Protective Custody by Lynette Eason

Author:Lynette Eason
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2010-11-22T23:00:00+00:00

TEN

At the end of the long, winding, dirt road sat a one-story ranch-style house. Set apart from other houses on several acres of land, there were very few trees and nothing else in the vicinity that would make a good hiding place.

No one could get near the house without being exposed. A good safety measure and landscaped that way on purpose, Nick was sure.

As he watched the house come into view, he debated whether or not they were doing the right thing. It galled him that he’d tucked his tail and run, depending on the marshals to keep him safe, putting the responsibilities at his office off on someone else.

And yet, what choice did he have? Lindsey’s terrified huddle in the woods wouldn’t leave him. Christopher’s clinging and fear-induced wheezing haunted him.

Bottom line: he had to protect the children.

And if staying in a safe house meant giving them peace of mind, then—

Mason interrupted his thoughts. “We’re here.”

He pulled into the garage and closed them in. Carly said, “Everyone stay in the car. I want to have a look around before we unload.”

Shoulders stiff, Nick watched her climb from the car and, with gun drawn, enter the house via the closest door. He looked at Mason. “Does she know something we don’t?”

The man kept his eyes glued to the door Carly had just entered. “Nope, don’t think so. She’s just being extra careful.” Mason met Nick’s eyes. “It’s a good thing.”

Nick leaned back. He didn’t like it. This feeling of helplessness. Watching someone he cared about—and he knew he was caring more every day—possibly walk into danger while he sat in the car. He reached for the door handle and shoved it open. “Well, I’m not sitting here while she’s in there.”

“That’s her job, Nick. Just sit back and let her do it.”

The words hit him between the eyes.

It was her job.

One she did every day.

A dangerous job that came with risk and the real possibility of dying.

When he’d gone through the police-academy training, it had been drummed into them how dangerous the job was and how important it was to watch your back constantly. He’d done as instructed, taken precautions and hadn’t really worried about himself. But Carly…

Yep. He cared about her. A lot. Amazing how that had happened in such a short amount of time. But he couldn’t deny the attraction he felt, the almost magnetic pull she had on him. At first he’d wondered if there was something more than partnership between her and Mason, but he’d quickly realized that they were good friends and nothing more.

He had felt glad, relieved.

That same relief flowed through him now. He realized he was glad Carly was the one who’d been chosen for this assignment. Glad she was with him. Originally, he hadn’t wanted her on the assignment simply because he’d been a bit embarrassed. They’d shared some deep conversations two years ago and then hadn’t seen each other since. It hadn’t taken him long to realize that those conversations had laid a foundation that made it easier to care about her that much more now.

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