"This is Officer Aaron of the ERT. Shots fired, one person hit. We are at the park near Massachusetts Avenue and 3rd Street in the Triangle. Request ambulance and ERT for a possible sniper."
"Maya..." David groans. I look down to see the shot entered his back on the right side and exited through his chest.
"How bad?" I'm worried about him.
"Not too bad. I won't be able to show you up in the gym tomorrow."
I hear the sirens and realize no more shots have been fired.
An hour later I'm still standing in the park answering questions. I'm tired. I have plans. And I want out of these heels. I texted Duncan to tell him I was running late. I didn't tell him what was happening.
"Maya!" I turn as Derek and Greg stalk toward me. Derek is yelling my name as he moves faster. I know this is one of his greatest fears.
"What the hell happened?" Greg demands.
"David and I were taking a walk when he was hit. I think someone at the gala figured out what he was up to."
"And what was that?"
"We were just checking the ambassador's current security."
"Are you hit?" Derek pulls me into him and I shiver from the fear coming off him.
"Here take this." Greg hands me his tuxedo jacket. I look up at him and realize he saw me tonight.
"He asked me to help him. He also wanted to talk about someone researching my parents."
"I saw what you were up to. We'll talk about that later. Someone just searched your address here."
"What?"
"Yep, come on, you're going home with me for the night."
"I can't and I won't."
"What do you mean you can't? I'm not going to argue. You're not safe."
"I'll stay in a hotel for the night."
"Did the EMT check you out?" Derek asks.
"Yes, just scrapes and scratches, I'm good. I will be at the Crowne Plaza. See you tomorrow at brunch."
I turn and walk away, heading toward my condo. I pull out my cell phone and am glad I had it in a protective cover. When I threw my clutch earlier, I thought it was broke.
Me
I will be there in 20 minutes. Need to change.
Duncan
I've been waiting. Is everything okay?
Me
I'll explain when I get there.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
