Accidental Target

by Theresa Hall

  “Yes, I have.” She tilted her chin up in defiance. Nothing he could say would make her change it.

  He picked up his cell phone and started reading something. “Well, so have I.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? And why aren’t we leaving? Shouldn’t we get out of here?”

  “We’re sitting here to give them a head start. They need to be far enough away so they won’t see us when I pull back onto the road.”

  She hadn’t thought about that. “I’d make a terrible cop. I don’t think like a criminal.”

  “That’s exactly why you can’t do this by yourself. Not everyone is meant to be a cop. Some people are meant to do...whatever it is you do.”

  She wasn’t sure she liked his tone. She had a very prestigious job working for Avery Guerrero. Everyone in Houston knew who he was, and it had earned her respect, as well. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. Just making a point. I already told you, you’d be dead before you made it home, so you’re not leaving. Tonight should be proof enough.”

  “I could stay with friends or get a hotel room far from here.”

  “And again, you’d be dead by morning.” His tone went from firm to irritated.

  Her own patience was shattered to bits, and she was tired of his curt attitude. “Stop saying that.” She fought to keep her voice from shaking. Confrontation wasn’t her strength, but when pushed too far, she wouldn’t back down.

  Jackson ran a hand through his hair, leaving it in a mess that distracted her. He acted as if he hadn’t heard a word she’d said until he faced her.

  “Let’s talk about this. How do you know for sure you’d be safe? You keep saying that, but you don’t even know who these people are. You only think you know. Forget everything you’ve seen in the movies. This is real, Allison. These people are ruthless. They don’t care who you are, who you work for, or that you’re a kind and beautiful woman.”

  Had he just called her beautiful? Her stomach fluttered. How could he compliment her right in the middle of a disagreement? Allison struggled to regain her composure.

  “What makes you think they’d come looking for me if I left town?”

  His green eyes penetrated her. She inched toward the door and stopped when his hand touched her arm. Tingles shot through her body as she stared down at his hand on her.

  “Look at me.”

  She shook her head, unable to deal with his eyes boring into her. Her ability to deny her feelings for him waned.

  “Please, Allison. Look at me.” His soft voice pleaded.

  She raised her gaze to meet his.

  “I’m not trying to scare you. I’m good at looking out for people, but I’m not good at looking out for people’s emotions. Maybe I was a long time ago.” He shrugged a shoulder. “But not anymore. If I say something to you, it’s the truth. I don’t lie and I don’t sugarcoat things. When I sound harsh or crass, it’s because I don’t know any other way to say it. And I don’t get upset about something unless I care.”

  She nodded, unable to reply. It wasn’t as if she knew much about him, but she felt sure that he didn’t show this side to many people. Without thinking, she placed her hand on top of his. He flinched, but he didn’t pull away. She stared into his green eyes, hoping he would say something.

  Jackson’s hand slid from under hers and traced around her knuckles with a finger. A bolt of electricity shot through her as she watched his hand. Without a word, he inched back under the steering wheel and started the car.

  * * *

  Jackson stopped and waited at the end of the long drive for backup to arrive. His heart still raced from touching her hand. It was stupid of him and he knew it. Saving her should be the only thing on his mind. Ever since she’d come into his life, things were upside down. His feelings were all over the place because of this woman. For the past five years, he’d avoided relationships. And for good reason. But avoiding Allison wasn’t an option. He needed to keep his mind straight if he wanted to keep her alive. From here on out, he’d force himself to focus on the job.

  Fortunately, he’d gotten a good look at the man when he’d stepped out of the car. There was no mistaking that it was the man from her picture. Jackson couldn’t hear both sides of the conversation, but what he did understand sent chills down his spine. It was time to call Devon and let him know.

  As soon as he heard the call connect, he started talking.

  “Hey, I got a good look at the guy.”

  “Where’s the girl? Is she still with you? The DEA needs their witness, Jackson.”

  “Yeah, yeah, we’re fine. Listen to me, they’re headed north on County Road 223. I can’t protect her alone out here in the dark. They got close, Devon. Too close.”

  “Is backup there yet?”

  “I see them coming up the road now.” Jackson kept his eyes on the approaching headlights.

  “Let them guide you in. Whoever this is, they won’t make a move with cops surrounding her. What I’d like to know is how they found her and how they keep finding her.”

  “That’s what I’d like to know, too. Do you think someone in the department is tipping them off?”

  “I don’t want to speculate too much right now, Jackson.”

  Jackson agreed with Devon. He ended the call and rested his forehead on the steering wheel. He’d give anything to have his wife waiting at home for him tonight. He always loved coming in from work to a warm hug. Reality stirred him, bringing him back to his senses.

  “Is something wrong?”

  For a split second he’d lost himself in the past. He sat up and nodded without saying a word. He didn’t want to tell her his next plan, but it was better to get it over with.

  “I’m not only bringing you in—I’m putting you in a cell. You’re going to jail tonight.”

  He felt her eyes boring into him and heard her gasp.

