Page 96 of Tapped

I might as well bean emergency medic.

I was right.

She was hit even though it was more of a graze. More like a bite of her flesh. There was no bullet to dig out, thank God for that.

I watch as they work on her. They cut her shorts off and she’s covered from the waist down with a sheet. Everyone in the room looked at me like they expected me to leave, which I was not about to do. Someone will have to wrestle me into a pair of cuffs and drag my ass off if they want to put any space between me and the woman on the exam table.

Evie instructs the resident how she wants to be stitched. I was right—she’s the worst patient ever.

I look from my cell to Evie where she’s on her side getting worked on. “Brax is here. He and Tim brought my car from your house.”

She looks up at me through worried eyes. “Did they say how the security guard is?”

“It seems the hitman is a good shot and has a conscience. The guard was hit with a tranquilizer. He had his window cracked open and was shot in the neck with a dart. He’s here being treated with IV fluids. He’ll be fine. Brax talked to your father and brother at your house after we left in the ambulance. Your father is going to try to make it here before we leave.”

She closes her eyes. “Great.”

I had a similar thought but with a different sentiment. I actually can’t wait to talk to her father. Their security is shit. It’s been proven twice now. They might know how to secure a building, but personal security is a whole different ball game. I’m going to have to find a nicer way to inform Mr. Hugh Litchfield of this.

Brax – I need to talk to you.

Me – Someone almost killed Evie and probably did it by using thermal imaging. That means the hitman is not some thug off the street. He’s skilled. I’m not leaving her side.

Brax – Then answer your damn phone to talk to me. I have news.

The call instantly comes through. I give her hand a squeeze as I take two steps away from her to answer. “If this is more bad news, it could’ve waited until we got out of here.”

“Not bad news,” Brax states. “More like the opposite. You didn’t miss.”

I pause because there are two nurses and a resident in here. I can’t say anything I would normally, likewhat the fuck. “How do you know?”

“There’s blood at the scene. Other than Evie’s. I hope she’s prepared to recarpet that office.”

“Get back to the first thing you said. They got samples?”

“Yes. As soon as they realized the hitman was hit himself, they called in forensics. It’s outside, but they think they got to it soon enough. They’ll be running it through the system. If he’s ever been booked, we’ll have a name and face.”

“That’s good news. Really good news.”

Evie looks at me with wide, hopeful eyes.

“It’s a start,” I add. “Anything else?”

“Are you taking her back to her place tonight?”

“No way in hell.”

“Her parents’ house?” Brax asks.

“That seems like a worse idea after what happened tonight,” I mutter, thinking of Chase and how much worse it could have been if he would’ve been at home.

“I agree,” Brax says. “That leaves one place, unless you’re planning on taking over our nursery before the baby comes.

“We’re not crashing your new house,” I inform him.

“Then you’re taking her home with you,” Brax mutters. “Why do I question your judgment, yet still think it’s a good fucking idea?”

“Because you’re right on both counts. I don’t trust anyone. I’m taking care of this myself.”

---