As Aiden fired two shots through the windshield, the driver of the oncoming vehicle abruptly swerved to avoid hitting them. Aiden aimed and fired a third time, determined to disable the vehicle, forcing the driver to stop. But it was no use. The vehicle careened out of sight.
“Shelby? Are you and Eva hurt?” He frantically twisted around to rake his gaze over them.
“I, uh, don’t think so.” Shelby’s voice was muffled against her daughter’s hair. His heart thundered in his chest, and he imagined she was even more frightened. She lifted her head to look at him. “How did they find us?”
“I don’t know.” He abruptly turned and pushed out of the vehicle, then reached for her door. “Come with me. We’re going inside.”
The faint wail of a siren indicated one or more of their neighbors had called the police to report shots fired. Not a normal occurrence in this area.
“Aiden! What happened?” Brady ran from the homestead, a confused Elly trailing behind him.
“Go back. Get inside.” They were all vulnerable out here. Although he was glad Elly wasn’t hurt. “Hurry!”
Elly spun around to do as he’d asked, but Brady continued toward them. His brother cranked open the rear passenger-side door to help get Eva and her car seat.
Aiden protected Shelby as much as possible as they scooted around the back of the vehicle toward the sidewalk leading to the front door of the house. When Shelby opened her arms for Eva, Brady shook his head. “No time. Move!”
Thankfully, Shelby didn’t argue. In less than a minute, they were inside the homestead. Aiden took a moment to activate the security system, then turned to face his youngest sister. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
“It was so weird,” Elly said. “I kept getting static. I thought maybe the cellular carrier’s service was down for some reason.”
“Try it now,” Brady said, handing Eva to Shelby.
Elly pulled out her phone. She scrolled through her contacts, then called Brady. When his brother’s phone rang, she frowned. “It’s working.”
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Aiden faced his brother. “Is it possible that SUV was using a signal jammer to prevent calls coming in or going out?”
“That’s exactly what I’m thinking. They’re relatively cheap to buy and work fairly well to interrupt communications.” Brady blew out a breath. “Although there was no guarantee that we’d come back here. We could have sent one of our other siblings.”
“Unless they’ve been watching the place.” Aiden was overwhelmed with guilt at the expression of stark fear in Shelby’s eyes. “Maybe they got here just as we were leaving and decided to use this tactic to force us to return.”
“If so, their ruse worked like a charm.” Shelby’s voice trembled as she sank onto the sofa, still cradling Eva in her arms. “I thought for sure we were toast.”
“I’m so sorry.” He crossed over to pull her close. “I hate to admit I hadn’t anticipated this.”
“None of us did,” Brady said calmly. “Not your fault.”
It felt like it was his fault. He met Brady’s gaze. “I shot up your windshield.”
“All that matters is that everyone is safe and unharmed.” Brady took the news in stride. It wasn’t the first Finnegan vehicle to have suffered damage.
And likely wouldn’t be the last.
“How are we going to get out of here?” Shelby asked.
“You should stay,” Elly said. “All of you. We’re safer here than anywhere else at the moment.”
He met Brady’s solemn gaze, a look of understanding passing between them. They weren’t safe there. A brick building couldn’t prevent the house from being peppered with bullets. Not when the bad guys knew they were there.
“We can’t, El.” He stood and crossed to his sister. “I’m sorry, but we need to get out of here ASAP.”
“Why?” Elly looked bewildered.
“The shooter knows we’re here.” Brady spoke up, coming to his rescue. “Come on, sis. We’ll take your car. It’s been in the garage, so I’m hoping that will provide some desperately needed anonymity.”
“Is there enough room for all of us?” Shelby asked.
“It will be tight, but we’ll make it work.” Aiden waved a hand at his sister. “Elly and Brady can drop us off at the rental car agency. Then they can head on to Grace’s Bright Stars day care center.”
Shelby nodded slowly. “Okay, that should work.”
It had to work. He glanced at Brady. “Do we wait for the police to arrive?”
