The conversation with Kyle had gone better than Cassidy expected. But if he thought she’d force herself to remember the worst day of her life, he had another thing coming. Living through it once was more than enough.
She shifted in the passenger seat of his truck, finding a comfortable position as he drove to their next appointment with the witness to her cousin Laura’s accident. They’d planned to leave the outlier deaths out of the equation for now, but Kyle understood her desire for answers, so he’d agreed to add Laura’s case to their agenda.
“Thanks for lunch. The café has amazing food.” She glanced at him and caught a slight grin that caused his dimples to appear, making him a little too appealing for her own good. A small dagger of guilt stabbed her heart. She shouldn’t have those thoughts about her best friend’s fiancé. Even if Amber was no longer alive.
“I’m glad you liked it. The guys and I think it’s the best food around.”
“You’re not wrong.” Her body relaxed at the easy conversation.
His gaze drifted to the rearview mirror and back to the road. “Where to?”
She flipped through the file on her lap. “There’s a man in dirty clothes who looked homeless that the officer noted saw someone at the scene of Laura’s accident. However, he was drunk at the time, so his statement isn’t trustworthy.”
“It’s worth a shot.” Kyle drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “I have to admit, I haven’t seen anything conclusive so far. The eyewitness to the car hijacking, the hit-and-run, along with the mother, who is adamant about her son not going on the boat without a lifejacket, gives me pause. But I’m not as convinced as you are that a serial killer connects them. I don’t see it.”
Yeah, she understood his dilemma. At times, she questioned herself, but her gut reaction wouldn’t leave her alone.
“Let’s keep at it until you have the proof you need.” Cassidy refused to allow a killer to go free because of doubt, but the lack of trust in her abilities hurt. She knew it shouldn’t, but it did.
He glanced at her. “I’ll keep an open mind.”
Those words—more than she expected—meant more than he knew. “Thanks.”
His gaze drifted to the driver’s side mirror, then jerked to the rearview mirror.
“Kyle?” Cassidy twisted in her seat. A large black blob floated in the air. She sucked in a breath. A drone about thirty yards back followed them. “How long has that thing been there?”
“Not long, I’m sure of that.”
“Plans?”
He tossed her his cell phone. “Take a picture and send it to Doug.”
Extending her arm as far as possible into the back seat to get the best shot through the rear window, she snapped several photos. Task accomplished, she sent a quick text to Doug with the images of the drone.
The wait for Kyle’s partner to respond felt like an hour. The phone buzzed.
Cassidy answered the call. “Go ahead, Doug. You’re on speaker.”
“Get out of there. That thing is weaponized.”
Kyle muttered under his breath and punched the accelerator.
The tires squealed, caught traction, and the force shoved her against the seat. “Where do you plan to go?”
“Unsure. I’m just trying to get some distance until I can find cover.”
“I’m tracking your location. I’ll be there soon. Stay on the line,” Doug demanded.
Of course, their current path had nothing to shield them. Trees on both sides of the road, but no turn-off. Movement caught her attention. “Kyle!”
“I’m trying, Cass.”
“No. The drone. It disappeared.”
“What?” He scanned the rearview mirror, then ducked his head and peered out the front windshield. “Where did it go?”
They had to find it before it fired at them. Who knew what kind of weapon it possessed? “Not a clue.”
“Me either.” Kyle maintained his speed, and his grip on the steering wheel tightened.
“I suggest you two find it and fast.”
Cassidy jumped. Her hand flew to her chest. She’d forgotten Doug was still connected.
A black shadow zoomed overhead. “There.” She pointed above them.
The drone accelerated past and flipped around to face their vehicle.
“I don’t like this.” Kyle slowed the truck.
“What’s it doing?” Doug asked.
“Hovering about fifty yards ahead.”
“Not anymore.” Cassidy grabbed the dashboard. “It’s coming straight at us.”
Kyle jammed the truck into reverse and hit the accelerator.
“Get out of the truck!” Doug’s command registered, and she gripped the door handle, ready to fling it open.
“On my mark, Cass.” Kyle stared at the approaching drone, one hand on the wheel, the other ready to pop the door open. He let up on the gas pedal. “Now!”
She shoved open the door and jumped. Her shoulder hit the pavement and forced her into a roll away from the vehicle. Gravel pierced her skin, and the asphalt ripped a layer from spots on her shoulder, arms and legs. Her Glock bit into her back with each rotation. She hit a bush, stopping her forward motion. Rising on her elbows, she strained to find the drone.
It dipped and slammed into the front of the truck, exploding on impact. Flames shot into the air.
Cassidy threw her arms over her head and tucked her face to the ground.
