Under the Lawman's Protection. Laura Scott

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      He scrubbed his hands over his face, mentally kicking himself for nearly getting them captured once again. They’d been found too easily.

      But how?

      He crossed over to where Leah sat and edged in beside her. “I’m sorry about this,” he murmured. “I promise I’ll do a better job of protecting you and Ben from here on.”

      Her attempt at a smile fell short, but he gave her points for trying. “It’s not your fault, Isaac.”

      It was his fault, but there was no sense in hammering the issue any further. Looking backward wasn’t going to help; they needed to move forward from here. “I talked to your brother earlier and he told me that he thinks there is a dirty cop involved in this mess.”

      Leah’s face brightened. “You spoke to Shane? Is he okay?”

      “He’s hiding, but he’s okay for now,” Isaac confirmed.

      “I’m so glad to hear that,” she murmured. “I’ve been so worried about him.”

      “I know.” Isaac put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a quick hug. “I have to think that whoever the shooter was at the side of the road somehow got the plate number for the police vehicle. The gunman likely didn’t know that we had connecting rooms and simply tossed the gas canister into the one where the vehicle was parked.” He was glad now that he hadn’t left it in front of Leah and Ben’s room.

      “But how did they find us?” she asked.

      “I wish I knew,” Isaac admitted. “But it’s obvious we need a vehicle with no ties to the SWAT team.”

      “Where on earth are we going to get another car?”

      “Don’t worry. Caleb and Deck will come through for us.” Isaac hated to wake his buddies up again, especially at two in the morning, but what choice did he have? The church was a good sanctuary for now, but it was too close to the hotel for comfort. Once the person who’d thrown the tear gas realized they’d gotten away, they’d start to widen their search radius, and the church would become an obvious target.

      At least, that was what he would do. And if a dirty cop was involved, he’d probably do the same thing.

      Isaac pulled out his phone and called Deck. A few weeks ago, his buddy had been trying to sell his sister’s old car. Maybe, just maybe, he hadn’t sold it yet. The older-model vehicle would be perfect for them to use for a few days. And since Declan’s sister had a different last name, it would be ideal.

      Declan didn’t answer right away, and when he finally did, he didn’t sound too happy. “What?” he asked in a sleepy tone.

      “I’m sorry, Deck, but we’ve been found. Someone threw a canister of tear gas into my hotel room. Do you still have your sister’s old car?”

      There was a long pause and Isaac hoped his buddy hadn’t fallen back asleep. But when Deck spoke again, he sounded more awake. “Yeah, I still have it. Where are you and Leah now?”

      “At the church located down the road from the hotel. If you could get here as soon as possible, we’d appreciate it.”

      “No problem. I’ll have Bobby drive the spare car, since he’s home on spring break.”

      “That works. If you could bring a computer, too, I’d appreciate it.”

      “A computer? Sure, I can loan you mine. What are you searching for?”

      “Anything that explains what’s going on,” Isaac said, being purposefully vague. He didn’t want to expose his friends to more danger. “Thanks, and I’m sorry to keep bothering you.”

      “You were there for me when I needed help, so it’s no problem. We’ll be there in fifteen to twenty minutes.”

      “We’ll be waiting.” Isaac disconnected the call, feeling better that they had a solid escape plan.

      “Who’s Bobby?” Leah asked.

      She’d obviously heard the entire conversation—not a surprise, since she was sitting right next to him. So close he could smell the cinnamon scent that seemed to cling to her skin. “His brother-in-law.”

      “And you helped Declan out, the way he’s helping you now?” she pressed.

      He slowly nodded. “Yeah, about six months ago. We’ve always been there for each other no matter what.”

      “Mommy, I’m hungry,” Ben said in a plaintive tone.

      “I’m sorry, sweetie, but I don’t have anything right now,” Leah said, smoothing a hand over her son’s hair. “Close your eyes and try to get some rest.”

      “We can stop and pick up something once we have a different set of wheels,” Isaac offered.

      “I think once he falls asleep, he’ll be fine,” Leah murmured.

      “Yeah, well, all this running around is making me hungry, too,” Isaac said in a wry tone as he rose to his feet. “Stay here. I’m going to make sure we’re still in the clear.”

      He didn’t really think they’d been followed, but he needed to put some distance between them. Leah’s cinnamon-and-spice scent was wreaking havoc with his concentration. She was so beautiful, even after everything they’d been through, with her naturally curly black hair and heart-shaped face. There couldn’t be anything but friendship between them, so why was he suddenly thinking of her as a woman he was attracted to?

      He needed to get that thought out of his head right now. After pushing open the church door a crack, he peered outside. He couldn’t see far, but what he did see seemed quiet and deserted.

      Leah hadn’t asked him how he’d gotten inside the church, and he was glad he didn’t have to explain how he’d picked the lock. He couldn’t help but think the church pastor wouldn’t be too thrilled to know how easy it was to break in. Then again, maybe he should let the pastor know so he could change the locks.

      But that would have to wait until they’d gotten safely out of this mess.

      Waiting for Deck and Bobby to show up was agonizing, each second passing with excruciating slowness. Isaac paced back and forth, peering outside every so often.

      Finally his phone rang, and he was relieved to see Deck’s number. “Hey, are you close?”

      “Yeah, we’re parked in the back behind the church,” Deck informed him. “Didn’t see anyone suspicious hanging around, either.”

      “Thanks, Deck. We’ll be outside soon.” Isaac clicked off, then locked the main doors of the church before heading over to Leah and Ben. “They’re here with the car, Leah. Do you want me to carry Ben?”

      She looked dead on her feet, but still shook her head. “I’m worried he’ll cry.”

      Isaac understood her concern, since there hadn’t exactly been time to bond with the boy. Although he needed to spend more time with Ben so the boy wouldn’t be afraid of him.

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