“I forgot my computer.” She gave him an apologetic grin. “I’m so sorry, but I have to have it for work.”
“No worries,” Coop looked at the road up ahead. “We can turn around at the next exit.”
“I guess I was so lost in my thoughts, I forgot to grab it.”
“Seriously, Bryn. It’s not a big deal. We’ll turn around, grab your computer, and then hit some drive-thru on the way to your condo. Sound good?”
“Thanks, Coop.” Brynnon gave him a little smile. “I really appreciate it.”
He chuckled. “If this is the worst thing that happens while I’m in charge of your safety, I’ll call it a win all day long.”
With a grateful smile, she glanced out the window, watching the scenery darken as night began to fall around them. By the time they pulled back into her driveway, the sun had set completely.
Thankful she’d left the security light on, Brynnon reached for the door handle. “I’ll just run in and grab it real quick.”
“I should probably come in with you.”
She looked at the well-meaning man. “I’ve been here for the last five days and nothing happened. Besides, I’m pretty sure I know where I set it down. I’ll be in and out in no time.”
He didn’t looked convinced. “You’ve got five minutes. After that, I’m coming in after you.”
“Careful, Coop,” Brynnon teased. “You’re starting to sound like Grant.”
“Nah. Grant would probably order you to stay here while he went in and got it for you.”
Chuckling, she hopped out of the car and headed for her front door. Not bothering to flip on the light, she ran up the stairs to her bedroom in search of the computer.
When she didn’t find it right away, Brynnon went back downstairs and looked around. Still not seeing it, she made yet another trip upstairs, kicking herself when she found it on the floor of her closet.
Grabbing the bag, she carefully made her way down the darkened staircase. She was about to leave when she thought about how long it had been since she’d gone to the bathroom.
Knowing she had another hour in the car, Brynnon set the bag down by the front door with a groan and weaved quickly between her living room furniture to the bathroom at the back of the cabin.
She took care of business and had just stepped out of the small room when she realized the back door had been left open. The flimsy, screen door was the only thing keeping someone from breaking in.
“Jesus, Bryn. Why don’t you just put up a bright, neon sign that says, ‘Break In Here’.” Continuing to mentally chastise herself, Brynnon went over and closed the door, making sure to lock it.
As she walked through the kitchen toward the front of the cabin, something caught the corner of her eye. The dark, odd-looking object had been left on the floor next to the edge of her counter. With the lights off, she had to get right up on it before she was able to make out what it was.
Staring down at the black duffle bag, Brynnon tried to figure out where it had come from. She didn’t remember Grant having one like that, but it was possible he’d brought it in without her seeing.
Curious, she leaned down and unzipped it. Pushing the two halves apart, Brynnon’s heart nearly stopped from what she saw.
Bright red numbers shone back at her from within the bag, their display attached to something she didn’t dare pick up. Several wires weaved in and out of the device, and Brynnon froze when she realized the numbers were steadily counting down with every second that passed.
It took a few seconds for her body to catch up to what her eyes were seeing. A bomb. It was a freaking bomb.
“Jesus,” she exclaimed, the word barely a whisper.
“I know it’s only been six minutes, but a deal’s a deal.”
Coop!Brynnon’s eyes flew back at the display...only eighteen seconds remaining.Move your ass, Bryn!
She shot up from the floor and immediately started running for the door. “Move!” she screamed at Coop. “Go! We have to go!”
“What?” Alarm crossed over his shadowed face as he started in her direction. “Brynnon, what is it? What’s wrong?”
“A bomb,” she choked out. “There’s a bomb in the kitchen! It’s about to go off!”
