She swallowed and wiped rain from her face. “Okay.” Her voice quivered, but she turned and faced the prone body, her gun up and almost steady. “Go. Be careful. Duck if you have to.”
He’d never wanted to kiss her more. Instead he bent under a tree branch and crouched low, running past the burning cabin to the body on the ground.
No shots were fired.
He didn’t relax. The downed figure was dressed in all black, from head to toe. Angus scouted the area and then ripped off the balaclava covering the man’s face. Buzz-cut blond hair, wide features, a couple of scars on his neck. The man had to be in his midthirties and was solidly built.
Angus felt for a pulse. Nothing. He’d aimed for center mass and his bullet had found its target.
Roscoe barked. Once. Sharp.
Bullets pinged the ground next to Angus, and he leapt toward the burning car.
Nari instantly returned fire, shooting toward the blue truck. This close, Angus could make out the color. Navy blue without a front license plate. It was the same truck that had chased him down before. Bullets winged out of the brush near the truck, and Angus crouched behind the burning vehicle. Fire singed him, and he angled himself as far away from the sizzling metal as he could, returning fire.
Another figure dressed in all black leapt toward the navy-blue truck and jumped in the passenger side.
Angus stood. Another explosion rocked the car, blowing him back toward the cabin. He landed on a burning piece of wood and bellowed as pain pierced his rib cage.
The driver of the truck backed up so quickly the vehicle hit a tree.
Angus gasped and rolled over, scrambling to his knees. He aimed at the truck, firing as it turned and sped down the dirt road, while Nari did the same.
It disappeared from view.
She ran the distance between them, skirting burning metal and wood. “Are you okay?” She grasped his bare shoulder.
He looked down at his rib cage. “Yeah. Just a slight burn.” It hurt like a mother. He stood, taking in the ruins. “I don’t suppose you grabbed your phone before we ran out the back door?” he gasped, leaning over and trying to find some oxygen.
She slowly shook her head, water sluicing down her front. “No. You?”
“No.” He stood and motioned for Roscoe to leave the body alone. “It’s gonna be a long walk.” He adjusted his boxers and switched his gun to his other hand. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Nineteen
Dawn arrived, its soft light washing over the wet forest outside with a golden hue. The rain had stopped, started again, and now was taking a well-deserved break. Nari’s feet hurt, her head ached, and she kept sneezing as she waited in the back room of a mom-and-pop convenience store they’d stumbled upon nearly an hour before.
The matronly owner handed her hot chocolate, and Nari let the blanket around her shoulders drop just enough to accept the fragrant brew. Then the woman left to go watch the counter.
Nari looked up as Angus entered the room, a blanket secured around his waist and covering his wet boxers. New bruises mottled his ripped abs. “I got through to the HDD, hoping they’ll take jurisdiction immediately so we don’t have to mess around with locals.” As he sat on the other plastic orange chair, she could see that the burn marks down his side were turning an ugly red. “I also updated Brigid and Raider with this new development because they’re pursuing whoever shot at me the other day. I’m pretty sure it was the same truck.”
Nari sipped the cocoa, humming as the sugary sweetness slid down her throat and warmed her stomach. Even so, she couldn’t stop shivering. They could’ve been killed if Roscoe hadn’t barked the warning in time, although she felt like it was the two of them against the world right now, and that thought warmed her even more than the drink. “I’m sorry they blew up your cabin.” No way had anything survived that fire, even if the rain had managed to finally douse it.
“It’s okay.” He rubbed a bruise on his shoulder. “I have copies of all the case files and my clothes are easily replaced.”
She rocked back and forth, trying to warm up. “You didn’t recognize the guy on the ground?”
Angus shook his head. “No, and the other guy was moving too fast to ID him through the smoke. I just have a hazy picture in my mind. You?”
She took a deeper drink. “The blue truck was between us, so I couldn’t tell.” Her hands tingled with the need to brush his wet hair from his face and check out the burns on his side, but she forced herself to stay in place. If they hadn’t been interrupted, they would’ve spent another night having multiple orgasms together. Enough was enough. They’d said one night, and she had to keep a clear head, not let her heart get all mushy. “Now doesn’t seem like the right time for a romance,” she murmured.
