Chapter 4

“You really think this guy’s dumb enough to come after her here?” Lucky watched the crowd through his polarized sunglasses as he and Archer stood just outside the Pierce County Courthouse.

A trip he’d happily volunteered for.

Earlier, while he and Arch had been discussing a case in Lucky’s office, Cassie had rushed into the Eagle’s Nest headquarters to tell her fiancé about the prison escape. The second Lucky heard the concern in Cassie’s voice when it came to the woman’s very enticing best friend, there hadn’t been a choice.

An hour later, they were here, at the Pierce County Courthouse. Several news station vans had already lined both sides of the streets. Some were even equipped with those tall, telescopic antennas extended high from within the high-tech vehicles.

The FBI, Tacoma P.D., Pierce County deputies…the place was crawling with law enforcement officials. Their purpose for being here to no doubt show a strong, united front in their joint efforts to locate and recapture George Ray Harvey.

Lucky’s focus was more on the faces mixed within the mid-sized crowd gathered near the building’s entrance…

Reporters and their camera-wielding sidekicks stood around chatting with one another. Civilians eagerly awaited the latest official news in the biggest story to hit Tacoma in over a decade.

So far, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. So far, no one appeared suspicious. Even so, he refused to let his guard down for even a second because this was Ellie. The woman may hate his guts, but if her life truly was on the line…

That son of a bitch tries to goes after her, I’ll stop him dead in his tracks.

Regardless of her feelings toward him, Lucky would not—could not—risk letting something happen to her. Not his sexy, sassy Ellie.

She’s not yours, dipshit. Not even close.

“I wouldn’t think Harvey risk would showing up here.” Archer answered Lucky’s question. “But the guy’s also a serial killer, so relying on him to use sane, logical thinking might be asking a bit too much.”

“Cass sure seemed concerned about the possibility.”

He could still see the worry etched across the sweet woman’s face. She’d shown up at ENS all but begging Archer to make the short drive down here. A precaution, she’d called it. But it was clear to him that Cassie was genuinely afraid for Ellie’s safety.

After reading up on Harvey while Archer drove, Lucky had to admit…he was a little worried himself.

“Of course, Cassie’s concerned,” Archer slid him a sideways glance. “Bastard’s already tried killing Ellie once before. In a courtroom full of people, no less.”

His hands curled into tight, almost painful fists at his sides. He’d read that part, too. More than once. The idea of someone like Harvey putting his hands on her…trying to fucking kill her…

That shit made him want to find the son of a bitch before the cops did and put him deep into the ground.

The large, double-doors leading into the courthouse opened, and a small group of very important-looking people began filtering their way onto the sidewalk’s smooth surface. Everyone’s attention simultaneously turned toward the building’s entrance, including his and Archer’s.

Lucky’s heart kicked against his ribs when he spotted a flash of brown, silken hair blowing in the afternoon breeze.

Damn.

She really was beautiful.

Beautiful. Intelligent. Driven.

And, as was evident from their previous interactions, the woman also possessed a fiery tongue he wished like hell he could taste.

A man can always dream.

Gathered a few feet from where he and Archer stood, the gaggle of reporters and their camera-wielding sidekicks excitedly prepared themselves to hear what the FBI had to share. The sea of onlookers grew anxious as a handful of important-looking people made their way to the awaiting podium that had been put in place for the impromptu event.

“Good afternoon.” A silver-haired man took center stage. Dressed in “My name is Richard Kelton, and I am the Chief of Police for the Tacoma Police Department.” The briefly recapped what the news had already shared about George Ray Harvey’s escape. “With me today is Mayor Oswald, District Attorney Donald Hennessy, FBI Liasson Ronette Capshaw, and former Pierce County prosecutor, Eloise Fisher.”

Lucky’s stare immediately went to Ellie. The tight black dress she wore fell just below her knees. She’d paired the look with a fitted, burgundy suit jacket that, when buttoned, showcased the woman’s feminine curves. A pair of respectable black heels topped off the outfit, making her look every bit the professional he knew her to be.

Professional.

Serious.

Sexy as hell.

With her spine straight and her hands clutched loosely together at her front, Ellie appeared to simply be showing her support for those working to find the escaped murderer. Thanks to Lucky’s training, however, he hadn’t missed the almost indiscernible shift of her pretty brunette head as she, too, continuously scanned the crowd.

There was a slight pause in her movements followed by a hint of a frown. Lucky knew she’d spotted them. But then Ellie turned her laser-focused gaze elsewhere while Chief Kelton continued with his politically motivated speech.

“The safety of the citizens of the state of Washington is our upmost priority. So rest assured, between the efforts of both federal and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the talented team of men and women standing behind me, George Ray Harvey will be caught again, and he will be taken into custody, where he belongs.”

“That’s a mighty big promise for a guy like that to make,” Lucky mused.

“Kelton might wear the badge, but at his core, the man’s a career politician,” Archer grumbled. “And, according to Cassie, he’s also a total blowhard.”

Both Lucky and Archer continued to scan the crowd while the man in question spewed several more photo-op promises his politically motivated ass couldn’t cash. When he was finished, the powerful man turned and introduced the attractive blonde FBI representative, inviting her to take his place at the podium.

