Dodge stretched and laughed. Rosie and I watched him, noting how his cheeks heated as he realized where we were looking. With his broad shoulders, slender waist, and playful sparkle in his eyes, he could make anyone's heart skip a beat. His brown hair was precisely cropped, and he was clean-shaven. A slight scar on his chin gave him a tough, enigmatic appearance. It's no surprise that Dover wanted him.
Dodge said, "I'm going to walk around outside." He added as Rosie opened her mouth to speak, "I'll put the vest on.” Paused. “Where’d Jessop go?”
Rosie rolled her eyes. "He's in the office." She paused. "I'll go get him. I'd like to join you."
Dodge shook his head. "I've got this."
As he pushed the vest over his head, Rosie let out a frustrated moan. "He's stubborn."
"I got that."
Rosie turned and raised an eyebrow. "So, what is really going on between you and Jessop?"
I began to deny everything but ultimately chose to be truthful. "I've loved him for a very long time. Naturally, I denied it," I said, blushing a little. "He loves me." I gave a quiet smile. "I'm unsure about anything else right now, but I'm sure about those things."
"I'm partial to the Hallen guys." She laughed and huffed. "After all, I am married to one. When they fall, they fall hard."
Unexpectedly, I had to suppress my tears. My feelings were all over the place. Rosie extended her hand, but a booming rifle shot rang out, momentarily freezing us. Then another. Rosie grabbed me and pulled me to the floor. One of the windows was blown out, so we lay flat. I got shivers when I heard the gunfire reverberating around the room. In a desperate voice, Rosie said, "Stay down." My heart thumped in my chest.
"Dodge?" I hissed.
Rosie nodded and let out a noticeable sigh as Jessop slid toward us on his stomach.
"I'm going for Dodge,” Rosie said.
Jessop attempted to grab her, but he was unable. He swore.
"We have to go help her." As I tried to stand, Jessop pulled me down.
"I want you to stay here with your head down," he said, implying that he would do whatever it took to keep me safe. My heart pounding, I obeyed and watched Jessop vanish through the front door. I was uncertain about everything.
Dodge had ventured outside. Was he all right? Was Rosie? I was paralyzed by nerves and felt sick. Jessop had asked me not to move, but I couldn't. I was terrified.
* * *
I heard the sirens grow louder as they approached. I had no idea how long I had been cowering behind the kitchen counter. After the wheels braked abruptly, I heard loud shouts. I held my breath for what seemed like hours before the front door exploded open. I scooted up quickly and looked over the counter. When I saw Jessop drenched in blood, my heart fell to my toes, and I jumped up.
"He's gone, but Dodge is hurt badly," he said.
"What?" I hurriedly picked up a stack of clean dish towels and ran in his direction. "Let me help." I left before he could protest. Sheriff Oliver Kendrick was trying to stop the bleeding from Dodge's gunshot wound as he lay on the ground. I rushed over and fell to my knees. Dodge was unresponsive and extremely pale. I handed Oliver towels, which he placed tightly on Dodge's side. The paramedics were approaching. Panicking, I bent over him and muttered, "Don't you dare die, Levi Dodge."
Jessop helped me up and embraced me as the paramedics arrived. He pulled Rosie in with us and held us both close. She allowed him to hold her until the paramedics were prepared to depart. She joined them as they climbed into the truck.
"Carlisle is on his way."
"What? No! He needs to stay with Tallulah. What if Aiden goes after her next?" I pulled away from Jessop and headed for Oliver's truck.
Jessop wrapped his arm around my waist. "Where do you think you're going?"
"I don't think," I snapped. "I'm going to the hospital."
He let out a sigh and closed his eyes.
Oliver remarked, "Jessop, Penelope," as he washed his hands at the outdoor faucet and dried them on a towel. "If you want to sort things out here, Jessop, meet us at the hospital. I'm heading straight there and can take Pen with me. She'll be safe there. I'll ask Riley to bring Tallulah."
Jessop ran a hand through his hair. I knew he didn't like that idea, but he didn't really have a choice because I was going. I had to check on Dodge because he had been shot protecting me.
Finally, Jessop nodded, his mouth tightening in frustration. "Do exactly as Kendrick tells you, okay?" He drew me into his embrace and whispered, "I can't lose you both."
