Beyond Power by Connie Mann

Author:Connie Mann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2020-08-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Josh hurried over to the EMTs, who were still trying to keep Delilah from climbing off the stretcher. “Give us a second here, guys.”

They exchanged a look and stepped away.

He placed a hand on her arm, his voice low. “Stop fighting and listen for a minute. Someone almost killed you tonight, and you’re too smart not to realize it. We’re going to pretend you died. That will buy the squad time to figure out who’s after you.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ve got this. I don’t need FWC getting any more involved.”

Josh laughed. “Like it or not, FWC is already involved. When I said I’d help you, I meant it. You get the whole squad, too, no extra charge.” He grinned but then caught the look in her eyes. Now that the shock had worn off, she was furious. So was he, but he wasn’t letting her storm off to figure out who set the fire. Not without him.

When she opened her mouth to argue again, he leaned over and whispered, “Close your eyes and play along. I’ll explain more later.” He leaned back and shouted, “Delilah! Delilah! Wake up!” He patted her face as the EMTs rushed over.

“What happened? She was fine a few minutes ago.”

“She stopped breathing.” Then he leaned closer so only they could hear. “For her safety, we need to pretend she didn’t make it. Will you help?”

The EMTs exchanged a look and then nodded. “10-4.”

The older one raised his voice. “Start CPR. Let’s get her in the bus and over to Ocala Regional.”

When the EMT climbed onto the gurney and pretended to start CPR, Josh tossed his keys to Pete and climbed into the back of the ambulance with them. The other EMT started the bus and took off, lights flashing and sirens blaring.

* * *

Delilah blinked her eyes open and squinted against the sunlight streaming through old-fashioned curtains. She dimly remembered Josh carrying her into a house last night, right before the adrenaline crash knocked her flat. Her glance took in the quilt on the bed, the wicker chair, antique furniture.

The sound of voices from another room, mostly male, brought her to her feet. Every muscle ached, and as soon as she stood up, she started coughing again, her throat like sandpaper. She glanced down at the oversize T-shirt she was wearing, and a little zing slid over her skin. Josh must have put it on her. She buried her nose in the sleeve. It smelled like him, clean and woodsy.

Another T-shirt and basketball shorts were neatly stacked on the chair along with a note in a masculine scrawl. “Help yourself to these until we get you something that fits. Bathroom is down the hall.”

Delilah smiled despite the circumstances, grabbed the clothing, and padded to the bathroom where she stood under the spray until the water turned cool and she felt a bit less stiff and creaky. When she reached the kitchen, she found Fish at the counter, pouring coffee.

“Good morning. Did you get some sleep?”

Delilah gratefully accepted the cup Fish offered, added milk and sugar.

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