Killer Christmas Evidence, page 12
The bruise on Kyle’s back ached, and the cut on his head stung. But only by the grace of God had he and Cassidy survived the drone attack.
After agreeing to continue their investigations tomorrow, Jason took Melanie home to rest, and Dennis followed behind to join his wife and daughters for dinner.
Kyle walked Keith to the door and stood, hand on its edge, as he lowered his voice. “Did you finish your assessment?”
“I did.” Keith grabbed his coat from the hook.
“And?”
“I found nothing that leads me to think someone from an old case or an ex-boyfriend is out to get Cassidy.”
“No one?”
“Nope. I’m still digging, but I think I’m going in the wrong direction.”
“That leaves random, or did she stumble upon something?”
“My skepticism says there’s no serial killer, but she is right about one thing...there are too many holes. There’s something about each case that feels wrong.”
Kyle hadn’t expected to agree, but he’d be stupid not to at least entertain the idea.
Keith zipped his coat and stepped outside. “Call if you need anything.”
“You know I will.”
His friend turned to face him. “I know a bit of what you’re going through, and it’s not easy to ask for help or admit your own struggles. Please don’t make the same mistakes I did.”
The muscles in Kyle’s neck eased. His friend cared. And he appreciated it. “Thanks. I promise I’ll ask for help if I need it.”
Keith gave a quick nod. “Good enough. See you tomorrow.”
“Tell Amy and Connor hi for me.”
A smile graced his friend’s face. “Absolutely.” Keith jogged to his SUV and waved as he pulled from the driveway.
Kyle shut the door, flipped the lock and set the alarm. Not for the first time, he was grateful for the high-level security system Doug had installed.
Since the group discussion, his worry had skyrocketed. Had a serial killer fooled all those law enforcement officers? Would his team be able to stop him? Or was someone else targeting her, and would they find him or her in time to keep Cassidy alive? He’d leave that concern for tomorrow. Tonight, he needed time to recuperate.
He ambled to his seat and collapsed in the chair. His muscles had stiffened, making it difficult to move without thought.
God, I don’t think I’ve thanked You enough for protecting us today. So, thank You again. But if You could make the bruises ache less, I’d appreciate it.
Pots and pans clanked, and “Silent Night” on the radio filtered in from the kitchen. Doug had disappeared in there a while ago, leaving Kyle to finish saying goodbye to their friends. He should go help, but his energy level had hit zero. He wanted to blame his injuries, but worry about Cassidy had sneaked in and taken hold.
“Doug said he’d make dinner while we rest.”
Kyle glanced up and found Cassidy watching him. “He’s a good guy.”
“That he is. A bit quiet and a little serious, but I can tell he’s a good friend.”
“A great friend and partner.” Kyle sighed. “He’s an introvert by nature, but circumstances have played a role in that as well.”
“After what you told me, I’m not surprised.” Cassidy scooted farther into the couch and held a throw pillow in her lap. “Is that why you’re more serious now? Circumstances?”
He opened his mouth then closed it. It was more than that. Now that he sat alone in the living room with Cassidy, uncertainty about what to say had dug in its claws. Dennis had encouraged him to clear the air between them, but doing so meant fessing up to his role on that horrible day. Did he dare go there?
God, Dennis was right. I need to put the past behind me and be the friend Cassidy needs. If You don’t mind, I need Your strength.
The apology teetered on his tongue but refused to fall. Come on, man up and say it. He sighed. “Cassidy.” Wow, this was harder than he’d imagined.
She tilted her head. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blamed you for Amber’s death. Since you commanded the raid, it made it easy to place the responsibility on you. I never should have done that.” The guilt gnawed at his gut. He needed to explain why. But the words soured in his throat.
Cassidy’s jaw dropped, and she stared at him. “I—I’m not sure what to say. Thank you for that. It couldn’t have been easy.”
A humorless laugh escaped. “Not at all. But there’s more.”
“Kyle. We had a great friendship before Amber’s death. I haven’t forgotten that. I hope you haven’t either.”
“Maybe for a moment—a nine-month moment.” He smiled.
“If I could, I’d bring Amber back to you. But I can’t.”
“I know. Deep down, I’ve always known. It’s my own guilt that kept me from acknowledging that.”