“This is Special Agent Jennifer Strauss with the FBI. Agent Strauss is up to date with all the facts we have so far in this case, and she’s been kind enough to take a few moments to share with you what details we are able to at this time. Agent Strauss…”

Chief Kelton oh-so-graciously stepped aside to allow the agent to take over the mic. The sound of cameras clicking filled the afternoon air as those in attendance listened with bated breath for what the pretty blonde had to say.

But Lucky’s attention was on another woman. One with waves of brown flowing freely around her shoulders as she kept the expression on her gorgeous face as steady as the blood pumping through his veins.

Strong.

The word shot to the forefront of his mind as he studied her from his spot in the crowd. Even from here, Ellie’s inner strength was obvious. It was there in her ramrod spine and stiff shoulders. Her lifted chin and unintimidated expression.

Yes, the beautiful, sassy lawyer was strong. Brave, even. But standing right out in the open like that…knowing she had a potential target on her back…

That shit was also risky as hell.

From everything he’d learned on the drive here, Harvey had taken out his own lawyer, a guard, and the judge before attacking Ellie that day in court. And even after the murdering asshole was locked up nice and tight, he’d somehow continued his reign of terror over her from behind bars.

According to the reports he’d accessed, that shit had gone on for several months before Harvey finally got bored enough to leave her the hell alone.

“If she knows this guy could be coming after her,” Lucky turned his attention to Archer, “why is she even here?”

One of Archer’s dark brows arched high with the man’s incredulous stare. “You have met Ellie, right?”

Archer knew full well Lucky and the mouthwatering lawyer had met. Their paths had crossed a few times, thanks to Ellie’s close friendship with Cass and Natalie.

His gaze shifted back to the woman in question, his pulse spiking the same way it always did when she was around.

Oh, yeah. We’ve met.

“So what’s the plan?” He kept his eyes locked on her. “We wait until this thing is over then follow her home?”

“Far as I know, yeah.” Archer’s nod was visible in Lucky’s peripheral. “Cass said Ellie didn’t want to stick around here any longer than she had to. Not that I blame her. By the way…” The other man looked over at him. “In case I forget to say it later, thanks.”

“For what?”

“For offering to come here.” His broad shoulders shook with a huff of a breath. “Though, I’ve gotta admit, I was a bit surprised.”

“Surprised?” Lucky’s brow turned inward with a frown. “Why?”

“Seriously? I mean, it’s not like Ellie’s…aversion to you is a secret.”

“Aversion” was putting it nicely. From everything Lucky had witnessed, the feisty woman couldn’t stand him.

Not that he cared.

No? Then why did you check your hair six times in the visor mirror on the drive here?

“Just because the woman turned me down when I asked her out doesn’t mean I want to see her get hurt.”

Sure, he could be as big an asshole as much as the next guy, but damn. He didn’t think he was that bad.

Archer scowled. “Of course, you’d never want to see Ellie get hurt. Or any other innocent woman, for that matter. I just meant it’s like oil and water when you two get together, that’s all.”

Oil and water. Fire and ice. No matter which comparison Arch wanted to make, the man’s point was crystal clear.

He and Ellie couldn’t be more opposite if they tried. But that didn’t diminish the insatiable need he felt for the woman every time she was near.

“Ellie’s important to you and Cass.” A fact the other man couldn’t deny. “That makes her important to me, too.”

That sounded reasonable enough, right? Any friend of Archer’s and all that.

“You sure that’s all it is?” Archer challenged.

Apparently “reasonable” and “believable” weren’t as mutually exclusive as he’d hoped.

“What else would it be?” Lucky avoided committing to a direct answer.

You avoid commitment? Imagine that.

Archer turned his body, so he was facing Lucky directly. “You want me to spell it out for you? Fine. I thought maybe, given your impressive yet futile efforts in the past to convince Ellie to go out with you, it stands to reason you could possibly see Ellie’s…situation…as an opportunity to smooth-talk your way into her p—”

“Seriously?” Lucky shot his friend a look. “Jesus, Arch. I just told you why I’m here. And, contrary to popular belief, I don’t constantly walk around thinking with my dick.”

Only when she was around. Only with…

Ellie.

Three elderly women standing nearby heard his sharp retort and, right on cue, all three swung their appalled gazes in his direction. Gripped tightly in their aged and wrinkled hands were signs bearing printed bible verses about the Second Coming.

From the looks on their faces, Lucky half-expected them to start lifting their hands in the air and praying for his poor soul.

Sorry, ladies. Pretty sure this is one soul God doesn’t want.

“You’re right.” Archer’s chagrined voice broke through the depressing but realistic thought. “That was a low blow. Sorry.”

“You’re good.” Lucky waved the other man’s concern away. After all, wasn’t he the one who kept putting fuel on the fire that was his playboy reputation?

If you can’t beat them…

“That’s all we’re able to share with you at this time.” Special Agent Strauss’s firm voice filled the speakers, pulling his and Archer’s focus back to center stage as she brought the press briefing to a close. “My office is working in conjunction with Chief Kelton’s, as well as with Sheriff Drummond’s, and we will bring you more details about this investigation when they become availa—”

A shot rang out from somewhere in the distance. Someone screamed. Several dropped to the ground where they stood. A beat later, the mob around them started to panic.

