved, the hollows beneath her cheekbones less pronounced.

His eyes stopped on the light blue scarf wrapped around her throat. Since it was summertime and hot as hell outside, it wasn’t a fashion statement. She’d worn it to cover up the scars around her throat from where that sickening metal collar had bitten into her tender skin. He’d seen the damage firsthand and watched the medical staff clean and dress her wounds. The bruises and cuts on her face had healed, the shadows under her eyes faded. But the shadowswithinthem were still there, and might never disappear.

Brock stopped a foot or two farther away from her than he would someone else, so that she wouldn’t feel crowded. “Hi.”

Her lips curved up a little more. She was tall, around five-eleven or so, only a few inches shorter than him. He liked the way she looked him in the eye. “Hi. Thanks for meeting me.”

“No problem.”

She gestured to the marshals, who were standing a discreet distance away to grant them a semblance of privacy. “They only allowed this because I asked you to come. Apparently the powers that be really think a lot of you.”

“Well that’s good to know.” He was proud of the reputation he’d built, both back during his SF days, and as a FAST operator. With a half-smile at her he cocked his head, intrigued. “So, what are we doing here?” She’d been mysterious about that. Meeting her at a shooting range wasn’t something he’d ever thought would happen.

“I want you to teach me to shoot,” she said, folding her arms and shifting her feet apart slightly.

Brock hid his surprise. “Yeah?” Why him?

She gave a decisive nod. “If you’re willing.”

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