Hot air rushed over her, and debris rained down. Fragments peppered her back and legs. The heat from the fire warmed the scars on her arms, making her whimper. They didn’t hurt—exactly. But the memories held pain of their own.
Her muffled hearing made distinguishing between sounds next to impossible.
“Cassidy!”
She froze and turned her ear to the sky. Nothing. Maybe she hadn’t heard a voice calling out.
“Cassidy!”
Kyle. Tears pricked her eyes. The explosion hadn’t killed him.
“Here.” She coughed, clearing the dust and smoke from her lungs. Her ears rang with a high-pitched whistle. She lifted her head and searched for him.
He emerged from the other side of the wreckage.
She shifted and waved her hand. “Over here!”
Kyle scrambled on all fours to her. “Are you okay?”
“I think so.” She pushed herself to a seated position and brushed the gravel and tiny fragments of rubble from her palms. “You?”
Confirmation that he wasn’t injured never came. She lifted her gaze and gasped.
Multiple rips covered his shirt and jeans. A red mark marred his right cheek, and blood trickled down his temple. His eyes glossed over.
“Kyle.” She shot out her hands to grab him before he collapsed on the pavement. “Lie down.”
“I—I...um... I’m okay.”
“Right.” Cassidy refrained from grumbling at him and lowered him to the ground. “For once in your life, listen to reason.”
His lack of protest worried her, but she was happy he hadn’t fought her.
Kyle needed medical attention fast.
What happened to the phone?
She’d had it in her hand when she’d bailed from the vehicle. She scanned the area on her side of the smoking truck. There. Facedown on the gravel at the edge of the road. Cassidy stumbled over and picked it up. The screen had cracked but appeared functional.
Tires squealed, and a car door slammed.
She reached for the weapon holstered at the small of her back, her reflexes a bit slower than usual.
“Cassidy! Kyle!” Doug’s voice rose over the ringing in her ears.
“Kyle needs help.” She scrambled to his side.
Doug skidded to a stop. His eyes widened, then he pulled out his phone and requested an ambulance along with a firetruck. He knelt next to Kyle. “Hey there, buddy.” His gaze drifted, examining Kyle from head to toe. “Talk to me, man.”
Kyle’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “Blown into a tree. Hit my head and back.”
“Got it.” Doug lifted his hand. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
“That would mean I have to open my eyes, and I’m not ready to do that yet.” A lopsided smile appeared on Kyle’s lips, then disappeared.
Doug chuckled. “Do it before Brent and Ethan get here, or you’ll be in the hospital overnight.”
Kyle groaned. “You drive a hard bargain.” His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked. “Can you turn down the sun a bit?” He grimaced.
The interaction between Kyle and his partner was fascinating to watch. She wouldn’t exactly call it banter, but it had a teasing tone to it.
She brushed a black wave of hair from Kyle’s forehead and jerked back. The touch, a little too personal, made her want the closeness they once had shared as friends. And maybe more. “How’s the headache?”
He struggled to sit up. She and Doug helped him to an upright position.
“Are you sure getting up is a smart idea?” Cassidy had no desire to see him hurt himself further.
“I’m good. Just got my bell rung, that’s all.” Kyle inhaled and held out a hand. Doug clasped it and pulled Kyle to his feet. Kyle used Doug’s shoulder for stability until he regained his balance. “Thanks, man.”
Doug patted his back. “Don’t mention it.”
An ambulance and several sheriff’s department SUVs came to an abrupt stop.
“I’ll head Brent and Ethan off at the pass as long as you promise to have them check you out and take care of that cut.”
“Promise.”
Doug walked away, and Kyle muttered under his breath. “Just keep that gurney away from me.”
“You have something against the paramedics?”
“No. They’re friends. I just hate the attention.”
She’d forgotten that about him. The man disliked, with a passion, being the center of attention. Amber had once thrown him a birthday party. The results had almost turned ugly. Her friend agreed never to do it again.
Cassidy glanced up to see Dennis striding toward them. “Well, don’t look now, but Sheriff Monroe is storming in this direction.”
Kyle chuckled and groaned. “I’ve never heard anyone describe him that way.”
Cassidy hoped Dennis didn’t give up on her due to the safety of his officers, but she wouldn’t blame him. She hated that Kyle had gotten hurt because of her.
One more thing to add to her pile of guilt.
Kyle had to admit Cassidy had provided an accurate description of his boss. Dennis was storming toward them.
This could get interesting.
Dennis planted himself in front of them, arms folded across his chest. “I think we can safely say that Cassidy is on to something. Serial killer? Maybe, maybe not, but someone wants her out of the picture and is willing to blow up one of my detectives doing so.”
Doug rejoined them and stood off to the side. He looked like a soldier on high alert, scanning the area as if trying to detect an attack from insurgents.