As if on cue, two Brookland squads pulled up near Brady’s SUV. The officers slid out and eyed the bullet-ridden windshield.
“Guess so.” Brady sighed and crossed to the door. “Elly, stay inside with Shelby and Eva. Aiden and I will handle this.”
He gave his sister an encouraging smile. Elly quickly went over to sit beside Shelby and Eva. “Should we find cartoons?”
Leaving them inside alone wasn’t easy, but he didn’t think the shooter would return while cops were parked outside the house. Aiden stood beside Brady as his brother flashed his FBI creds.
It took longer than it should have to explain what had happened. When the officer wanted to take Aiden’s gun for evidence, he reluctantly handed it over. Brady gave him an imperceptible nod, reassuring him that it was for the best.
Besides, he knew Rhy had a couple of additional handguns inside the gun safe. Not that he intended to let the Brookland cops know that.
“And you’re sure you don’t know who this guy is?” Officer Banfield pressed.
“I wish I did.” Aiden met his gaze straight on. “Trust me, the sooner we identify this guy, the faster we’ll be safe.”
“You Finnegans are always in trouble,” Banfield groused.
Since it was true, there was no point in arguing. And it wasn’t like they went out looking for trouble.
Yet here they were, in the middle of a shootout in a nice, quiet, suburban neighborhood. Again. No wonder the Brookland cops were irked.
“Officer Banfield, would you mind escorting us to the car rental agency?” Brady smiled politely as he changed the subject. “Obviously, we can’t drive the SUV, and we need a secure vehicle. Rhy is at the hospital with his wife. I know he’d appreciate you helping us out. We can take Elly’s car, but we’d like to reach our destination without further mishap.”
Aiden doubted the cops would agree, but the way Brady dropped Rhy’s name was enough for Banfield to reluctantly nod. “Sure. We can do that.”
“Thank you.” He turned toward the front door, then glanced back over his shoulder. “Just give us a few minutes to get settled. Elly has a bright-blue SUV. We’ll be out shortly.”
“Okay,” Banfield turned away. “Let’s finish up with the photos.”
He and Brady went back inside. He wasn’t surprised to find Elly had a cartoon on a tablet she was showing to Eva. Even Shelby managed a wan smile.
“Everything okay?” Shelby asked.
“Yep. But we need to go.” He took a moment to grab another weapon from Rhy’s locked gun case. After holstering it and adding ammo, he reached for the car seat Brady had thought to bring inside. Then he swung a laptop computer case over his shoulder. “Elly, you have your keys handy?”
“I do.” Elly pushed the tablet into Shelby’s hands. “You should take this with you so you can keep Eva preoccupied.”
“Oh, but . . .”
“I insist.” Elly smiled. “You need it more than I do.”
“Thanks, Elly.” Shelby gave his sister an impulsive hug. “You’re the best.”
Brady had disarmed the security system and stood impatiently holding the door to the garage open. “We really need to go. The local cops are going to follow us to the rental car agency. Let’s not keep them waiting.”
Less than five minutes later, they were tucked like sardines in Elly’s small SUV. As the women were smaller, they were tucked into the back next to Eva’s car seat while he and Brady sat up front.
“We need to let Rhy know about this,” Aiden said as Brady backed out of the driveway.
His brother waved at Officer Banfield, who slid into the driver’s seat of his squad and began following them down the street. “Yeah, okay. Go ahead and call him. Make sure he knows everyone is safe and unharmed.”
Aiden made the call. His oldest brother answered on the first ring. “You have Elly?”
“Yes. Everyone is safe. But we did run into some trouble.” Aiden quickly explained what happened. “Brookland PD is giving us a personal escort to the rental agency. I grabbed the laptop off the desk too. Sorry.”
“That’s fine, I’m glad Brookland PD was there to help. But I don’t like the sound of Elly’s phone signal being jammed.” Rhy sounded frustrated, probably because he wasn’t there to take control of the situation the way he normally would. “I get that jammers aren’t difficult to buy, but that was a level of technology I hadn’t expected from this guy.”
