“Not happening.” Her brother scowled. “They’re cops. They’ll handle it.”
Arguing would be useless. The only person more stubborn than a Sullivan was another Sullivan.
Smoky disappeared behind a large evergreen tree. Then she heard the sharp bark as Smoky alerted.
A fresh surge of adrenaline pushed Kendra forward. She ran around the tree, stopping abruptly when she saw Dominic kneeling beside Smoky.
“Good girl,” she managed as she closed the distance between them.
Dominic straightened and came to meet her, sweeping her into a big hug. He held her close for long seconds until Justin and Stone appeared.
She wanted to protest when Dom let her go. But then he got straight to the point. “I’m glad you’re here, but there’s no time to waste. Levy is involved. He had the gunman waiting in the black GMC Sierra down the road.”
“Did he give you any hint as to why? What’s his relationship to Bartoli? Or does he have another motive?” Justin asked.
Dom shook his head. “No, but I assume it’s money. Where are Griff and Raine?”
“They’re guarding Jennifer.” Kendra bent to praise her K9, wishing she had grabbed the stuffed hippo. She’d have to do more training with Smoky now that these two recent searches hadn’t been properly rewarded. Although based on Smoky’s leaping around in joy, her K9 didn’t seem to mind not getting her toy.
Smoky ran off, leaping and playing with Stone. Kendra figured that would have to be enough of a reward for now.
“That Jennifer looks familiar, but I can’t place her.” Dom’s brow furrowed as he struggled to remember. “I wish I could say when I met her. Not that it matters anymore. The most important thing is to make sure Griff and Raine know Levy’s dirty.”
“Texting Griff now,” Justin said, his thumbs flying across his phone screen. “Although I think they’ve already figured that out for themselves.”
Kendra arched a brow. “Really? Then why did I have to convince you about Levy’s involvement in this?”
Justin shrugged. “I was leaning that way but thought it was strange that he’d risk being shot by the gunman just to insert himself into the group.”
“Yeah, we’ll it’s clear he wants to kill me,” Dom said bluntly. “For whatever reason, he wanted to get me out of there. Forced me to leave at gunpoint.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t just shoot you and be done with it.” Justin frowned. “Easier that way.”
Kendra shot an infuriating look at her brother, although what he said was true. A shiver that had nothing to do with the freezing temps danced down her spine. It was scary how Levy had almost succeeded in eliminating Dominic. And the danger wasn’t over yet.
“Well, he said he’d prefer to take me alive but would settle for dead,” Dom admitted,
She managed a reassuring smile. “Thankfully, you were smart enough to get away. You’re safe now. But we need to go back to the log cabin.”
“What if Levy and the gunman are still out there?” Dom didn’t move an inch, but his gaze continuously tracked back and forth as if expecting the men to show up at any moment. “I don’t want you anywhere near him, Kendra. He won’t hesitate to shoot you to get to me.”
“I know, but we outnumber him,” she pointed out. “That’s probably why he tried to get you into the truck alone. Separating you from us was his best chance of trying to come up with an alternate plan.”
“I guess,” Dom said with a frown.
She reached out to touch his arm. “It’s not like we have another option but to go back.” She tipped her head toward the landscape beyond. There was nothing but woods and snow for as far as they could see. “The dogs are having a blast out here, but we can’t hang out here in the cold forever.”
Still, Dom didn’t move. “What about texting Griff and Raine? I’m worried we’ll walk into a trap.”
She shrugged and glanced at her brother. “You told them about Levy, right? Did either of them respond?”
“Not yet.” Justin’s scowl deepened. “I hope they’re not in trouble. I agree, it’s time for us to get out of here.”
“Sounds good.” She turned toward the dogs. “Smoky, come.” Her K9 turned and bounded to her side. Stone ran toward Justin, as if anticipating he was next.
“I’ll take the lead.” Justin unzipped his coat and pulled his weapon. Kendra mirrored his action, although her gun was heavy in her hand. Chase would be disappointed in how often she forgot to reach for her gun.
“Look out!” The shout was punctuated by the sharp crack of gunfire. Something struck her hard in the back, sending her face-first into the snow. Kendra’s breath whooshed from her chest as her heart thundered in her ears.
