Page 38 of Rescued Duty

Zack clenched his hand. “I moved from truck to rescue squad. In case you didn’t know, that’s a pretty big deal.”

A kick hit his shin under the table, and he turned to Naya, whose eyes gave him that don’t-give-him-the-upper-hand look.

She was right, he needed to have patience with the guy. He was just trying to rile Zack up. But Hudson’s attitude irked him. “I’m just glad it wasn’t your place in flames last night. You work at Ethos, don’t you?” Zack hadn’t kept up on much with the guy who’d made middle school a nightmare. “If you’ll excuse us, we need to get back to work.” Zack turned his attention back to Naya.

Hudson’s footsteps faded. When the overhead bell chimed above the door, signaling his exit, Zack’s shoulders relaxed.

Naya rolled her eyes. “I’ll never understand his attitude.”

She had been the one to take care of a few bruises and cuts he’d gotten from those altercations with preteen Hudson. Eventually he’d learned the arguments weren’t making Hudson back down, so he’d stopped paying attention to the kid and turned to praying for him instead. It’d been the right thing to do, but it had still proved challenging.

“Thanks for being here with me.”

She smiled at him.

“Speaking of bullies, how is your arm?” Zack pointed at her sling.

Her smile fell flat. “I just don’t get why someone would try that stunt. Why try to kill me? And was that the point?”

“You don’t think it’s Tucker?” Zack had to make sure.

She’d alluded to difficulties with the guy, and if he’d hurt her in any way, Zack would have a harder time restraining himself than he had with Hudson.

Her eyes widened. “No. That’s not like him. He’s a cocky guy. Rude, like Hudson—and Mr. Callahan. But Tucker would never push things that far. At least, he never hurt me physically in our relationship.”

Zack’s next sip of coffee went down easier. Her answer gave him some assurance, but he still didn’t like the fact that someone had taken such an extreme measure.

Zack flipped his phone over on the table. “Did you file a report with the police?”

She nodded.

“I can ask Lieutenant Basuto to check on Tucker’s whereabouts yesterday afternoon, then. They can make sure he has an airtight alibi.” He sent the officer a short text.

“But if it’s not Tucker, who could it be?” She lifted her good hand and turned her palm up.

“Someone who doesn’t want you uncovering information for your story would be my guess.” He shrugged one shoulder, hoping she would listen to counsel. “If there’s someone out there who wants their secrets to remain hidden.”

“Well, they’ve messed with the wrong person, then.” Naya narrowed her eyes.

“You’re determined to pursue the story anyway?” The words left a sour taste in his mouth.

Naya’s brows rose. “For the chance to beat out Tucker and get a promotion? What do you think?”

Zack finished off his coffee and set the empty cup on the table with a clunk. He’d have her back whenever possible, which meant doing an investigation when he wasn’t on shift.

Like today.

“I just don’t know where to begin,” she said.

Zack figured the place where her attacker had been would be a good place to start. “Come on. Let’s go back up the mountain.”

TWELVE

Naya’s stomach sat in knots when Zack parked the car. Had she really agreed to come back up here? Each mile brought them closer to the pinnacle, and her breathing grew shallow. She could ask him to turn back.

“I didn’t realize this road came up so far.” Naya stared out the window.

“It saves on walking time. How’s your ankle?”

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