Cassidy picked up the hot tea Doug had brought her when the others left and cradled the mug in her hands. “Want to talk about it?”
Did he? He owed it to Cassidy to come clean. “I might have played a role in Amber’s death.”
She lifted her cup to her lips and froze. “And how do you think you did that?”
Kyle ran a hand through his hair. “Remember how I said hateful words to my parents before they died in a car accident?”
She took a sip of her tea and nodded.
“I did the same thing with Amber that day.” He swallowed hard.
Tears swam in Cassidy’s eyes. “I know.”
“If I had kept my angry words to myself... Wait, you do?”
“She was my best friend. Of course she told me about your argument.”
Kyle cringed. “I said things I regret.”
“Making her choose between her job and having kids? What were you thinking?” Her words held no bite but a kindness he hadn’t deserved.
He lowered his head and ran a hand through his hair. “I’d spent the night before consoling a Valley Springs PD officer’s children. She’d made a normal traffic stop, and an oncoming car clipped her as she walked back to her cruiser.” He blew out a long breath.
“Did she make it?”
“Yes. And she’s recovered and is back at work. But it shook me up thinking about Amber and when we had kids.” He pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I wanted to clock you for hurting my best friend, but it all makes more sense now.”
He hoped she understood, but still, it was no excuse for what he’d done. “It was my fault, not yours, that Amber died.”
Cassidy straightened in her seat. “Why on earth would you say that?”
“Because my angry words had to have taken her focus off of the job.”
She shook her head. “Kyle. Amber knew you loved her. She told me that morning that she was worried about you. You hadn’t explained, and she wondered what had happened.”
“What if it took her focus off the raid? And that’s why she breached early?”
Cassidy stared at her hands. “I don’t know the reason why she did it, but I’m confident her concentration was on the job.”
“That helps my guilt a bit. But I want to know why.” Kyle hated asking Cassidy. She’d been through enough pain.
“Someday the final pieces will fall into place. The memories are buried in here somewhere.” She tapped her temple. “I just can’t go there—not yet. It’s too real. The times I’ve tried—I feel the heat on my skin. Smell the fire.” She shook her head and took another sip of her hot tea.
The agony she endured that day had left scars, physical and emotional. He refused to cause her more pain. “Can we try to find our way back to our friendship?”
“I’d like that—a lot. I’ve missed you.”
Kyle’s heart beat a little too fast for her simple words. “Me too.”
Amber would be proud of him for letting go of his anger, but would she be happy that his feelings for Cassidy had risen above a friendship?
His gaze locked with hers. Did she feel the pull between them too?
Doug poked his head into the living room. “Dinner in five.”
“Thanks. We’ll be there.” He forced himself to look away from Cassidy. He stood and held out his hand. “We don’t want to keep Doug waiting.”
She accepted his gesture and rose to her feet. “I’m glad we talked. I hope it helped.”
“It did.” A little too much.
He glanced at the keypad by the front door, confirming he’d engaged the security system.
The task of keeping Cassidy alive had an all-new meaning, and he refused to fail.
EIGHT
The seat belt of Kyle’s rental truck cut into Cassidy’s sore shoulder. Her aches and pains from yesterday had dulled, but the reality of what had happened stuck with her.
Two times in her life, she’d come close to being blown up. This time she’d walked away with minor injuries. She flexed her hand, and her scarred skin pulled tight. A memory she’d love to forget.
I owe You a thanks, God. But I have to admit, it’s hard to feel You close after all that’s happened. Why are You so far away?
The explosion that took Amber’s life had wreaked havoc on Cassidy’s faith. She’d struggled to step foot in church. And her prayers felt like yelling down a long tunnel. The closeness she’d had with God had disappeared. For the life of her, she had no idea how to regain the intimate relationship with Him that she once had.
“We’ll be at the impound yard in about ten minutes.” Kyle adjusted the temperature of the vehicle. “Is that better?”
She glanced at him and back to the window. “It’s fine, thanks.” Her dilemma with God plagued her. She’d witnessed the ACSD group’s faith and had heard about their struggles. Why couldn’t she find her way back?
Buildings became sparse as they drove, giving way to a mix of open land and clusters of trees.
