Page 12 of Nuclear Option (Owens Protective Services)

“Ooh!” Eva squealed. “This is so pretty!”

I snatched the Glock out of her hand, thankful I hadn’t loaded it yet. I might have gotten shot. I passed two guns up to Rae, then grabbed two for myself. Glancing out the back window, I could see two vehicles gaining on us. I had no idea if there were more or how much firepower they had.

“Are you seeing this?” I shouted to Rae.

“Yeah, I see it. Where the fuck is New Guy?”

“Bolted, I’m guessing.”

“Can I have one?” Eva asked, holding out her hand, her lips in a pout.

“Not a chance.”

“Oh, come on. I’ll be good.”

“You’re high as a fucking kite.” I pulled the HOGs tooth from around my neck and slipped it over her head. “You can hold onto that one for me. It’s very special, so don’t lose it.”

She stared down at it in wonder, like it would actually explode. For a moment, all I could do was stare at her, but then the bullets started flying and I was reminded that I had a fucking job to do.

4

NEW GUY

I ran to the car,excitement thrumming through me as I got in the driver’s side and slammed the door. The passenger side opened and Johnny got inside.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m saving your ass,” he retorted.

“Not that I don’t appreciate the lack of confidence, but I got this.”

“You have one fucking gun. How are you planning on taking them out with that?”

“It’s the art of the drive,” I grinned, kicking the car into drive and peeling out. I made it to the end of the lot and did some donuts as I waited for Cash to get out. Then I hit the button for the music, letting out a yelp when I heard my favorite artist, Garth Brooks singing about calling Baton Rouge.

“Yeah! This is my jam.”

He hit the button to turn it off. “We’re not listening to that shit while trying to kill people.”

I turned it back on. “Why not? Feel it, man. Do you hear that fiddle?”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” he snapped.

I slammed my hand down on the steering wheel, shouting wildly. “Whoo! Fuck, I’ve been waiting for this for too damn long!”

“Waiting for what?”

“To have fun again. For two fucking years, I’ve been waiting to get on a team.”

“What have you been doing in the meantime?”

“Harvesting grapes,” I said, shaking my head at him like he was an idiot.

“Are you serious? I just got in a car with a guy who’s been harvesting grapes?”

“It’s hard work. Don’t knock it,” I said, singing along to the music as I waited for Cash to pull out. Three very conspicuous vehicles followed them down the road and I grinned, feeling energy pound in my veins. I put my foot on the gas and headed out of town at a discreet distance.

“I’m not knocking it, but hell, how do I know you can even fucking shoot?”

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