“I hear you.” There were communication specialists in the army who were often deployed with them to various locations. Any soldier working alongside a communication specialist would know about signal jammers. He didn’t think the knowledge helped them narrow down who was behind this.
“What about Elly?” Rhy demanded.
“Brady is going to drop Elly at Grace’s day care center, then work on getting his SUV towed and repaired. He’s also agreed to arrange for towing my truck and Shelby’s Jeep.” He shot his brother a sidelong glance. “We both agree we’ll be safe once we’re driving different vehicles.”
“I hope so,” Rhy muttered.
“How is Devon?” he asked. “And our future niece or nephew?”
“She’s stable. The OB seems to think she’ll deliver by the end of the day.” Rhy sounded happy about that. “Speaking of which, I need to go. Be safe, okay? And keep me updated.”
“We will, don’t worry. Just focus on taking care of your wife and baby. Oh, and give Devon a hug from us.”
“Will do.” Rhy ended the call.
Aiden lowered his phone, then frowned. “You don’t think the gunmen could have tracked my phone, do you?”
“Maybe.” Brady shrugged. “They seem awfully determined.”
“They?” Elly echoed. “You mean there are more than one of them?”
“Not necessarily,” he hastened to assure her. He opened his window and tossed the phone out, listening to it shatter on the concrete. “We believe it’s just one gunman, but we honestly don’t know for sure.”
“Gu-man?” Eva echoed.
The little girl’s innocent question was like a dropkick to the center of his chest. He turned to see Shelby’s stricken gaze. “What’s your dolly’s name?”
“Dolly!” Eva held up the plastic doll.
“She calls all of them Dolly,” Shelby explained with a strained smile. “I think she gets that from her preschool program.”
“Well, your dolly is beautiful.” Aiden racked his brain for something else to say. “Do you have a favorite color? Mine is blue.”
“Pink.” Eva didn’t hesitate, and he was impressed when she pointed to Dolly’s pink dress. “My faborite.”
“Favorite,” Shelby corrected gently. She looked relieved that Eva seemed to have forgotten about the gunman.
No three-year-old should have to be afraid of gunmen. Aiden swallowed a flash of rage at whoever was behind this. No matter what Shelby’s father had done, taking out an innocent woman and child was unacceptable.
“The rental agency is up ahead.” Brady’s comment snagged his attention. “Don’t forget, I secured a room at the Timberland Falls Suites.”
“I remember.” It seemed like hours ago that they’d had that conversation. When Brady pulled into the parking lot, the Brookland squad car followed. Officer Banfield waved as he got out and helped unbuckle Eva’s car seat. He carried the car seat and computer while Eva walked into the building beside her mother.
Inside the rental agency, it only took a minute for him to get the key for a newer model Jeep SUV. It was green in color, and while he’d have preferred black to blend in with the night, he didn’t protest.
“I hope this works,” Shelby said, once they were settled inside. “I can’t take much more of this.”
“It will.” He hated seeing her so dejected. “We don’t have my phone, and we have a clean car. We’re good to go from here.”
Shelby stared at him for a moment, then turned to gaze out the window. He winced, understanding her concern. Based on everything that had happened in what, less than twenty-four hours? The danger had been relentless.
He wanted to reassure her but couldn’t. Not when he had no idea who was doing this or why.
All he could offer was a temporary reprieve. And pray that it was enough.
Shelby’s anger simmered at a low boil. Sure, she knew this mess wasn’t Aiden’s fault. Yet just hearing Eva cry and then mention the word gunman had been like a sucker punch. She hated everything about her baby being in danger. Wasn’t it bad enough that her daughter had lost her father, then her pappa? Did she have to be targeted by gunfire too?
Why, Lord, why?
Her silent plea went unanswered.
“Shelby?” Aiden’s low voice didn’t offer any comfort. Yet she did her best to let go of her fury, long enough to glance at him.
“What?” She softened her tone. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”
“The units at Timberland Falls have small kitchens. Should we stop to get some groceries?”
“Is it safe?” The question came out harsher than she’d intended.