  “What? Why?”

  “Protection. So you won’t leave.”

  “I’ve never been to jail before. Besides, jail seems harsh considering I’m not the criminal. Why can’t I go to the safe house? Wasn’t that the plan before they told you to bring me into the station?”

  “Yes, and that was also before you kept threatening to leave town by yourself. You’re hardheaded, you know. It’s not like you’ll be treated as a criminal, but I can’t let anything happen to you, Allison. Trust me, it won’t be as bad as you’re thinking.”

  “You have no idea what I’m thinking.”

  “Enlighten me.” He shot her a half grin.

  She cleared her throat. “I think you resent me for getting you into this mess. I think you were planning on ending your shift, then going home to your quiet house and quiet life. Then I came along and messed it all up.”

  “This is all part of my job. I don’t resent you.”

  That was a lie. He did resent her, but not for the reasons she’d just stated. He resented her for making him feel things he wasn’t ready to feel. But she didn’t need to know that.

  She turned away. “I want to go back to Houston. I’ve done nothing wrong, so you have no legal right to lock me up.” She sniffed.

  “Don’t cry. I hate seeing women cry.”

  She spun around. Anger flashed behind her brown eyes, causing him to flinch.

  “Why? Because you feel responsible? Besides, I’m not crying.” She lifted her chin and crossed her arms.

  He’d give her points for knowing how to hit a guy where it hurt. “Yes, I’m probably the reason some women have cried, but it was never on purpose.”

  “Well, I’ll have you know that I’m not delicate, but I will not spend the night in jail, either. Figure out something else.”

  “There is nothing else that keeps you safe. You’re a flight risk. This is the only way.”

  She exhaled loud enough for him to hear it,
then pointed her finger at him. “I’m not spending the night in jail.”

  A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. If she was anything, she was feisty. He liked that about her. Sweet as honey until she was backed into a corner. He caught himself as his mind tried to go back to the past. This time, he fought against it.

  “What were you grinning at?”

  “You. And you might want to keep that finger tucked away before you go pointing it in my face again.”

  “You’re making me nuts. And for the record, I’m not afraid of you.”

  Afraid? What would she say that for? He wasn’t trying to scare her. “Why would you say you’re not afraid of me? I’m not trying to throw my weight around with you. I have too much respect for you to do that. I don’t treat women that way.”

  “It feels like you’re trying to boss me around a lot and that you don’t have much regard for my thoughts and feelings.”

  “Again, not what I was trying to do.” He was getting tired of always saying how sorry he was. “I’m not going to keep apologizing for everything I say. I know I’m grumpy and blunt, but never mistake that for being unsympathetic to your feelings.”

  Her shoulders slumped in defeat. “I know. I’m not used to running for my life or spending time in hospitals or jails...or dodging bullets or getting poisoned...”

  He couldn’t help himself and a laugh escaped at her expense.

  After a few seconds, she giggled. “I sound so pathetic.”

  “You’re what my nephew calls a hot mess.” They both laughed. It felt good to ease the stress with a little silliness.

  She put her hands on her hips. “Well, are you gonna save my life or not?”

  He smiled at her. “Yes, ma’am. Or I’ll die trying.”

  The laughter faded from her eyes. “Please don’t. I’ve lived through a lot of things but never someone losing their life for mine. I don’t think that’s something I could get over.”

  Jackson noticed the headlights coming closer. A sick feeling washed over him. It wasn’t a Stonewater cruiser. He shoved her head down. “Get onto the floor.”

  She did it without asking any questions. The fear in her eyes told him that she knew what was happening. He put the squad car into reverse and backed down the long drive. He remembered being called to a domestic dispute at a residence nearby a few months ago. A woman had driven her car out to the back roads and her husband couldn’t find her. Jackson had driven everywhere looking for her. He’d taken a turn down a long road that ended up crossing the creek bed. They needed to find that creek because it was their only hope. Turning on his headlights would give them away, so he did the best he could to maneuver the car using only the moonlight.

  Allison bounced around on the floorboards as the car rolled over rocks and holes.

  “Why do you think they came back?”

  “Someone tipped them off.” He slapped the steering wheel. “I wish I knew who the rat was.”

  “Who could have done that? No one knew we were back here except the police station.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Do you think someone in your department is dirty?”

  Just the idea of it made his insides recoil. Nothing in this world sickened a cop more than finding out one of your own was corrupt.

  “I don’t know, but I’m sure someone’s telling them where you are.”

  “Who do we trust?”

  “No one.”

  EIGHT

  “Not even your friend, Devon?”

  She watched the lines in Jackson’s face harden. He didn’t say a word. Reading people had never been her strong suit. And this man was especially hard to read. Probably all the years he’d spent as a cop had taught him how to keep a straight face.

  “What now?” she asked. She didn’t press the issue about his friend.

  “Devon is clean. You can trust him. I know where we can hide for the night. Once the sun comes up, we’ll head to the station.”