His dark eyebrows rose. “I’m not lookin’ for romance.”
She rolled her eyes. “Shut up. We would’ve had sex and you know it.” The more she was around him, the more she liked him. Or wanted him anyway. Right now, he wasn’t exactly likable. Yet the way he’d barreled into the storm to hunt a killer, barely dressed, trying to protect her? Yeah, that was sexy. Worse yet, the image wouldn’t leave her mind. She shivered.
“You okay?” His eyes glowed with concern.
“Yeah. Just cold,” she lied, cupping the mug with both hands and blowing on the hot liquid.
His gaze dipped to her exposed collarbone. “I’d like to have sex again, don’t get me wrong. But I’m all in or all out, and with a killer on us, I have to concentrate and be sane.”
Sane. Like he’d go crazy if they dated? She pressed her lips together to keep from smiling at the thought. Did she want to date him? The term was too tame for Angus Force. He chased demons while other demons chased him. She blinked. “I think my concussion is getting to me.” She was becoming maudlin. “Do you think you could keep sex casual between us?”
He studied her, his eyes moss green in the morning light. “I don’t know.”
Her thighs tingled. Was he finally beginning to see that he was part of a team and not just its temporary leader? What exactly did she want? She should figure that out before letting him sink his teeth into her thigh again. “We should figure us out, right?”
“Now that’s a question to which I’d appreciate an answer.” Quan strode into the room, his black loafers perfectly polished.
Nari’s stomach dropped and she drew the blanket closer around herself. “Quan. What are you doing here?”
The administrator walked in behind him, looking casual today in dark jeans and a silk top, with a lovely Hermès scarf knotted at her neck. “We were at an early brunch and received word of the attack.” Her shrewd eyes took them both in. “How badly are you hurt? Do we need an ambulance?”
Angus got to his feet. “No. We’re okay.” He faced his former boss. “I don’t know who’s after us, but it must have to do with one of our earlier cases.” He pinched the top of his nose. “The bomber, I mean. The man who attacked Nari, I believe, is the same one killing women and taking their hearts.”
“You have two killers after you?” Quan asked, disapproval in his dark gaze.
It was terribly early in the morning for a business meeting. What was going on between Quan and his boss? Nari set her empty mug on the counter and stood, careful to keep her skimpy clothing covered with the plush blanket. “I’m sorry about that, Quan. I guess all kids rebel a little.”
Angus’s smile flashed quick and then was gone.
At least somebody appreciated her sarcasm. Yep. The two of them against the world. She was turning into a starry-eyed teenager, but she couldn’t drum up the strength to halt herself.
“Nari—” Quan started.
Angus closed in on her, his powerful body providing a shield.
Her temper was rare, but when it appeared she couldn’t stop it. “As sorry as I am to have interrupted your very early brunch, we felt the correct procedure was to notify HDD of the attack.” Why couldn’t he at least ask if she was all right? If he disapp
roved of her staying with Angus, what was he doing with the administrator so dang early?
Quan gritted his teeth together in a look that made her stomach hurt. “As you know, the HDD is a secretive branch of Homeland Security. We can’t have agents making the news. Perhaps you’d be better-suited elsewhere.”
Nari’s body jolted, but she hid it. Her own father was firing her?
“Wait a minute,” Angus said, his voice a low growl. “This isn’t on her. It’s on me.”
The administrator held up one manicured hand. “Wait a moment. It’s early, and we don’t have all the relevant data yet. Let’s all take a step back and revisit the situation on Monday in the office.” She glanced at a dainty gold wristwatch. “We’ve sent techs out to the cabin, and you’ll both need to be interviewed by investigators. In addition, Mr. Force, I believe you missed your interviews yesterday.”
“I know,” Angus said, eyeing the woman.