“Good point. We’ll order groceries to be delivered.” Aiden didn’t take offense at her comment, which only made her feel worse. “I thought it would be easier to have snacks brought in for Eva.”
He was trying so hard. She swallowed her ire and nodded. “Yes, it would. Thanks for thinking of that. Ordering groceries is a great idea.”
“I’m glad.” He eyed her warily. “I’m going to call Tom again once we’re settled. I need his help to move forward on this.”
At the mention of his buddy in army intelligence, she shrugged. “I hope he answers. I can’t put my life on hold forever.”
“I understand. Trust me, I want this over as much as you do.”
“I do trust you.” She managed a smile. “I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done. Your family, too, for that matter. Elly is a sweetheart.”
“That she is,” Aiden agreed.
She noticed he watched the rearview mirror frequently during their trip to Timberland Falls. She appreciated his determination and tenacity, yet no matter what tactics they’d used, the bad guy had still found them.
Because his phone had been tracked? Or by some other method? She wasn’t the most tech-savvy person on the planet. She hadn’t realized that there were devices out there that jammed electronic signals. Yet the Finnegans had seemed to be aware of that possibility.
Twenty minutes later, Aiden pulled into the parking lot of the hotel. It was nice, at least from the outside. Likely more expensive compared to the American Lodge.
Eva was just starting to get antsy. After unbuckling her daughter from her car seat, Eva pushed at her.
“I wanna walk.”
“Okay, but take my hand.” She captured her hand. Eva held it for a moment before pulling away and running toward the building. Shelby couldn’t blame the little girl for needing to burn off some youthful energy.
“Look out,” Aiden warned, carrying the computer case and plastic bag of items his family had been kind enough to give them, including the tablet. “There might be cars.”
Shelby hurried to catch up, quickly opening the door for Eva. Her daughter skipped inside, swinging her dolly from one hand. “What’s this place, Mommy?”
“A hotel.” Shelby smiled as Eva swung in a circle, looking around curiously. Her daughter’s favorite questions these days were centered on the words What’s that? and Why?
“Are we gonna live here?” Eva asked.
“No, this is just a little vacation. Come with me now. We have to wait for Mr. Aiden to check us in.”
Aiden already had the room key cards in hand. He politely thanked the desk clerk, then turned and led the way down the hall. “We have a suite on the first floor.”
She wondered if he’d requested that on purpose. Or if Brady had.
They passed a pool, which caught Eva’s eye. “Swim! I wanna swim!”
“We will, later.” She didn’t have a swimming suit for the girl but could possibly make do with a T-shirt and shorts. “If you’re good.”
“I’m always good.” Eva pouted, then said, “I wanna swim now.”
Under normal circumstances, she might have stood her ground. But they’d been moving from place to place since leaving the funeral yesterday. And really, swimming was likely the best way to distract the little girl from the danger. “Soon, Eva.”
“Do we need to order more clothes?” Aiden asked as he unlocked the room to their suite. She followed him across the threshold, impressed at the size of the room.
“Getting a couple of swimsuits for me and Eva would be nice.” She grimaced. “I understand that’s not a priority, though.”
“We’ll get what you need.” He set the computer bag on the table, then handed her the clothes his family had gotten. He smiled at the little girl. “Eva deserves to have fun.”
She put a hand on his arm. “Thank you.”
“It’s the least I can do.” He gestured to the desk. “Make a list for me, okay?” He pulled out the two disposable phones his brother had purchased. He handed one to her. “Keep this with you. I’ve programmed my number so you can call me if needed.”
“Thanks.”
He turned on the computer, did a quick search, then stood. “Excuse me for a minute as I follow up with Tom.”
“Sure.” She glanced at her daughter. “Do you want to watch cartoons while we wait for our swimming suits?”
“Yes!” Eva hopped from one foot to the other. “I want pink.”
She always did. Shelby turned on the television, then went to make a list. Before she’d finished, Aiden came over.
“I’ll put the order in, but Tom Mitchell is already in town.” His gaze was serious. “We may have to wait until after we talk to him to go to the pool.”