The knot in Cassidy’s stomach twisted tighter the closer they got. She hadn’t anticipated the impact that seeing her cousin’s wrecked car would have on her. Her time in the hospital and then work hadn’t allowed her the opportunity to examine the vehicle. She’d barely made it to Laura’s funeral. Compartmentalize, girl. That’s what she did on duty when tragedy stuck, and now she had to lean on that skill if she had any hope of not falling apart.
She straightened. “What do you make of the autopsy report?”
Kyle glanced at her. “The conflicting report of her BAL and no alcohol in her stomach?”
“It seems impossible, doesn’t it?”
“Can’t say I’ve heard of it happening before, but there has to be an explanation.” He drummed the steering wheel with his fingers. “Do you have any ideas?”
Cassidy shook her head. “I was hoping you did.”
He chuckled. “If there’s anything to find, the lab rats will find it.”
“I still can’t believe y’all call them that.” The more she heard about the sheriff’s department, the more it fascinated her. Rigid rules and seriousness no longer had the same appeal.
“They’re the best. And with Melanie overseeing them, it takes it to a whole new level.”
“Let’s hope we have something new for them to analyze.” Hope. There that word was again. The lack of hope in her life squeezed her heart. Someday it would return—maybe.
Kyle parked across the street from Ben’s Body Shop. “The yard is over there.” He pointed to an area to the side and behind the business.
Her jaw dropped at the single building with a small parking lot in front. Trees leading to a wooded area lined a large fenced-in section behind the shop. The place wasn’t remote but had a secluded feel to it. She had a hard time believing that the county didn’t have a place near the sheriff’s office. “This is the department’s impound yard?”
He grinned. “And VSPD’s. Ben is ex-army. He services all the vehicles and takes care of the yard. It’s a nice gig for him, and his security is tight, so the departments benefit too. Plus, when Doug joined the department, Ben had him come out and ramp up the system.”
“Sounds like it’s a win-win situation.”
“It really is.” Kyle tugged a tissue paper square from his pocket. “Don’t get mad, but I have something for you.”
“O-kay.” She drew out the word.
“I’d like you to wear this.” He handed her the paper, which held a small item. “It has a GPS inside.”
“Kyle.”
“Hear me out. Whoever is out to get you is determined. If we get separated, I want a way to find you.”
The man was treading on her independence, but how could she argue? The danger was real. She unwrapped the item. A gold chain with a cross pendant stared back at her. “It’s beautiful.”
A lopsided grin graced his face. “It reminded me of you.”
She put it on and tucked the cross inside her shirt. “Thank you for taking the precaution.”
Kyle shrugged and rested his hand on the door handle. “Ready?”
“Sure.” Cassidy zipped her coat and pulled on her gloves. When she opened the passenger side, the cold air whipped her hair across her face. She hooked her finger around the strand and tucked it behind her ear. “I think the temps have dropped even lower instead of warming this morning.”
Bundled up and evidence kit in hand, Kyle waited for her to join him, then crossed the street. “I heard on the news last night that we might get a white Christmas.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready for the holidays, but I guess I don’t have a choice.”
Kyle grew quiet, lost in his own thoughts. Due to his parents’ car accident on Christmas Eve, Cassidy knew through their previous conversations that this time of year brought up bad memories.
She placed a gloved hand on his forearm. “You okay?”
He blinked. “Yeah, let’s go.”
The hope he’d open up dissolved. But he had his reasons. She longed for the day that he’d trust her again.
They crossed the street and stepped onto the sidewalk next to the body shop’s tiny parking lot, which consisted of four spots. All of which were full. She assumed with vehicles waiting for service or for owners to come and pick them up.
“We need to go inside. I have to check in with Ben to gain access to the car.” Kyle motioned to the entrance.
“Not a problem.” Cassidy halted. “I forgot the file. It’s on the passenger seat. Go on, I’ll be back in a minute.”
“That’s okay. I’ll wait.” Kyle clicked the fob and unlocked the doors.
Cassidy jogged to the truck. Her muscles ached from the day before, but she pushed forward. She opened the driver’s door, leaned across the console and snagged the file she’d copied that morning for reference. She crawled out and waved the documents. “Got it.”
After closing the door and hearing Kyle click the locks with the car fob, she headed across the two-lane street.
An engine revved to her right.
She glanced in the direction of the sound.
A dark SUV picked up speed and aimed straight toward her.
