Page 13 of Colton Family Bodyguard (Coltons of Mustang Valley)

Hazel hesitated.

“You’re in good hands, Hazel. He is one of the best bodyguards in the country. His company is known for that. They have a solid reputation. You can trust him.”

That made her feel marginally better, but it seemed excessive. And with a stranger.

Bodyguard.

She supposed if she thought of him that way...

“You would be my bodyguard?” she asked him.

“Yours and Evie’s.”

Hazel glanced at Kerry, still uncertain but wavering. “He isn’t a policeman.” Callum might be six-three and solid muscle, but cops carried guns.

“He’s licensed to carry a firearm.” Kerry looked at Callum, who moved his jacket aside to reveal the gun in a hip holster.

When Hazel said nothing, just looked over at Evie, Kerry added, “There isn’t an officer in this department who wouldn’t vouch for him. He does work for a top personal protection agency. Really, I can’t say enough good about him.”

Hazel put her hand to her forehead. “This is so sudden.” She lowered her hand and looked at Evie. The sketch artist handed her a detective shield sticker, which put a big smile on her face. She peeled the back off the sticker and stuck it to the left side of her chest.

“Hey, Detective Evie.” Hazel went to her and crouched where she sat at Kerry’s desk. Evie beamed, no doubt imagining she was a detective and would go to work just now. “We’re going to stay at a hotel tonight. It’ll be a vacation.”

Evie nodded, looking at Kerry, who had put her badge back on, clearly distracted.

Chapter 3

Having confirmation that the man Evie saw being dumped into a car trunk was dead unsettled Hazel much more than she’d anticipated. Evie had seen the man knocked over the head with a rock. They didn’t know if that had killed him. Sure, she had contemplated the possibility, even the likelihood, but having it become fact put them up against a killer. A killer!

Callum held the station door for her and Evie, whom she held since her eyes were drooping with the late hour. She saw him scan their surroundings. He put his hand on her back protectively and then his head stopped moving. She followed his gaze and saw a white car drive past the station again and then turn the corner. Apparently the vehicle had been circling the block while they were inside.

“Go and get Kerry,” Callum said. “Hurry.”

Hazel turned and walked quickly back to the door. When inside, she saw Callum had drawn his gun and was watching the street.

“Is something wrong?”

Hazel heard Detective Wilder and faced her. “The white car that followed us here is still out there. He’s going around the block.” Just then Hazel spotted the car in front of the station on the street, driving slowly. Callum took cover behind his truck.

Kerry hollered for two other officers and ran out the front door.

“Mommy?” Evie said sleepily.

“It’s okay, honey. Go back to sleep.” Hazel hoped it would be all right.

Evie rested her head on Hazel’s shoulder and closed her eyes. Hazel didn’t have time to savor the sight.

Callum opened the station door as Hazel saw Kerry racing away in her car, two other officers following.

“Let’s get you out of here,” Callum said. “Kerry’s on his tail.”

She carried Evie out the door.

Callum stayed close to her side with his pistol. At his truck, he opened the back door and guarded them while Hazel put Evie in the car seat he had thoughtfully put in there

. Then he opened the passenger door and guarded Hazel again while she got in. Going around to the other side, he got behind the wheel and drove quickly out of the parking lot.

A few minutes later they arrived at the Dales Inn. Hazel knew it was upscale but she had never been this close before. Its grandeur towered before her, the double wooden doors with oval windows welcoming guests to promised luxury. A parking valet gave Callum a ticket.

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