Page 32 of Deadly Designs

“You bet your ass it is. I’m not blowing smoke when Itell you your job is in jeopardy if you don’t turn this car aroundright now.”

The cop scoffed. “I’ll take my chances.”

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Aja Blue tried not to shake, but her nerves wereshot. Attempted kidnapping and watching a man die did that to aperson.

It was her fault that she’d almost been abducted. Whyshe foolishly thought she could help Christian was beyond her. Heronly defense was that she didn’t want him getting hurt, especiallyon her behalf. Now, she watched in horror as the cop shot voltsinto his body through his upper arm.

“No!”

She tried to run to him, but the cop stopped her inher tracks when he swung toward her with his gun.

“I will shoot you if you don’t stop right there.”

Aja Blue didn’t doubt the man. Instead of arguingwith him, she turned to the crowd and zeroed in on her target. Shetook off for a run, causing the young man to yelp when she skiddedto a stop.

“Have you been filming long?”

The kid nodded. “I saw the man grab you and knewsomething was popping. I slammed my record button.”

“Keep recording.”

“Sure thing.”

“What’s your name?”

“Darius.”

Aja Blue dialed Detective Herbert’s number. When sheanswered, Aja Blue gave her a quick rundown of the events.

“I’m less than five minutes away. I’ll be rightthere.”

Aja Blue concentrated on breathing so she didn’thyperventilate. Although her need to be with Christian was almostdebilitating, proving his innocence took precedence. When her phonerang, she assumed it was the detective.

“Ms. LaLonde?”

The male voice threw her. “Yes.”

“This is Tyler Redmond, Christian’s coworker. Ireceived an alert that he’s in danger.”

“Oh, my God, he is.” She gave him a rundown of whathad happened. “The detective we’ve worked with is on the way herenow.”

“You’re saying he’s being arrested?”

“Yes.”

“We’ll take care of getting him released. In themeantime, are you safe?”

She glanced around at the number of people who hadgathered. Several police cars had arrived, and someone had placed ablack tarp over the dead kidnapper. “I think so. Yes. How did youknow Christian was in danger?”

“There’s a panic feature on his watch. He activatedit.”

“He was handcuffed.”

“It also works with a specific vocal command. Call meif you need anything. My number is in your contact list.”

“Thank you, Tyler.” The company Christian worked forwas incredible.

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