She stood in the middle of the road, her brain frozen and her limbs numb. Her vision tunneled on the vehicle barreling toward her. She hyperfocused on the black bars of the grille guard. Her brain shouted at her to get out of the way, but her body refused to comply.
Cassidy forced her legs to move. She took two steps. The realization that she couldn’t escape struck her. She screamed.
“Cassidy!”
The force of the hit threw her across the road. Her body bounced. A hard object landed on top of her.
The engine rumbled and disappeared.
She tried to breathe, but her lungs refused to expand. Black dots swarmed behind her eyelids, and the world grew dark.
God, help me. I don’t want to die.
* * *
Kyle’s arms and legs trembled.
He’d seen the SUV coming straight at Cassidy and sprinted toward her, tackling her at the last moment. A second longer, they both would have been the victim of a hit-and-run.
“Cassidy?” He rolled off her. “Cassidy, talk to me.”
“Help is on the way.” Kyle glanced up to see Ben standing over him. “Anything I can do?”
Kyle hadn’t heard Ben approach, but he appreciated the man’s quick thinking. “Did you get a license plate?”
“No, but my cameras pointing at the street should give us that.” Ben jutted his chin at Cassidy. “You tackle like a linebacker. Your lady’s gonna feel it tomorrow.”
His lady? His gaze traveled to Cassidy. He brushed the hair from her face and checked her pulse. A steady thump met his fingertips. “I hope I didn’t crack a rib.”
“Better than dead.” Ben had a point.
“True.” Kyle cupped her cheek, careful not to touch the new scrape she’d acquired. “Cassidy, honey, wake up. Tell me you’re okay.”
She groaned, and her eyes fluttered open. “Kyle?” she gasped.
“I’m right here.” He clasped her fingers.
“Can’t. Breathe.”
Kyle’s hand shook as he ran his gaze over her looking for a serious injury. “Ben, I need help now!”
“Easy there, buddy.” Ben crouched on the other side of Cassidy. “I think she got the wind knocked out of her.”
Please, God, let it be that.
“Try to breathe deep.” Kyle’s voice quavered, but he didn’t care. She could have died.
She nodded. After a couple of minutes, her breathing evened out. “The car hit me.”
He shook his head. “No, Cass. That was me. I’m sorry if I hurt you.”
“’S okay.” Her words slurred a bit as she continued to struggle with her breathing. She took in a lungful of air. “Thank you.”
“Glad to help.” He smiled.
Her brows pulled together. “You’re bleeding.”
He scanned his arms and torso. A blotch of red grew in diameter on his shirt. He’d taken her to the ground, and his side had taken the brunt of the force against the concrete curb. “I must have scraped it.”
After agreeing to continue their investigations tomorrow, Jason took Melanie home to rest, and Dennis followed behind to join his wife and daughters for dinner.
Kyle walked Keith to the door and stood, hand on its edge, as he lowered his voice. “Did you finish your assessment?”
“I did.” Keith grabbed his coat from the hook.
“And?”
“I found nothing that leads me to think someone from an old case or an ex-boyfriend is out to get Cassidy.”
“No one?”
“Nope. I’m still digging, but I think I’m going in the wrong direction.”
“That leaves random, or did she stumble upon something?”
“My skepticism says there’s no serial killer, but she is right about one thing...there are too many holes. There’s something about each case that feels wrong.”
Kyle hadn’t expected to agree, but he’d be stupid not to at least entertain the idea.
Keith zipped his coat and stepped outside. “Call if you need anything.”
“You know I will.”
His friend turned to face him. “I know a bit of what you’re going through, and it’s not easy to ask for help or admit your own struggles. Please don’t make the same mistakes I did.”
The muscles in Kyle’s neck eased. His friend cared. And he appreciated it. “Thanks. I promise I’ll ask for help if I need it.”
Keith gave a quick nod. “Good enough. See you tomorrow.”
“Tell Amy and Connor hi for me.”
A smile graced his friend’s face. “Absolutely.” Keith jogged to his SUV and waved as he pulled from the driveway.
Kyle shut the door, flipped the lock and set the alarm. Not for the first time, he was grateful for the high-level security system Doug had installed.
Since the group discussion, his worry had skyrocketed. Had a serial killer fooled all those law enforcement officers? Would his team be able to stop him? Or was someone else targeting her, and would they find him or her in time to keep Cassidy alive? He’d leave that concern for tomorrow. Tonight, he needed time to recuperate.
