Page 64 of Allie's Shelter

“When that kid took a shot at you…” his voice trailed off.

“You were upstairs searching my room.”

“Yes, but—”

She crossed the kitchen, backed him into the refrigerator, her finger drilling into his chest. “Own it,” she ordered in a voice that would’ve made Jeannie proud.

“Yes. Fine! I was searching for that damned hard drive in your room when I heard the gunshot. But you have to believe me, Allie. I had no idea Roberts had hired anyone else. My team doesn’t do things like that. I don’t take the nut jobs’ cases. This one slipped right under the radar.”

She understood all too well. If she’d recognized her boss for the scum he was in her interviews, she never would have taken the job. “Bradley can do that. He’s an expert at telling you what you need to hear. Occasionally, he even means it.” Ross looked so upset and uncertain, the friend side of her wanted to comfort him and tell him it would all work out, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to say those words. She didn’t know how she wanted it to work out.

“I made arrangements with my contact at the FBI. He wants to talk with you. He thinks he can put Roberts away for a long time. With your help.”

A chill skated over her skin. She wanted to blame it on the typical letdown after a long run, but she knew it was really about this tangled case. She needed a shower and clean clothes. And time to think. “I’m going to clean up. Can I ask a favor?”

“Anything.”

“My things are at the Rooster.” Watching him closely, she caught the spark of interest and intent. “Would you please pick them up?” There, she’d given him access to the data he’d wanted all along.

“I’m not thrilled about leaving you alone.”

“I’ll be okay.” Just okay. She headed for the stairs, telling herself it would all be over soon. Both her trouble with Bradley and her time with Ross. Because she’d read the truth in his eyes. Ross still wanted the flash drive. Not for the money or to satisfy a ‘nut job’ client, but for his newly defined mission to turn the client over to the FBI. She knew he believed he was protecting her, and she knew he was probably right.

Still, the disappointment pricked her pride and her heart.

Facing down the man who’d destroyed her career and set her up to take the fall for his crimes was vital. But she’d never be able to move on if she let Ross handle it his way, without her. And facing down the longing in her heart for her best friend and the man who’d been the star of all her hopes and dreams for the future… Well, she didn’t know where to begin the closure process where Ross was concerned.

“Allie!”

His shout halted her at the landing. She swiveled around, and her knees nearly buckled at the sight of his pale face. “What happened?”

“He has Eva. We have to go.”

She raced down the stairs, her heart in her throat as he turned the phone to show her the picture he’d received. “Oh my God.” Eva was glaring into the camera, a gag in her mouth. “Where? What do we do?”

The phone chimed as if on cue and they read the text together. “Cock-a-doodle-doo. Bring me what I need or she’ll be dead by midnight.”

The post-run chill was forgotten in a new, hot flash of adrenaline. Allie was at the door when she realized Ross wasn’t behind her. “Come on!”

“One second.” He was dialing from Ruth’s landline. “Nichols.” He waited a beat, steady as a rock. She watched in amazement as he transformed into a battle-hardened tactician. It was a little sexy with a big side of scary. “Roberts has taken at least one hostage at the Midnight Rooster in Haleswood. Coordinate with local officials. I’ll be on scene in less than five minutes.”

The voice on the other end was yelling as Ross replaced the handset. His face was grim but determined. “Let’s go.”

* * *

Allie fisted her hands in the pockets of Ross’s denim jacket. He’d insisted she put it on when she couldn’t stop shivering, but now, standing in the street staring at the restaurant, her palms were damp and her whole body felt feverish.

The worst-case scenario kept running through her mind. Bradley wouldn’t cooperate regardless of his promises. He’d kill Eva no matter what she said or did. The microphone Ross had taped to her chest could fail and they’d never have the confession needed to send Roberts to jail where he belonged. And how was she supposed to make the safe word, ‘grits’, sound like normal conversation if Bradley went ballistic?

She knew she looked nervous and having Ross give her the sign to calm down wasn’t as helpful as he meant it to be. He’d be right behind her, literally, as he stood alongside the sheriff and the one other deputy. Last she’d heard, the FBI was still several minutes out.

No one seemed happy with his aggressive approach, or that he was giving in to the first of Bradley’s demands. But Allie understood Ross, knew he would never leave a team member alone or in jeopardy.

She took the first few steps, trying to set aside how his very presence comforted her, but her heart refused to cooperate. She needed him for this particular moment, and she understood she wanted him for all the moments yet to come. If there were any moments beyond the confrontation looming inside the door.

The bells on the door jangled too loudly, startling her and making her forget everything but the smug look on Bradley’s face as she walked to the booth where he held a gun to Eva’s head.

Composure. Confidence. She repeated the words Ross had drummed into her in the brief minutes of preparation for this confrontation. Bradley had to believe he would never see his stolen money if he harmed Eva. He had to believe she had an exit strategy.

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