A twisted heap of metal that looked like it used to be the same car caught on Liam’s security feed was on its roof in a field several yards from the road. Its spinning tires were facing the sky, and from what he could see, there weren’t any signs of life.
No!
“Ah, hell.” He couldn’t bring himself to think the worst.
But how could he not with everything else that had already happened so far today?
“Keep the faith, brother,” Jagger seemed to read his mind.
He slowed the vehicle way down as they drew closer to the crumpled car. Rather than stop on the side of the road, Jag put the SUV into 4-wheel drive. They traversed the non-existent, offroad trail into the field, toward the wreckage.
Guns in hand, all four men exited their vehicle with caution. Metal was twisted and glass was shattered, but the deployed airbags prevented Liam from being able to see inside.
A shifting of movement came from within the car’s interior, halting his and his teammate’s steps. Using signals they knewby heart from their extensive training, Liam and Jagger took the passenger side while Christian and Brody checked on the driver.
Their footfalls against the soft grass were damn near silent. The only sounds around them were the late morning breeze and an occasional song of a faraway bird.
Another commotion from inside the car stopped Liam dead in his tracks. It sounded a lot like two people engaged in a physical struggle.
“You pathetic piece of trash.” Tommy’s angry growl reached them where they stood. “I’m going to kill you!”
Liam took a step forward, ready to pull the bastard from the car by his fucking throat. And that’s when the shot rang out.
His knees threatened to give out as the echoed gunfire dissipated into the air. Did he just hear Tommy Gallo end Allison’s life? Had he gotten this close to saving her only to have lost her at the very last possible moment?
“Allison!”
Training forgotten, Liam jumped into action. As always, his teammates were right there, beside him.
He did drop to his knees then, but only so he could push away the car’s deflated passenger window airbag. But before he could, someone else began pushing the white lifesaving device aside.
Liam lifted his weapon, his finger not far from the trigger he was more than ready to pull. His heartbeat filled his ears and his pulse raced with adrenaline. He nearly crumbled with relief when a flash of blonde curls came into view.
“Liam?”
“Allison!” He shoved his gun into his holster, carefully helping her climb free through the car’s shattered window.
The second her feet were clear, she fell fully into his arms.
“Oh, my God!” she cried. “I can’t believe you’re here! I thought you were dead!”
“Thought the same about you, darlin’.” He held her as close as he was physically able. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes as he gave silent thanks that she was still very much alive. “How badly are you hurt?” He eased her from his embrace in order to assess any injuries she may have incurred.
“I’m pretty sure a rib’s broken…” She winced. “Maybe two. But I don’t even care because you’re here, and you’re alive, and Tommy…”
Her face threatened to crumble when she looked back toward the car.
From the other side of the wreckage, Christian met Liam’s stare. “Gallo’s dead,” he confirmed. “Bullet to the head.”
Guess Karma’s a real bitch, eh, Tommy boy?
“I had no choice.” Allison’s entire body began to shake. “H-He was going to k-kill me. He took out a life insurance p-policy, and he was going to?—”
“Shh…” Liam brought her back into his arms. “We know, sweetheart. You have nothing to feel guilty about. This is all on him.”
“I know.” She nodded against his shirt. Moisture from her tears soaked the material, but he relished in its feel.
Minutes ago, he didn’t know whether he’d ever see her alive again. But by some miracle—and the woman’s unending strength and incredible will to survive—Allison was still here. She was still alive.