He ambled to his seat and collapsed in the chair. His muscles had stiffened, making it difficult to move without thought.
God, I don’t think I’ve thanked You enough for protecting us today. So, thank You again. But if You could make the bruises ache less, I’d appreciate it.
Pots and pans clanked, and “Silent Night” on the radio filtered in from the kitchen. Doug had disappeared in there a while ago, leaving Kyle to finish saying goodbye to their friends. He should go help, but his energy level had hit zero. He wanted to blame his injuries, but worry about Cassidy had sneaked in and taken hold.
“Doug said he’d make dinner while we rest.”
Kyle glanced up and found Cassidy watching him. “He’s a good guy.”
“That he is. A bit quiet and a little serious, but I can tell he’s a good friend.”
“A great friend and partner.” Kyle sighed. “He’s an introvert by nature, but circumstances have played a role in that as well.”
“After what you told me, I’m not surprised.” Cassidy scooted farther into the couch and held a throw pillow in her lap. “Is that why you’re more serious now? Circumstances?”
He opened his mouth then closed it. It was more than that. Now that he sat alone in the living room with Cassidy, uncertainty about what to say had dug in its claws. Dennis had encouraged him to clear the air between them, but doing so meant fessing up to his role on that horrible day. Did he dare go there?
God, Dennis was right. I need to put the past behind me and be the friend Cassidy needs. If You don’t mind, I need Your strength.
The apology teetered on his tongue but refused to fall. Come on, man up and say it. He sighed. “Cassidy.” Wow, this was harder than he’d imagined.
She tilted her head. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blamed you for Amber’s death. Since you commanded the raid, it made it easy to place the responsibility on you. I never should have done that.” The guilt gnawed at his gut. He needed to explain why. But the words soured in his throat.
Cassidy’s jaw dropped, and she stared at him. “I—I’m not sure what to say. Thank you for that. It couldn’t have been easy.”
A humorless laugh escaped. “Not at all. But there’s more.”
“Kyle. We had a great friendship before Amber’s death. I haven’t forgotten that. I hope you haven’t either.”
“Maybe for a moment—a nine-month moment.” He smiled.
“If I could, I’d bring Amber back to you. But I can’t.”
“I know. Deep down, I’ve always known. It’s my own guilt that kept me from acknowledging that.”
Cassidy picked up the hot tea Doug had brought her when the others left and cradled the mug in her hands. “Want to talk about it?”
Did he? He owed it to Cassidy to come clean. “I might have played a role in Amber’s death.”
She lifted her cup to her lips and froze. “And how do you think you did that?”
Kyle ran a hand through his hair. “Remember how I said hateful words to my parents before they died in a car accident?”
She took a sip of her tea and nodded.
“I did the same thing with Amber that day.” He swallowed hard.
Tears swam in Cassidy’s eyes. “I know.”
“If I had kept my angry words to myself... Wait, you do?”
“She was my best friend. Of course she told me about your argument.”
Kyle cringed. “I said things I regret.”
“Making her choose between her job and having kids? What were you thinking?” Her words held no bite but a kindness he hadn’t deserved.
He lowered his head and ran a hand through his hair. “I’d spent the night before consoling a Valley Springs PD officer’s children. She’d made a normal traffic stop, and an oncoming car clipped her as she walked back to her cruiser.” He blew out a long breath.
“Did she make it?”
“Yes. And she’s recovered and is back at work. But it shook me up thinking about Amber and when we had kids.” He pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I wanted to clock you for hurting my best friend, but it all makes more sense now.”
He hoped she understood, but still, it was no excuse for what he’d done. “It was my fault, not yours, that Amber died.”
Cassidy straightened in her seat. “Why on earth would you say that?”
“Because my angry words had to have taken her focus off of the job.”
She shook her head. “Kyle. Amber knew you loved her. She told me that morning that she was worried about you. You hadn’t explained, and she wondered what had happened.”
“What if it took her focus off the raid? And that’s why she breached early?”
Cassidy stared at her hands. “I don’t know the reason why she did it, but I’m confident her concentration was on the job.”
“That helps my guilt a bit. But I want to know why.” Kyle hated asking Cassidy. She’d been through enough pain.
