Page 133 of One Wrong Move
Footsteps sounded. Thunder roared before she could peg their direction, but they were close.
Gooseflesh rippled up her arms—adrenaline searing through her limbs.
The door squeaked on its hinges as it opened fully.
She held her breath. Heavy footfalls. One. Two.
Pop. Pop. Pop.
A curse echoed in the room followed by a slam.
Someone was down.
Please. Please. Don’t let it be Christian.
Her breath ceased.
“It’s okay,” Christian said, and she gulped in air.Thank you,Lord.
She raised up on her elbows. He stood at an angle, his gun aimed at the floor.
She peered over the edge of the tub. The man lay on the floor, blood oozing from his chest, Christian’s muzzle aimed at his head.
Exhaling, her body relaxed with relief and filled with anticipation. They had him, and finally they could get some answers, or so she prayed.
FIFTY-EIGHT
CHRISTIAN HANDEDANDIthe gun while he zip-tied the man’s hands. He’d called Joel and anticipated the cavalry and an ambulance to arrive soon. Not a moment later, the front door opened.
“Guys?” Riley called out.
“In the bathroom,” Christian said. He’d gotten a good shot off, and they didn’t want to risk moving the attacker until the paramedics arrived.
Riley raced around the corner and stopped short in the doorway. “Oh, my goodness, I’m so glad you’re okay. I heard shots and thought my heart was going to stop.” She clutched her chest.
“Trust me, I felt the same,” Andi said.
Moments later, surprisingly not unanticipated in her mind, Greyson arrived, followed shortly by Joel and an ambulance.
The paramedics rushed in, tending to the man who moved in and out of consciousness until he was hauled away.
“I’m following him to the hospital in Santa Fe,” Joel said. “I want to be there when he fully comes to.”
“Thanks, Joel.”
The sheriff nodded and tipped the brim of his hat before heading for the door. “Y’all stay safe.”
Everyone nodded, but how could they be certain? Hits were coming from every angle. The question wasn’t would another one come, but rather, when. Even with their thug, for lack of a name,in the hospital, there were more players in the game. A game she doubted was even close to over.
A half hour later, Christian handed Andi a lemonade before sitting on the couch beside her, rubbing the shoulder she kept rolling and stretching.
Greyson continued to pace the length of the family room, his hand fixed on his chin.
Riley’s gaze tracked him. “Please sit down. You’re making me nervous.”
“Sorry,” he said.
She scooched over, and he took a seat next to her. “I’ve got some bad news,” Greyson said. “I wanted to make sure Andi was okay before I shared, but you need to know.”
