Page 87 of Cutter

“I haven’t told you,” she insisted. “I’m so, so sorry. I don’t know what got into me. I only thought about the investigation. I’d worked so hard for it, and in my obsession, I lied. Oh my God, how could I have done that? You were right all along. You knew it would be dangerous. And it was. You got injured because of me. Can you forgive me? How can I make it up to you?”

“Emily. I told you to stop. You’re getting too upset. We can talk about this later.”

“But you need to know. I had to find you, I couldn’t…”

“I know, sweetheart. Captain Weaver told me you drove out of the station looking for me.”

“The captain?”

“Yes, Emily.” Captain Weaver spoke as he entered the room. He stood at the foot of her bed. “I was waiting outside, hoping you’d wake up soon. Considering what went down, the doctors say you were very lucky.”

“Oh?”

“Once the connection between you and Cutter was revealed, Nails knew where to find you.” The captain nodded soberly. “His men were waiting for you outside the station.”

“Barron and Johnny G were guarding my back at home while I packed,” Cutter said. “We were convinced Nails would try something against me. None of us imagined he’d go after you. When you think about it, that was his sure way of getting to me. I couldn’t handle it if he hurt you, baby. I’d end his miserable life without a second thought.”

“Oh, Daddy.” Emily voiced the affectionate term openly. She was past caring what the captain or anyone thought.

The captain continued as if she’d used a common endearment. “Nails and his goons misjudged you and your training, Mayhew. That’s what saved you. And your choice of vehicle.”

“Huh?”

“They saw a woman and forgot you’re a trained professional. They came at you with their heavy truck, to run you off the road, finish you that way. Pretty cruel if you ask me.” He exhaled. “Had they known your abilities, they would’ve shot you and been done with it.”

“Damn,” Cutter muttered. “You’re right.”

A frisson coursed through her as she relived the shock when the truck hit her vehicle.

“There was a witness on the road. He’s the one who called 911. He said you fought and resisted, but when a second truck joined the attack, the fight turned one-sided.”

“Two! And how come the witness saw everything?” Cutter growled. “Why didn’t he stop the attack?”

“He was coming from the opposite direction. That’s why,” the captain replied. “Hey, the guy called us. And he stopped to check on Emily. That’s how help arrived so quickly. Someone else would’ve driven off. We put out a BOLO for Nails and his goons. We’ll get them. And there’s something else.” He turned to Cutter. “I had an interesting conversation with one of our detainees. This affects you, Cutter.”

“I’m listening.”

“This guy wanted immunity for information. It seems our quick-to-rise DA is involved with the Oquendo cartel. He’s taking bribes. And you know what that means. If true, the case he built against you was part of a bigger conspiracy. I’ll let you know what I find out.”

“All the more reason,” Cutter grumbled under his breath.

“What, Daddy? All the more reason, what?”

“I’m leaving this godforsaken town and you’re coming with me. Enough of this crap. I’m putting my foot down.”

“But, Daddy?—”

“I think that’s my cue.” Chuckling softly, Captain Weaver walked to the door. “I’m stepping out to the hallway, children. You need to work out some stuff. Cutter, come talk to me before you go.”

Cutter nodded. “Sure, Captain.”

He left, and, scowling, Cutter turned to her. “Back to our conversation. Not buts. No ifs. You’re my girl, Emily Mayhew. You know exactly what Daddy means, wants, and expects. We’ll get married when we get there. Meanwhile, enough ofthis detective shit, for now, anyway. You’re too reckless and emotional. And those guys are still out there.”

“Aww, Daddy, you know how much I like the job.”

His dark eyes flamed at her. “More than me? Than us? Is that what you’re saying?”

No. No. No.Her mind screamed at her.Tell him the truth. All of it.

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