Jason rushed over with Keith only steps behind. His gaze shifted from the smoldering truck to Kyle, and he raised an eyebrow. “Dude, who’d you make mad?”
“Not funny.” But his lip tugged upward at his friend’s ridiculousness. “They probably thought it was you in the vehicle.”
Jason placed a hand over his heart and pulled an invisible dagger from his chest. “You wound me.”
“If you two are finished.” Dennis looked at both of them like a father ready to reprimand a couple of young boys. He pointed at Kyle. “I want you and Cassidy checked out. Then, we’re meeting at Doug’s.” The sheriff hitched his thumb toward Jason and Keith. “These two yahoos will get your statements, and we’ll get the updates on the interviews. After that, we’ll decide what happens next. I want answers.” His voice softened. “I don’t like my friends in danger.”
“Copy that, boss.” Keith nodded. “I’ll go get Brent and Ethan.”
Kyle watched his friend stride toward the ambulance. Might as well get it over with. “Jason, tell them we’ll come to them. I don’t like Cassidy being out in the open. The ambulance isn’t much better, but at least she’s not an easy target in there.”
“Got it.” Jason jogged to Keith, slapped him on the back and leaned in to relay the information, Kyle assumed.
Doug cleared his throat. “You ready to move?”
“Not really.” But what choice did he have? He motioned for Cassidy to go ahead of him. “After you.” His words were gruffer than intended, but his head pounded. All he wanted was a couple ibuprofens and some quiet.
Her scrutiny made him feel like an ant under a microscope. He wasn’t sure if she was studying him or trying to catch him on fire.
She pivoted, held her head high and strode to the waiting paramedics.
Great. Just when they’d started to get along. His shoulders slumped. He shoved his hands in his pockets and followed.
Kyle slowed at the wreckage. The drone had flown under the engine of the truck and exploded. If they hadn’t jumped from the vehicle, they would’ve been seriously injured or dead.
Thank You, God, for saving our lives.
His words would mean more when the gravity of the situation sank in. For now, a simple thank-you seemed in order.
He blinked away the image of the burned-out truck and continued his trek to the ambulance.
“Well, well, looks like we have another ACSD detective that decided it would be smart to go head-to-head with an explosive.” Brent chuckled. “Good thing the fire department’s around to patch you guys up.”
Kyle rolled his eyes. “Cassidy, do you remember these two? The comedian is Brent, and his sidekick is Ethan.”
“I remember.” She nodded at the paramedics.
“Pleasure to see you again, ma’am.” Ethan flashed a big smile and tipped an imaginary hat.
“Careful, Ethan. Don’t forget, she’s a Brentwood PD detective and can flatten you in one swift move,” Kyle said.
Ethan waved him off. “Ignore him. Let’s have a look and get the arguing about you going to the hospital over with so we can get on with our day.”
Brent snickered and helped Cassidy into the back of the ambulance and out of the sight of evil eyes.
Kyle’s gaze followed her. His heartbeat thumped at a rapid pace. When had she wiggled her way under his skin? His attempt to stay mad at her waned.
Ethan placed his hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “She’s going to be fine.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“You, on the other hand.” Ethan glared at him.
“Do I look that bad?”
“Pretty much.” The paramedic motioned him to sit on the bumper of the ambulance. Ethan removed a lollipop from his shirt pocket. “Here.”
“Are you taking notes from Rachel now?” Rachel, Ethan’s counterpart on the other team, kept a bag of lollipops for her younger patients.
“Quit arguing and suck on that thing. It’ll help raise your blood sugar levels, plus it’ll curb the nausea. You look a little green and ready to drop.”
The man had a point. “Fine.” Within a couple of minutes, he gained a bit of energy, and his revolting stomach had eased.
Ethan examined Kyle’s back, then cleaned his wounds and butterflied the cut on his temple closed. “You’re going to feel it tomorrow. I’d advise you take it easy. The hit to your head is nothing to mess around with. If your nausea doesn’t go away, you see double, or any other symptoms of a concussion surface, get to the hospital.”
“Yes, sir.” Kyle gave the man a mock salute.
“I should have thrown you in the ambulance,” Ethan grumbled while he packed up his supplies.
“I think I’ll check on Cassidy.” Kyle grabbed the edge of the door to boost himself inside and froze. The hair on the back of his neck stood straight. He scanned the area. Nothing appeared out of place, but his gut screamed that someone was hiding out of sight, watching, waiting, planning his next attack. And the guy had Cassidy in his crosshairs.
The priority of protecting her rose to new levels. He refused to lose someone else he cared for.
In that moment of clarity, Cassidy’s life mattered to him more than he wanted to admit.