“Or?” she asked, hearing more in his words than he was sharing. “There’s something you’re not saying.”
“Or they could be coming to see if the shots hit their target.”
“Here? Coming in here?” She couldn’t control the panic in her voice, and Bandit whimpered again.
“Maybe it’s just warning shots not meant to hurt you. Just to scare you off.”
“But if the shooter is coming in, then what?”
“I need to get to Wally’s gun safe. Do you have the key?”
“On a ring in the corner drawer of the island.”
“You stay put. I’ll grab the key and make my way to the cabinet.”
“No, please. They could hit you.”
“They seem to be firing only at the door, and I can avoid that area.” He pushed up and staying behind the island, reached for the key then dropped back down to belly crawl across the room.
Her heart kicked in even faster. Panic threatened. She couldn’t watch. Instead, she tried to coax Bandit over to her. He finally gave in and trotted her way. She had to roll to her side to hold onto him with the cone in place, but she was still low to the floor, and she eased Bandit down low. She stroked his fur and offered calming words all the while straining to hear the gun safe open, and fearing the sound of footsteps on the porch.
Sirens blared from the distance then the driveway. She relaxed a fraction. Hopefully the arrival of deputies would send the shooter in retreat if they had not already departed.
She peeked around the island at Ryan. He grabbed a handgun and ammo and was dropping back to the floor. He loaded the gun then slid against the wall behind the gun safe and faced the door, weapon outstretched.
“You’re staying over there?” she cried out.
“I want to be a position to take out the shooter before he gets anywhere near you.”
And draw his fire, she thought but didn’t say it because there was no point. Ryan the protector was on scene, and despite what she might ask of him, he would do what he had to do to keep her alive. Even give his life. That was a certainty.
Another siren joined the first one and raced closer. Could it be Russ? Would all depend on where he was when the call came in, she supposed. But for the first time since she’d returned to Shadow Lake, she would be glad to see him.
She soon heard footsteps on the porch and fists pounded on the door.
“It’s Russ,” his voice came out loud and strong.
“Come in,” Ryan yelled back, but didn’t relax the arm holding the gun.
Mia peeked around the island. The door opened.
Gun in hand, Russ strode in. “We all good in here?”
“Fine,” Ryan said. “Go after the shooter.”
“Roger that.” He spun and took off down the steps.
Face pale, Ryan raced across the room, set the gun on the countertop, and grabbed her in a hug. He held her tight for a moment then pushed back to brush her hair from her face. “You’re okay?”
“Yes.”
“Thank goodness.” He pulled her close again and held her with arms that felt like iron bands.
She should push back but she let him hold her for now. He drew her closer and tightened his arms as if he never intended to let her go. A shuddering breath shook his body.
Wow, he was really worried about her.
She pulled back to look at him, but something red on the door caught her attention. “Did you see the door?”