Roscoe tiptoed toward the administrator, and she watched him, standing in place. “I’m not wearing that pattern today,” she said, looking more curious than scared of the dangerous animal.
Roscoe reached her and licked her two-inch blue heels.
Nari sighed. “He likes to wear high heels sometimes.”
The administrator’s eyebrows rose. “He is one interesting German shepherd, but these cost a small fortune, so I’m not letting a dog wear them.”
“He just wants to be taller,” Angus said, rather defensively. “I hate to ask, but has another body been found today?”
Nari started. He’d been worried about that? So had she. “We’ve found one a day, so it stands to reason that there will be.”
Quan stepped back. “It isn’t our case, but it’s my understanding that this killer tortures his victims for some time.”
Nari nodded. “Yeah. He’s probably been holding the bodies for this grand reveal.”
Quan’s nostrils flared. “As I’ve said, that is not our case. The HDD does not work on serial killer cases. I’m ordering the two of you to let the appropriate authorities do their jobs. Now. We will take you to headquarters for your interviews.”
“No,” Angus said. “We’ll meet the investigators at headquarters after we find food, showers, and fresh clothing. Tell them to expect us after lunch.”
Nari faltered.
Heavy footsteps sounded and Wolfe poked his head through the doorway. “Somebody need a ride?”
* * *
After a shower and a hurried lunch, Nari’s body hurt more than ever. She’d downed ibuprofen and was hoping the painkiller would kick in soon. She sat on a sofa in the administrator’s office at HDD headquarters. “Thank you,” she said, accepting a cup of tea from the woman.
“You’re welcome.” The administrator sat in a floral chair to the left, a teacup balanced in her slender hands. “Are you sure you don’t require medical assistance? You had a concussion and then were almost blown up.”
Nari shook her head and had to hide a wince at the ensuing pain. “Thank you, Administrator, but I’m fine.”
“Call me Opal,” the woman said, gracefully settling back in her chair. “Would you go over what happened last night for me? I’d like to get the entire picture.”
“Sure.” Nari took a sip of the delicately flavored tea and then recounted the night’s events before asking her own questions. “Do you have an ID on the man Angus shot?”
“Not yet. His prints didn’t bring back any information, but his face is being run through facial rec right now. I’ll let you know if we figure out who he is.” Opal took a sip and looked over at Nari’s face. “I’ve read your file—you are excellent at your job.”
For some reason, the compliment raised awareness along Nari’s already punished nerve endings. “Thank you.”
“As such, it’s time you stopped sabotaging your career.” Opal’s tone was no-nonsense but her eyes kind.
Nari shifted her weight, careful not to spill her tea on her cream-colored slacks. “Is this woman-to-woman advice?” Did she dare ask about Opal and Quan? They might just be colleagues. Or not.
“It could be boss-to-subordinate advice, if you like.” There was the woman who’d risen to the top of a dangerous and secretive DHS offshoot. “However, I’ve always believed in mentoring, and I see a lot of potential in you. Your background in psychology and your business acumen should allow you to rise very high in this organization, or any other, for that matter.”
The warning was subtle, but it was definitely there. “Are you warning me off Angus Force?” Nari could play the political game and be coy, but her body had been through a meat grinder, her emotions were raw, and she was just not in the mood.
Opal smiled. “I like the direct approach. Good for you. To answer your question, yes. First you go outside the chain of command and nearly sabotage your career, and now you date a disgraced HDD agent who’s a suspect in several murders. You’re destroying any chance you have of rising in this organization.”
Nari set her tea on the antique sofa table. “I did my job to save a colleague, and you know Angus didn’t kill those women.” What was Opal’s game?
The woman crossed her legs. “Take a step back. Several, really. Look at the situation as if you weren’t personally involved.” She sipped delicately, the mantle of power seeming natural on her slim shoulders clad in a St. John muted jacket. “Henry Wayne Lassiter brutally murdered Force’s sister as the ultimate move in the cat-and-mouse game between them. They shot each other, and Lassiter died. Force moved to the middle of nowhere to fish and kill his liver with alcohol, and then he came back here, still obsessed. He’s cracked. Everyone has a breaking point. Can’t you see that?”
