Guardian by Terri Reed

Author:Terri Reed
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-07-08T16:00:00+00:00

NINE

“What’s going on, Gallagher?” Max asked once he and Leo were in the hallway. True sat at Leo’s side while Opal lay on the floor at Max’s feet.

Leo ran a hand through his hair as embarrassment flooded his system. He’d just argued with a civilian in front of his boss and coworker. So not cool.

There was just something about Alicia that made him overly sensitive and heightened his need to keep control of the situation. He wanted to put her in a glass case and keep her there until this madman was caught.

He’d never felt so protective of a civilian involved in one of their cases before. Why Alicia? He didn’t really know her. Did his feelings for her have something to do with Jake’s kidnapping? That had to be why. But he couldn’t tell his boss. His pride wouldn’t allow it.

“I don’t know,” he finally muttered. “I don’t like the idea of taking her into the field. There’s too much risk involved.”

Max dropped his chin. “No more risk than her staying at the ranch. If she’s with you then you can protect her. That is what you want, right? I can have Julianne take over the protection detail, if you’d prefer.”

“No,” he replied quickly. Too quickly if Max’s arched eyebrow was any indication. Leo took a deep breath. “I’ll take her with me.”

The other man nodded. “I’m sure Chief Jarrett will supply a couple of uniforms to accompany you.”

“That would work,” Leo said. Though he’d keep Alicia within arm’s length, having the backup would be welcomed.

Max’s cell phone rang. He fished the device from the breast pocket of his uniform. “West.”

He listened a moment, his expression darkening. “Understood. Thank you for letting me know.” He clicked off. “The US Marshals were moving Esme to a new locale when they were ambushed. One marshal was shot but is expected to live. The other marshal managed to escape with Esme unharmed.”

Leo’s gut twisted with both alarm and relief. “That was close.”

“Too close. The marshals are looking within their ranks to see if they have a leak.”

“They may not have one,” Leo said. “If Dupree has goons all over the state looking for Esme, one could have ferreted her out. Once the marshals have her relocated, Dupree will have to call off his thugs.” At least Leo hoped so. The United States was a big place, and without a general location for Esme, there was no way Dupree could hope to find her. But he had a feeling that the guy after Alicia wouldn’t stop until he’d accomplished his goal—to silence the witness.

* * *

With True on leash, Leo and Alicia made their way through the dense woods along the Blackthorn River, accompanied by two of Settler’s Valley’s finest. With every snap of a twig or rustle of a branch, Leo’s senses jumped. He knew he was being overly cautious but was there such a thing when it came to the safety of a civilian and not just any civilian. Alicia was more than a mere witness; she was a good mother and caregiver to her father.

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