  After he’d said not to trust anyone? Not on her life. Literally. “Uh-uh. I’m not going there. I was adamant before, and now that you’ve confirmed there’s a dirty cop, there’s no way I’m going there.”

  He hit a bump, and she grimaced as her shoulder hit the underside of the dash. “Can I get up now?”

  “Just stay out of sight.”

  She climbed onto the seat and lay down.

  Neither said a word as he drove. The car finally came to a stop, and when he turned off the engine, she could hear water trickling over rocks. “Can I sit up now?”

  “Yes, crouch down and stay low.”

  “Where are we?”

  “Stoney Creek. We’re parked down at the creek bed. They won’t see us down here.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “No, but I’m hoping.”

  She laughed. “You’re always so blatantly honest.”

  “I thought that was a good quality.”

  “To someone it probably is, but I’ll get used to it.”

  She regretted the words the second they left her mouth. “But it’s a good thing I’ll be heading back to Houston as soon as we find the thugs trying to kill me.”

  “Why don’t you try to get some sleep?” He patted the seat.

  “Seriously? I can’t sleep. There’s no way I’ll be able to sleep out here. Won’t we get cold without the heater?”

  “I’ll turn on the heat if it gets too cold. There are some blankets in the trunk. I’ll get them.”

  She grabbed his arm as he reached for the door handle. “No. The cab lights will come on. They’ll see you.”

  He looked down at her hand and smiled. “You’re starting to think like a cop. Don’t worry, I was going to turn them off.”

  Jackson grabbed two blankets from the trunk. He tossed them to her and climbed back into the car.

  “See, quick as lightning.” He unfolded a blanket and spread it over her. His hand pulled her long hair aside. The gentle gesture went straight to her heart. She was beginning to understand that his rough exterior was only there to hide his pain. He’d made it clear that his wife and daughter meant everything to him, and without them, his world didn’t exist anymore. It didn’t take a genius to see through Jackson Archer, but it would take dedication to get to his heart.

  “You comfortable now?”

  “Yes, thank you.” She smiled and settled herself under the blanket.

  He braced both hands on the steering wheel and looked straight ahead, his eyebrows furrowed. “I really think we have a dirty cop.”

  “Should you say something? Isn’t there a way to report it?”

  “No, I don’t have any real proof, other than saying I think it’s how these people keep finding you. And that won’t hold up when making an accusation like that. It’s only a gut feeling.”

  “Why wouldn’t you speak up, anyway?” She wanted to think that if she saw or suspected someone of doing something wrong, she’d do the right thing and tell. But she didn’t want to judge him for his decisions.

  “It doesn’t work like that. We’re brothers. I can’t go making accusations against one of my brothers. Ever heard the saying, ‘I’ve got your six’?”

  She hadn’t. Her close circle of friends and family weren’t law enforcement. “No, never.”

  He dragged a hand through his short brown hair, leaving it in a tousled mess. She noticed it was a habit because he did it often. It only made him look more ruggedly handsome. She didn’t realize she was staring until he arched his back and tugged at his duty belt. His tight uniform stretched across his muscular chest. She diverted her eyes and silently scolded herself.

  “What does it mean?” Her voice quivered. She grimaced, hoping he didn’t notice.

  He pulled the blanket’s edge around her and tucked it behind her shoulder. “You sound like you’re shivering.”


  She smiled. “Thanks.” It wasn’t the cold that caused her voice to crack. The heat of embarrassment warmed her cheeks.

  “I’ve got your back.”

  “Huh?”

  “The saying. I’ve got your back. That’s what it means.”

  “Oh, right.” She needed to get herself together. She didn’t know why she was suddenly feeling nervous around him. He was handsome, especially in his uniform, but this man had more baggage than an airport. He’d made it clear, not in words but in actions, that there would never be another woman as wonderful as his wife.

  Not that she didn’t understand his feelings. She couldn’t imagine what he was going through or had been through. Whatever she was feeling, she would squelch it. She wanted to find a great man one day, but this one was not it.

  “Did you say something?”

  Her head snapped up. Had she been talking out loud?

  “What?”

  “You seem weird. Is your head hurting? How’s the stitches in your knee? Maybe it’s the effects of that hit you took. It hasn’t been that long since your accident or since they drugged you. I might need to get you to the hospital.”

  “Honestly, I’m fine.” She wasn’t about to admit that he was the reason she seemed so weird.

  He threw his palms up into the air. “If you say so.”

  “How long do we need to wait here?”

  “I don’t know. I sent Devon a message and told him our location. He’s trying to find us.”

  “Do you really trust him?” She had to ask again for her own peace of mind.

  “With my life. We go way back. We went to college together, and we were in the police academy together. He was the only one there for me when Hope and Natalie died.”

  She didn’t want to say anything in response. He didn’t like talking about his family, so she didn’t want to upset him. Especially while they were stranded in the middle of nowhere.

  “You remind me of her.”

  Allison’s heart smacked her chest. “Me?”

  A grin lifted one corner of his mouth and his eyes lit up. “Yeah, you. Do you see anyone else in this car?”