by Mia Dymond
“He was already here. The sorry sucker ambushed me while I was getting in position.”
He glanced at Jackson. “Did you see him?”
“Not a thing.”
Sirens wailed in the distance and shortly thereafter Mace was carried to an ambulance on a gurney while Tom was taken to a second ambulance. Uniformed policemen waited to determine if he would need to be transported to the hospital or to jail.
“I really hate to bring this up,” Dara told him as the attendants prepared to load the gurney, “but you bled all over my new tile.”
“You’re pointing this out now, after I took a bullet for you?”
“I told you I needed a gun,” she reminded him.
He released a hearty laugh, despite the pain in his leg. “You’re absolutely right. As soon as I’m healed, I’ll buy you a gun and take you to the shooting range.”
She leaned over the side of the gurney and gave him a soft kiss before he was lifted inside. “Thank you. You’ll find I’m a very quick study, Detective.”
“On one condition,” he said as the paramedic reached for the door.
She cocked her head to one side and waited for his answer.
“Promise me you won’t go rogue.”
EPILOGUE
Jackson glanced over at his partner who sat propped in a chair while Dara plumped the pillows behind his head and under his injured leg. “Milking this injury for all it’s worth, aren’t you?”
Mace gave him a smug smile. “Jealous?”
He simply grinned and shook his head in a noncommittal answer. Truth be told, he was a little jealous. His partner had finally met his match in Dara and although he truly enjoyed watching her annoy the hell out of his friend, he also knew they were perfect for each other.
“You talked to the Captain yet?”
“About an hour ago. You?”
“Yep. Ryker intends to put us to work tomorrow.”
Mace winced as Dara re-positioned his leg. “That’s my bad leg, babe.”
“Don’t be a baby.” She gave his kneecap a solid thump. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
“Where are you going?”
“To my DRAMA meeting.”
“What about dinner?”
“Jackson will feed you.”
“I don’t think he even knows where the kitchen is.”
Her light giggle followed her as she snagged her purse, threw her sunglasses on her face, and headed to the front door. “Order in.”
He waited until the familiar sound of the door closing filled the silence and then continued the conversation. “Did you tell Dara you left the force?”
“Hell yeah.” His partner didn’t even hesitate to spew the admission. “I’m not stupid, Jackson. Besides, at this point in time I’m at her mercy.”
“Jake gave his notice too.” He ignored the stab of irritation that reminded him both of his friends had female confidantes, both drop dead gorgeous and supportive without question.
“What about Alex?”
Mace’s question didn’t surprise him. “Swanson won’t know what hit him. She’ll assure he’s put away for good.”
“No doubt. But what does she have to say about your resignation?”
Although he knew he couldn’t bullshit his partner, he refused to buckle. “Why would she say anything?”
“C’mon, Jackson. We all know about you and Alex.”
“What about us?”
His friend grinned. “Your call, man. Just remember, Liberty, Bri and Dara are all licensed to figure you out.” He grunted and shifted in his chair. “You’re pretty much doomed.”
A tiny shiver traveled the length of his spine at the truth in Mace’s statement but his determination to fight it refused to waver. He squared his shoulders in an attempt to appear unbothered and prepared to issue another hasty denial when his cell phone released its familiar tune.
Inwardly, he released a sigh of relief. “Stewart.”
“Jackson, I need help.”
His earlier shiver now became a full-fledged shake. “Alex?”
“Yes. Do I need to formally introduce myself next time?”
Normally, her haughty tone made him even more wary; this time, however, the first four words out of her mouth scared the hell out of him. Jackson, I need help. Since when did she call him Jackson and when did Alex Jennings ever ask for help?
“What’s wrong?”
The pause that followed made the hair on the back of his neck stand at full attention. And, when she finally answered, he understood exactly why.
“I’ve been marked for murder.”
Other books by Mia Dymond:
Leather, Lace and Rock-Roll
(SEALS, Inc., Book 1)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87362
Brains before Beauty, that’s Rachel Newberry’s motto, especially when her quiet, orderly life is interrupted by international rock star, Jaydon Hawke. And true to her word, brains take center stage when she discovers Hawke has a lot more on his mind than beautiful music. Targeted by a madman, Rachel puts her trust in Hawke, a move that may cost both their lives
Outspoken Angel
(SEALS, Inc., Book 2)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90312
Handbags, stilettos, and spa dates — not retired SEAL Max Sterling’s usual m.o. Until Cameron Tremaine. Duty bound, Max tolerates her sass and smart mouth until she pushes too far. Cameron doesn’t need a bald, bossy bodyguard, thank you very much. Especially one oh, so delectable as Max. Except, when someone decides to silence her for good, Cameron realizes bold and brassy go hand in hand.
Freaky By Nature
(SEALS, Inc., Book 3)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97541
Brett Steele, PI didn’t realize there was a politically correct term for stripping until he met Holly London. Initially drawn to her talent, he soon learns there is much more to the “sensual dance” instructor than he thought. Holly has a secret that may change her life forever. When the atmosphere warns her she is the target of a madman, she must expose the secret and trust Brett to stay alive.
Tightly Wound
(SEALS, Inc., Book 4)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/107217
Claire Steele has dodged shadows her whole life and uses psychic talent to chase evil in the recesses of her mind. Lt. “Shadow” Windsor walks friendship’s fine line, patiently waiting for Claire to accept his love. Until sinister forces threaten her life. Caught between love and death, Claire and Shadow must combine both talent and skill to survive.
Never Cry Uncle
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/115187
Often a dead-end job is so ... dead. When Allison and Lucy find out their boss pocketed bonus money, blackmail seems the perfect revenge. Until the plan backfires and they become prime suspects. Out of desperation, Allison hires Luke Owens, PI, who takes the case only to be distracted by her sass. In a zany twist of events, the couple must risk their hearts and lives to catch the real killer.
Playing with Fire
(Primrose, Minnesota, Book 1)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/123319
Liberty doesn’t come cheap. In fact, she costs $200 an hour. Dr. Liberty Prescott is trained to heal. Problem is, she can’t heal herself. Fire Inspector Shane Hartwell fights demons in the dark. Desperate to end his torture, he seeks Liberty’s help. As attraction sparks between them, an arsonist burns out of control and evidence points straight to Liberty. Against his heart’s denial, Shane accuses her until new evidence emerges. Now with his heart in his hands, can he reclaim hers?
Positively Criminal
(Primrose, Minnesota, Book 2)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/287558
Dr. Sabrina Miller is the queen of camouflage, and keeps her closely-guarded secrets locked deep in her heart. Detective Jake Rawlings knows he holds the golden key to unlock Sabrina’s secrets, even if she claims otherwise. Yet, when someon
e other than Jake discovers what she keeps hidden, he must trust his instincts to keep her alive.
Tattoo My Heart
(Heroes of Seaside Point, Book 1)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/155780
It all began with a sixth shot of Tequila ... Independent, carefree Annessa Dupree doesn’t realize her talent for attracting trouble until she witnesses a wedding day murder and is forced to run home to hide. Sheriff Casey McIntyre has loved Annessa since the tender age of twelve, trouble and all. Hell-bent on mending past differences, he must save her life while he earns her trust.
***
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