“Deal, take care.”
Attention now zeroed in on what captured his attention, he tossed a wave toward Brody and said, “Alex, circle around to the other side and see if you see that woman who just passed by over there. She’s either fuckin’ nuts if she thinks this is a place to cross through or there’s something in that backpack that we need to check out.”
It was not hard to follow the girl as she skirted around the outside of Cardboard Cottages. Her red, sweatshirt hoodie stood out like a beacon. Dark jeans and flat, leather shoes were another giveaway that she didn’t belong. As he approached from behind, it was evident the small backpack slung over one shoulder was a leather purse, and his suspicions heightened at the idea of what she carried in that bag.
Another gust of wind snapped the hoodie back, allowing tendrils of long, honey-blonde hair escaping a sloppy bun to whip about her head. Her steps hastened and he glanced ahead seeing a small car parked near the end of one of the exit ramps leading back up to the highway.
She held a cell phone in one hand, talking low and steady and didn’t appear to hear him approach as he gained ground. “Stop! Police.”
She screeched as her hand jerked up when she whirled around, eyes wide, shooting pepper spray wildly into the air. Her aim sucked, but before he could duck, the wind whipped it around both of them. It wasn’t a direct hit, but enough that he felt the sting in his eyes and burn in his throat.
“God dammit!” he yelled, rushing toward her. Their bodies collided, and as she flailed about, he wrapped his arms around her and maneuvered her to the ground. “Stay down!”
He had not taken a direct hit from the irritant, but his eyes teared and he sucked in a ragged breath. He pinned her to the ground with one hand on her back and swiped his hand over his eyes and nose, blinking to clear his vision. Hearing rapidly approaching footsteps, he looked up and saw Alex approaching, weapon drawn.
The girl continued to wiggle and sputter, and he flipped her over. A streak of dirt mixed with a trail of tears on her cheek marred her otherwise flawless complexion. Coughing, trying to catch her breath, she blinked rapidly. Finally, her eyes stayed open, and he gasped when staring into their familiar green orbs. A familiar green he had been looking for but wasn’t sure he’d see again.
For a few seconds, the underbelly world of Hope City disappeared as the two stared at each other. “You?” he growled, recognition hitting him, barely aware that she had uttered the same word in equal disbelief.
Also by Kris Michaels
Hope City
HOPE CITY DUET - Brock and Sean
HOPE CITY - Brody- Book 3
Hope City - Ryker - Book 5
Kings of the Guardian Series
Jacob: Kings of the Guardian Book 1
Joseph: Kings of the Guardian Book 2
Adam: Kings of the Guardian Book 3
Jason: Kings of the Guardian Book 4
Jared: Kings of the Guardian Book 5
Jasmine: Kings of the Guardian Book 6
Chief: The Kings of Guardian Book 7
Jewell: Kings of the Guardian Book 8
Jade: Kings of the Guardian Book 9
Justin: Kings of the Guardian Book 10
Christmas with the Kings The Kings of Guardian
Drake: Kings of the Guardian Book 11
Dixon: Kings of the Guardian Book 12
Passages: The Kings of Guardian Book 13
A Backwater Blessing: A Kings of Guardian and Heart's Desire Crossover Novella
Montana Guardian: A Kings of Guardian Novella
Guardian Defenders Series
Gabriel
Maliki
Guardian Security Shadow World
Anubis (Guardian Shadow World Book 1)
Asp (Guardian Shadow World Book 2)
Lycos (Guardian Shadow World Book 3)
Thanatos (Guardian Shadow World Book 4)
Everlight Series
An Evidence of Magic (Everlight Book 1)
An Incident of Magic (Everlight Book 2)
STAND ALONE NOVELS
SEAL Forever - Silver SEALs
A Heart's Desire - Stand Alone
Hot SEAL, Single Malt (SEALs in Paradise)
Hot SEAL, Savannah Nights (SEALs in Paradise)
About the Author
USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Kris Michaels is the alter ego of a happily married wife and mother. She writes romance, usually with characters from military and law enforcement backgrounds.
Brody (Hope City Book 3) Page 26