Nari breathed out. “You think he cracked and turned into a serial killer to keep the game alive?”
Opal’s lips turned down. “I don’t like it, but yes. Can’t you see the possibility?”
“No.” Nari would have rubbed her eyes, but she didn’t want to smear her mascara.
“Nari,” Opal said, almost gently. “You must distance yourself from Angus Force right now. Work hard with your new team and prove that you can rise above your emotional problems with Vaughn. I guarantee you’ll see success. And for goodness’ sake, separate your professional and personal lives.”
Nari studied the woman. It was good advice. “As you have?” she asked quietly.
Opal’s smile widened. “You are observant, aren’t you? Yes. As I have. For years, I’ve kept the two parts of my life separate, and yes, I’ve made mistakes in both. Everyone is human, and most mistakes can be overcome. You have that chance now. And I, now that I’m where I am, can take a risk or two for somebody I think is worth it. You’re not there yet, but someday you will be.” She leaned forward. “I’m at an age when I’m tired of being alone. Your father is a good man.”
Nari had to admire the woman’s confidence. “I really do appreciate your advice.” It had been a kindness for the woman to take an interest, even if it was because she was dating Nari’s father. She stood. “I’m supposed to report to Agent Fields’s office to make a statement about the bombing last night.”
“Yes. Say hi to Kurt for me.” Opal also stood and held out a hand.
Nari took it. “Thank you for everything.” She walked toward the door.
Opal’s voice stopped her at the doorway. “Nari? I do want to be your mentor, but I’m also your boss. Just in case I wasn’t clear, I’m also ordering you to cease all interaction with Angus Force and anybody else who was on his team.”
Nari turned. “I see.”
Opal was back in full administrator mode. “I do want what’s best for you, but it’s my job to protect the HDD as an agency. We operate in the shadows and in quiet. If you do anything else to focus scrutiny on the agency, I will terminate your employment. Regardless of my fondness for your father . . . or for you.”
Nari straightened. “I understand.” She opened the door and walked out into the quiet hallway. She didn’t want to cut ties with her fr
iends or with Angus. But Angus hadn’t promised her anything, and he still maintained he was leaving town the second he caught the serial killer.
Should she risk everything for a man who hadn’t promised her a thing?
Chapter Twenty
Angus pulled at the worn T-shirt he’d borrowed from Wolfe, grateful to at least be wearing clothes. He sat in the interrogation room across from Special Agents Fields and Rutherford. He grinned. “How bad do you two want to go back in time and not show up on my porch in Kentucky?”
“You have no idea,” Agent Rutherford muttered, several closed file folders in front of him on the gleaming metal table.
Oh, Angus had some sort of idea. “When do I get my gun back?” Not that he didn’t have a few more in a secured locker. A guy had to be prepared.
“Your weapon was used to kill somebody, Mr. Force,” Fields said around a cough drop. “It might be a while.”
That figured. It was odd to be called “mister” instead of agent. No doubt it was intentional. “He attacked us, as you can tell from my smoldering cabin.” Angus crossed his arms and instantly regretted it as pain flashed through his torso from his burns. He kept his expression bland, refusing to show discomfort. “Where’s Nari?”
“In another room being interviewed,” Rutherford said. He’d dressed down this Saturday in a logoed golf shirt with perfectly creased slacks. “Run us through what happened.”
“Well now, shouldn’t we include Metro in on this, considering Tate has covered the cases so far?” Angus asked.
Rutherford rolled his eyes. “Your cabin wasn’t in their jurisdiction, and frankly, we don’t have time for officers who take photos with their phones and use twenty-year-old fingerprint technology. They can continue with the junkie and vandalism cases. When an HDD agent, even a former one like you, is attacked, we handle it. So, tell us everything about the bombing of your cabin and vehicle.”
Fair enough. Angus did so, leaving out the fact that the team had been there earlier in the day and that they were working a case off the books.
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