Explosive Trail by Terri Reed

Author:Terri Reed
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-02-10T15:47:39+00:00

NINE

Standing outside the lodge with the evacuated guests, Theo fought the helplessness cascading through his veins. The bomb squad had arrived and geared up to go inside, Willow included. He hated being sidelined while Willow did her job. All he could do was watch her, once again dressed from head to toe in protective gear, and Star, wearing her ballistic-proof vest with the PNK9 Unit logo, disappear inside the lodge with the other Washington State Patrol bomb technicians who’d arrived on the scene.

Every moment that ticked by ratcheted up his anxiety. Had the bomber set more explosives in the lodge? How had the unidentified suspect gained access to Willow’s balcony? Was the person a lodge employee?

Finally, Willow, Star and the bomb technicians emerged from the lodge, and relief washed over Theo, nearly bringing him to his knees. He hurried forward, wincing as bits of gravel and dirt bit into his bare feet. A reminder of how shaken he’d been by Star’s alert.

Willow removed her helmet. She looked shaken, too. “No other bombs. Just the one at my sliding glass door.”

One of the bomb technicians stepped up. He was an older man with graying hair and a thick mustache. “It was a good thing she didn’t open that slider. The second the door ran on the tracks, it would’ve exploded, taking out that whole side of the hotel.”

Theo’s heart thudded with dread. He needed to get Willow away from here, away from the bomber. He could take her to DC, far from the bomber’s reach. As soon as she was out of her protective gear, he snagged her elbow and directed her and Star to where Jackson and the recruits stood.

“Willow and I are leaving,” he announced.

Willow jerked her elbow from his grasp. “No, we’re not. I am not giving the bomber that much power over me or the situation.”

“Your presence here puts everyone in danger,” Theo argued.

“He’s played his hand,” Willow returned. “He wouldn’t dare try something here again. He’ll have to realize we’ll be on guard and waiting for him to make a move.”

Theo growled in his throat. He didn’t like it, but what she said was logical. Still, he’d feel better removing her from the line of fire and hiding her away. Forever if need be. But running wouldn’t fly. Willow would balk.

“We need to look at the security footage of the property,” Jackson interjected. “See if we can identify him and how he was able to rig a bomb on your balcony.”

Theo stared at Jackson. “You don’t agree Willow should leave?”

“Not my call,” Jackson said. “That’s something you need to talk to Donovan about. Though you won’t hold much sway, considering you’re here as a courtesy and are too emotionally involved, Special Agent Bates.”

The use of his title sent a flush of aggravation through Theo. He could throw the bureau’s weight around if he chose, but he wouldn’t. Doing so wouldn’t garner him much goodwill with the team or Willow. He held her gaze. “Fine. We stay, but we are not going back to those rooms.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.