Page 32 of The Soul of Archer
Lance was once more in awe of the strength that Alora had. Most women would be a crying sniveling mess, but not his Tigress. She was a lot like Krista. She was a tough woman with nerves of steel. Yet she was all feminine. And all his. As she was on the phone with P.D., Lance turned and studied what was left of his living room. The picture window he loved was nothing but the frame and jagged glass. His sofa looked like swiss cheese, the fireplace and flat screen were riddled with bullet holes. If he hadn’t reacted as fast as he had, there’s no doubt in his mind that he and Alora wouldn’t be breathing right now. What made his blood boil was that it had been someone’s intention and that someone was the Malconi family.
Chapter 14
Tony let out a low whistle as he looked around the living room. “Damn Hawk, someone wanted you dead.”
“No shit.” Lance sighed. “I just got this feeling about the time I saw headlights reflecting through the window. I grabbed Alora and hit the deck.” He turned and looked to where Alora stood talking to Wilson, Harker and Fortner. “Malconi is getting desperate. He’s trying to send a message.”
“Yeah, but was this done on the son’s orders or the fathers?” Tony asked.
“And that’s the million-dollar question Tony.” Lance replied as Danny and Gage walked up. “Well, what did you guys find?”
“If this was ordered by Sam, he wasn’t one of your shooters. My guys have him with his mom and dad at a restaurant downtown. Of course, one of the three of them could have ordered this.” Danny stated. “It’s obvious they want you out of the way Lance.”
“I’m with Danny on this. After seeing you two together Saturday night Sam must figure you’re her new man and a piss ant like that won’t take it well. You remember what Alora said in her statement. He got pissed when she told him it was over. In his mind, she’s his and he won’t let her go.” Gage added.
Lance knew they both were right. Sam Malconi was a loose cannon and when he was insulted he acted out like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Alora walked over then and he just pulled her into his arms, as if he was assuring himself that she was safe. “So now what? We can’t stay here obviously.”
“Then that leaves my house.” Alora spoke up. “Look, you and I are leaving for Jacksonville on Friday evening so it’s only for another four days. If we show him that he’s getting to us, he wins Lance. We can’t do that. You and I go about business as usual.”
“She’s got a good idea there Lance. I’ll add some drive-byes for her house starting first thing in the morning.” Wilson agreed.
“Danny’s got guys that have been watching Alora’s house, right?” Harker questioned, looking at Danny who nodded. “Well, me and Jimmy can spare two guys to work with Danny’s guys. So, between us, Danny, and Wilson there will be eyes on her place until you guys leave town.”
“Not to mention the men we have there too.” Gage added.
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Lance agreed.
Wilson, Danny, Fortner and Harker walked off to make the calls. Ethan and Grant came over, so it was now just Alora and Blackout. “I’m glad you and Alora are alright buddy.” Ethan said.
“Thanks.” Lance nodded.
“If Sam and his parents weren’t the shooters here, then how do we find out which one ordered this? I’m sick of having to look over my damn shoulder and guessing where the next attack is going to come from.” Alora hissed.
“Alora…” Lance started.
“No, don’t do that. Do NOT patronize me Lance or I swear to god I’ll knock you upside that stubborn head of yours. Tonight, was close. They’ve already sent you to the hospital and I’m not going to stand by and let them do it again!”
The five men just stared at her in surprise. Lance felt his heart swell in pride at her tenacity. This was the same woman that had shown up at Blackout two weeks ago scared of her own shadow. Now, she had turned that fear into a righteous anger. He laid his hands on her shoulders. “Take a breath Tigress. It’s going to take more than a few bullets and a car mirror to take me out. Okay?”
Alora released a slow breath and covered his hands with hers. “Okay. It still pisses me off that we are two steps behind them and have no idea where or when they’re going to came at us again.”
Ethan smiled a little when Lance pulled Alora into his arms again. “Alora, we’ve got all of Blackout, the D.A.’s office, the Feds and the D.E.A. trying to figure that out. The raid in Houston is happening next Friday and one way or another this will be over.”
Alora looked up at Ethan, “And if Sam and Ian slip away in Houston, what then?”
***
Danny was just about to walk into his office when his cell rang. “Jameson.”
“Hey Danny, I think we just caught a break on the shooting last night.”Jimmy said.
“What?”
“Yeah. Cain is calling Tony and Grant. Think you can get over here, that way we can show you guys? I already called Wilson and he’s on his way.”
“I’m on my way. Be there in five.” Danny said and hung up.