What the—

A second shot pierced the afternoon air. With half the crowd already lying on the ground, the other half took off blindly, running every which way in search of cover. As for Lucky…

He was already on his way to Ellie.

“I’ve got her!” He pulled his Mk27 pistol free from its concealed holster at his hip. “You find the shooter!”

Not waiting to see if his teammate had an issue with the order, Lucky took off in a dead sprint toward the woman they’d come here to protect. With the entire scene in utter chaos, his focus was laser sharp. His main objective clear.

Get to her. You have to get to her before—

Another loud bang echoed around him as the telltale whiz of a bullet flew past the left side of his head. “Shit!” he ducked even as he continued to run.

He wouldn’t stop. Couldn’t stop. Not until he got to Ellie.

Please let her be okay!

Lucky craned his neck as he ran, doing his damnedest to get eyes on the woman they’d come here to protect. For a split second, Lucky thought he’d spotted her, but then someone bumped into his right shoulder, causing his steps to falter.

Son of a…

Recentering himself, he pushed himself onward, shoving his way through the manic group of terrified civilians until finally, finally, he caught sight of his target…

Ellie was lying face-first on the ground. Her eyes were closed, she wasn’t moving, and…there was the tiniest pool of blood forming beneath her head.

No!

With his gut churning and his heartbeat racing, Lucky covered the remaining distance between them in record time. He dropped to his knees beside her, his weapon still raised as his focus became split between any possible threat and the unconscious woman next to him.

“Ellie!” Lucky yelled her name even as he brought his free hand to the side of her still neck.

Pressing the pads of his index and forefinger, he held his breath and waited. Relief enveloped him when he felt the slow and steady beating of her pulse.

“Shooter’s nowhere in sight!” Archer’s huffed voice reached his ears two minutes later. “Oh, shit! Please tell me she’s not—”

“She’s alive.” Lucky carefully rolled Ellie over onto her back. She moaned, her brows twitching with the sound. But still, she didn’t open her eyes. “She wasn’t hit.” In fact, the only injury he could see was the small cut on the left side of the fallen beauty’s forehead. “Looks like she may have just hit her head when she dove for cover.”

With a muttered curse, Archer kept his own weapon up and at the ready as he glanced away to check their immediate area. “There haven’t been any more shots. Pretty sure the shooter’s long gone.”

“You think this was Harvey?”

“Maybe.” Archer glanced back down at Ellie who’d begun to stir. “Not really his M.O., but who the hell knows?”

Glancing up at the nearby building, Lucky spotted the cameras there. “We need to get her to the hospital, and I need access to those cameras.”

Or rather, the footage from those cameras. Because those shots hadn’t come from a sniper rifle a thousand yards away. They’d been much closer. And until he had a chance to go through the security footage frame by fucking frame, there was no way to know the shooter’s real target.

“Lucky?”

His pulse spiked at the sound of Ellie whispering his name. He dropped his gaze, relieved as hell to find those gorgeous—albeit slightly cloudy and a whole lot confused—eyes staring back up at him.

“Yeah, sweetheart.” The sentiment just sort of slipped out all on its own. “It’s me. You’re okay. You’re safe.”

I’ll make damn sure you stay that way.

Ellie’s dark brows fell with bewilderment. “Wha…w-what happened?”

“There was a shooter,” he put it bluntly. “Don’t worry, you weren’t hit.”

“Lucky’s right, El.” Archer reiterated that fact. “We think you hit your head when you took cover. You may have a concussion, but we’ll get you checked out by a doctor, and then—”

“Don’t…n-need a…doctor.” The stubborn woman tried pushing herself into a sitting position, but then almost immediately began to sway.

“Whoa, take it easy, El.” Lucky caught her shoulders as Ellie put a trembling hand to her head. “Like Arch was saying, you hit your head and knocked yourself out.” He gently guided her back down to the concrete sidewalk below. “Here.” He stripped off his long-sleeve Henley and balled it up for a makeshift pillow beneath her head. “That better?”

She started to nod but stopped herself short with a wince. “Was it…Harvey?” Her voice was already beginning to sound stronger.”

“We don’t know,” Archer answered with pure honesty.

“But we’re damn sure going to find out.”

His teammate and friend met his gaze, the two men sharing a look that said hell yes, they’d find the son of a bitch. And when they did—

“What are you…doing here?” Ellie asked even as she kept her eyes closed.

“Cass was worried about you,” Lucky answered before Archer had the chance. “Arch and I volunteered to be here, just in case.”

The woman’s words slurred ever so slightly as her foggy stare met his once more. “Didn’t know you…cared.”

Lucky grinned. Before he even realized what he was doing, he’d reached down and brushed back a few silken locks blowing in the rolling spring breeze.

Oh, I care, sweetheart. Far more than I should.

That’s what he was thinking. What he said was, “Just relax, El. Help is on the way.”

But Ellie didn’t respond that time. She couldn’t. She’d already passed out cold.