“Someday the final pieces will fall into place. The memories are buried in here somewhere.” She tapped her temple. “I just can’t go there—not yet. It’s too real. The times I’ve tried—I feel the heat on my skin. Smell the fire.” She shook her head and took another sip of her hot tea.
The agony she endured that day had left scars, physical and emotional. He refused to cause her more pain. “Can we try to find our way back to our friendship?”
“I’d like that—a lot. I’ve missed you.”
Kyle’s heart beat a little too fast for her simple words. “Me too.”
Amber would be proud of him for letting go of his anger, but would she be happy that his feelings for Cassidy had risen above a friendship?
His gaze locked with hers. Did she feel the pull between them too?
Doug poked his head into the living room. “Dinner in five.”
“Thanks. We’ll be there.” He forced himself to look away from Cassidy. He stood and held out his hand. “We don’t want to keep Doug waiting.”
She accepted his gesture and rose to her feet. “I’m glad we talked. I hope it helped.”
“It did.” A little too much.
He glanced at the keypad by the front door, confirming he’d engaged the security system.
The task of keeping Cassidy alive had an all-new meaning, and he refused to fail.
EIGHT
The seat belt of Kyle’s rental truck cut into Cassidy’s sore shoulder. Her aches and pains from yesterday had dulled, but the reality of what had happened stuck with her.
Two times in her life, she’d come close to being blown up. This time she’d walked away with minor injuries. She flexed her hand, and her scarred skin pulled tight. A memory she’d love to forget.
I owe You a thanks, God. But I have to admit, it’s hard to feel You close after all that’s happened. Why are You so far away?
The explosion that took Amber’s life had wreaked havoc on Cassidy’s faith. She’d struggled to step foot in church. And her prayers felt like yelling down a long tunnel. The closeness she’d had with God had disappeared. For the life of her, she had no idea how to regain the intimate relationship with Him that she once had.
“We’ll be at the impound yard in about ten minutes.” Kyle adjusted the temperature of the vehicle. “Is that better?”
She glanced at him and back to the window. “It’s fine, thanks.” Her dilemma with God plagued her. She’d witnessed the ACSD group’s faith and had heard about their struggles. Why couldn’t she find her way back?
Buildings became sparse as they drove, giving way to a mix of open land and clusters of trees.
The knot in Cassidy’s stomach twisted tighter the closer they got. She hadn’t anticipated the impact that seeing her cousin’s wrecked car would have on her. Her time in the hospital and then work hadn’t allowed her the opportunity to examine the vehicle. She’d barely made it to Laura’s funeral. Compartmentalize, girl. That’s what she did on duty when tragedy stuck, and now she had to lean on that skill if she had any hope of not falling apart.
She straightened. “What do you make of the autopsy report?”
Kyle glanced at her. “The conflicting report of her BAL and no alcohol in her stomach?”
“It seems impossible, doesn’t it?”
“Can’t say I’ve heard of it happening before, but there has to be an explanation.” He drummed the steering wheel with his fingers. “Do you have any ideas?”
Cassidy shook her head. “I was hoping you did.”
He chuckled. “If there’s anything to find, the lab rats will find it.”
“I still can’t believe y’all call them that.” The more she heard about the sheriff’s department, the more it fascinated her. Rigid rules and seriousness no longer had the same appeal.
“They’re the best. And with Melanie overseeing them, it takes it to a whole new level.”
“Let’s hope we have something new for them to analyze.” Hope. There that word was again. The lack of hope in her life squeezed her heart. Someday it would return—maybe.
Kyle parked across the street from Ben’s Body Shop. “The yard is over there.” He pointed to an area to the side and behind the business.
Her jaw dropped at the single building with a small parking lot in front. Trees leading to a wooded area lined a large fenced-in section behind the shop. The place wasn’t remote but had a secluded feel to it. She had a hard time believing that the county didn’t have a place near the sheriff’s office. “This is the department’s impound yard?”
He grinned. “And VSPD’s. Ben is ex-army. He services all the vehicles and takes care of the yard. It’s a nice gig for him, and his security is tight, so the departments benefit too. Plus, when Doug joined the department, Ben had him come out and ramp up the system.”
“Sounds like it’s a win-win situation.”
