“I can’t do that, Liv.” Mike said never taking his eyes off of Royce.
“Put it down.” Another voice called out from the left.
Everyone turned to see the new comer. Olivia recognized him immediately not only from the black hoodie he wore, but his face, which she could now see. He worked for Royce. Hunter. Shit.
Royce chuckled, turning back to Mike, who didn’t look the least bit intimidated by two guns aimed at him. “You lost. Olivia, get in the car.”
“Royce Sheppard, you are under arrest.” Everyone turned back to Hunter, who had his gun aimed at Royce. Olivia stared at him in confusion. Under arrest? But Hunter worked for Royce. He couldn’t arrest him, could him?
A fierce determined look came over Royce’s eyes Olivia didn’t trust, as he turned back to Mike. He was going to shoot him. Olivia didn’t think. She threw herself at Royce, knocking him into the car. A shot rang out, by who’s gun she didn’t know.
Royce pushed her off of him with a curse and scrambled into the car, as more shots rang out. Olivia sat up looking for Ivy but didn’t see her right away. Olivia caught of glimpse of her in the back seat of the car, banging on the window, as it peeled away. Olivia’s heart leapt into her throat. This couldn’t be happening.
Before she could get to her feet and run after him, Mike passed her and launched himself on top of the car and two shots rang out, and then the car swerved and hit a pole, sending Mike flying through the air. Olivia stumbled to her feet to race to them, as Hunter approached the car. “Olivia stay back.” Hunter warned.
Like hell. Her daughter was in that car. “Ivy,” she called out, running to the back door.
“Mom,” Olivia’s knees almost sagged in relief. Ivy was okay. She tore open the back door and pulled her daughter into her arms, looking her over as she did.
Hunter ignored them, looking through the window at Royce. “He’s dead.” Hunter announced without remorse and holstered his gun.
“I’m okay if anyone cares.” Mike groaned, as he stood on shaky legs.
“Well, who told you to jump on top of the car?” Hunter fired back.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time. I’ve seen it in movies and wanted to try it. Never making that mistake again.” Mike arched his back groaning, when his back cracked.
“Idiot.” Hunter shook his head. “And how were you planning on getting to Royce from on top of the car?”
“Excuse me,” Olivia interrupted them. “Would someone mind telling me what the hell is going on, or how you two know each other?” Standing as close as she was to Hunter, she could smell cigar smoke. That’s why it had smelled so familiar. Hunter smoked cigars. She hadn’t seen him in a while, so she forgot about it.
“I work for an organization called ATF: alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. We’ve been working with several organizations, investigating Royce Decker. I was sent undercover to work for Royce to build a case against him. When you disappeared, I followed Jax here and kept an eye on you.”
“Why did you care about me?”
“Because you are the key to bringing Royce down. You witnessed him committing crimes as well as you can give us intel about Royce’s dealings. Who he worked with, and that sort of thing.”
“Why didn’t you approach me before this?” She never would have had to be on the run for months on end. Olivia could have turned in Royce much sooner.
“I didn’t want to break my cover. Until you left, it was assumed you were either working with him or weren’t aware of his activities.”
Ouch. To think the government thought she was working with Royce hurt. “Then, why not say anything, when you saw me at the carnival.”
“Jax was close by, and I didn’t want to blow my cover. I bumped into you to get you to follow, but it didn’t happen.”
“He did the same thing to me that night we went to the bar.” Heath said, coming up to them.
“Heath,” Olivia cried out and leapt into his arms, raining kisses all over his face.
“You were so brave.” He cooed in between kisses.
“I was so scared.” She countered.
“Mike and Hunter would never have let anything happen to you or Ivy.” Heath looked at Ivy and opened his arms to her. Ivy launched herself at him. He easily caught her and held her close to his chest.
“I see you managed not to get shot for once.” Heath joked with Mike, who flipped him off, while rubbing his forehead, which just made Heath chuckled.
“So, you knew Hunter worked for this AT or whatever company.” Olivia waved her hand in the air. This was too much information to take in at once.