“That’s okay.” She nodded to where Eva was watching television. “That will hold her attention for a while. And I have no idea how long it takes for clothing and grocery items to be delivered.”
Aiden held her gaze. “Tom is keenly interested in talking to you, Shelby. You’ll need to be here for the interview.”
“Me?” She stared. “Why?”
“I assume he may have already uncovered some information that he needs verified.”
“About my father?” Her stomach clenched. “Nothing bad, I hope.”
“He wouldn’t go into detail. But he’ll be here in thirty minutes.” Aiden peered at the list from his position over her shoulder. “Are you sure there’s nothing else you need?”
“This should do it.” She felt bad asking for extras like swimming suits and flotation toys. But now that Eva had seen the pool for herself, there was no getting around letting her swim. “Thanks again.”
He nodded and crossed to the corner of the sofa to place the order. When he finished, he glanced up. “They’ll deliver in an hour.”
“Wonderful.” She should be able to hold Eva off that long.
She took a moment to check out the bedrooms, deciding on the room that held two twin beds. Each room had their own bathroom, which was another luxury.
Maybe it was time for her to view this as a mini vacation. Stressing about the gunman finding them again wasn’t helpful. And she didn’t want Eva to pick up on her concern. Kids could be perceptive about their parents’ emotions.
Twenty-five minutes later, Aiden’s disposable cell rang. After glancing at the screen, he answered. “Where are you?”
She watched as Aiden strode to the door. “Come straight down the hall on the right from the lobby. We’re in suite 1117.”
Her belly fluttered with nervousness. Why, she wasn’t sure. In a way, learning her father had been involved in something that had sent this gunman after her, would be a blessing. At least they’d know who to track down and arrest.
That had to be better than living in limbo, waiting for the next strike.
“Staff Sergeant Finnegan.” The soldier at the door was dressed in camouflage fatigues rather than dress blues. He held out his hand. “I’m Lieutenant Tom Mitchell.”
“Please, call me Aiden.” He shook his hand, then stepped back to let the guy in. “This is Mrs. Shelby Copeland and her daughter, Eva.”
“Mrs. Copeland.” Lieutenant Mitchell was all about formality. “Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.”
“Thank you.” She rose to shake his hand. “We appreciate your help in finding out who has been shooting at me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Mitchell glanced at Eva, then at Aiden. “Is there a place we can speak privately?”
“I’m afraid this is as private as it gets.” She gestured to the table in the small kitchenette. “Let’s sit down. I doubt Eva will pay any attention to our adult conversation.”
The somber expression on Mitchell’s face was not the least bit reassuring. Feeling as if he was about to give bad news, she sank into the closest chair and clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling.
“We’ve been shot at three times now.” Aiden dropped beside her. “You may as well tell us what you know.”
Mitchell nodded. “You remember I was assigned to investigate Sergeant Copeland’s death.”
She sucked in a harsh breath, glancing sharply at Aiden. This was news to her.
“Yes. But you deemed the incident an accident.” Aiden frowned. “No foul play.”
“That is what I told you,” Mitchell said with a nod. “However, there were some rumblings among the enlisted men about Sergeant Copeland. Those notes are still on file and may impact what is happening today.”
“How?” She forced the word through her constricted throat. “Tell me how this is related to my deceased husband.”
Mitchell hesitated. “There was a rumor about an affair between Sergeant Copeland and a female sergeant.”
“An affair?” She stared at him blankly. “You mean, an extramarital affair?”
“Yes, I’m afraid so.” Mitchell seemed to look toward Aiden for support. “I’m here to find out what, if anything, you know about that.”
She had to curl her fingers into fists. “Nothing.” She shook her head. “I know nothing, and even more? I refuse to believe a word of this nonsense.” She rose and stumbled from the living area, seeking refuge in the bedroom.
But the officer’s words continued to reverberate through her head.
Affair. Affair. Affair.
She buried her face in her hands, stifling the urge to cry. She didn’t want to believe it. But if it was true? Emmitt had betrayed her in the worst way possible.