Page 9 of Protecting You
He stumbled back and crashed into the stair rail. Pain shot through his shoulder, but he ignored it, gripping the railing to keep from tumbling down.
The man wore a face mask and aimed a fist at Callan’s head.
He ducked to the side, then angled sideways and elbowed the guy in the gut.
An amateur would be stopped, at least momentarily, but this guy was no amateur.
He bent, spun, and jabbed flat fingers toward Callan’s throat.
Callan protected himself but, thanks to the awkward railing and close wall, couldn’t plant his feet. He gripped his attacker’s jacket, and they both fell to the floor.
They were wrestling, each fighting for the upper hand, when another man ran out of the apartment.
Callan didn’t get a look at his face but caught sight of a bag swinging from the guy’s hand.
Alyssa!Where was she?Had she gone upstairs like he’d directed?
His attacker was trying to scramble back, but Callan grabbed his ankles and yanked, pulling him off balance.
By the pounding of the heavy footsteps, the second man was headed to the lobby.
Callan’s attacker jerked away and bolted.
Callan popped to his feet. He wanted to chase, but…
Alyssa.
He waited until the heavy door downstairs slammed, then called, “Alyssa?”
She bent over the railing above, eyes wide. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah. You?”
“Sorry. I didn’t know what to do.”
She started down, but he stopped her with a palm. “Stay there until I get you. Scream if you need me.”
Again not waiting for her answer, he moved into her apartment, cataloging the space.
Small foyer with four doors, all open. One led to a living area/office, another to a bedroom. The one on the left opened to a tiny galley kitchen. The one behind led to the bathroom.
Pretty, pale blue curtains. Sand-colored walls. White furniture. Stunning landscape photographs on the walls.
Dumped drawers. Gaping file cabinet. Papers scattered. Computer tower lying in the middle of the floor, disassembled.
A whoosh of air had him swiveling, preparing to fight.
Standing in the open doorway, Alyssa’s eyes widened.
“What part of stay there?—?”
“This is my apartment.” She stepped past him and took in the chaos of her office. “What did they…? Why would anybody?—?”
He closed and locked her apartment door. “Pack a bag.”
She swiveled to face him. “What? No. I’m not?—”
“You’re not staying here,darling.” He couldn’t help the aggressive tone. Seriously, was she going to fight him on everything? He shifted close and lowered his voice, making it barely audible. “They could have planted a listening device.”