“It really is.” Kyle tugged a tissue paper square from his pocket. “Don’t get mad, but I have something for you.”
“O-kay.” She drew out the word.
“I’d like you to wear this.” He handed her the paper, which held a small item. “It has a GPS inside.”
“Kyle.”
“Hear me out. Whoever is out to get you is determined. If we get separated, I want a way to find you.”
The man was treading on her independence, but how could she argue? The danger was real. She unwrapped the item. A gold chain with a cross pendant stared back at her. “It’s beautiful.”
A lopsided grin graced his face. “It reminded me of you.”
She put it on and tucked the cross inside her shirt. “Thank you for taking the precaution.”
Kyle shrugged and rested his hand on the door handle. “Ready?”
“Sure.” Cassidy zipped her coat and pulled on her gloves. When she opened the passenger side, the cold air whipped her hair across her face. She hooked her finger around the strand and tucked it behind her ear. “I think the temps have dropped even lower instead of warming this morning.”
Bundled up and evidence kit in hand, Kyle waited for her to join him, then crossed the street. “I heard on the news last night that we might get a white Christmas.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready for the holidays, but I guess I don’t have a choice.”
Kyle grew quiet, lost in his own thoughts. Due to his parents’ car accident on Christmas Eve, Cassidy knew through their previous conversations that this time of year brought up bad memories.
She placed a gloved hand on his forearm. “You okay?”
He blinked. “Yeah, let’s go.”
The hope he’d open up dissolved. But he had his reasons. She longed for the day that he’d trust her again.
They crossed the street and stepped onto the sidewalk next to the body shop’s tiny parking lot, which consisted of four spots. All of which were full. She assumed with vehicles waiting for service or for owners to come and pick them up.
“We need to go inside. I have to check in with Ben to gain access to the car.” Kyle motioned to the entrance.
“Not a problem.” Cassidy halted. “I forgot the file. It’s on the passenger seat. Go on, I’ll be back in a minute.”
“That’s okay. I’ll wait.” Kyle clicked the fob and unlocked the doors.
Cassidy jogged to the truck. Her muscles ached from the day before, but she pushed forward. She opened the driver’s door, leaned across the console and snagged the file she’d copied that morning for reference. She crawled out and waved the documents. “Got it.”
After closing the door and hearing Kyle click the locks with the car fob, she headed across the two-lane street.
An engine revved to her right.
She glanced in the direction of the sound.
A dark SUV picked up speed and aimed straight toward her.
She stood in the middle of the road, her brain frozen and her limbs numb. Her vision tunneled on the vehicle barreling toward her. She hyperfocused on the black bars of the grille guard. Her brain shouted at her to get out of the way, but her body refused to comply.
Cassidy forced her legs to move. She took two steps. The realization that she couldn’t escape struck her. She screamed.
“Cassidy!”
The force of the hit threw her across the road. Her body bounced. A hard object landed on top of her.
The engine rumbled and disappeared.
She tried to breathe, but her lungs refused to expand. Black dots swarmed behind her eyelids, and the world grew dark.
God, help me. I don’t want to die.
* * *
Kyle’s arms and legs trembled.
He’d seen the SUV coming straight at Cassidy and sprinted toward her, tackling her at the last moment. A second longer, they both would have been the victim of a hit-and-run.
“Cassidy?” He rolled off her. “Cassidy, talk to me.”
“Help is on the way.” Kyle glanced up to see Ben standing over him. “Anything I can do?”
Kyle hadn’t heard Ben approach, but he appreciated the man’s quick thinking. “Did you get a license plate?”
“No, but my cameras pointing at the street should give us that.” Ben jutted his chin at Cassidy. “You tackle like a linebacker. Your lady’s gonna feel it tomorrow.”
His lady? His gaze traveled to Cassidy. He brushed the hair from her face and checked her pulse. A steady thump met his fingertips. “I hope I didn’t crack a rib.”
“Better than dead.” Ben had a point.
“True.” Kyle cupped her cheek, careful not to touch the new scrape she’d acquired. “Cassidy, honey, wake up. Tell me you’re okay.”
She groaned, and her eyes fluttered open. “Kyle?” she gasped.
“I’m right here.” He clasped her fingers.
“Can’t. Breathe.”
Kyle’s hand shook as he ran his gaze over her looking for a serious injury. “Ben, I need help now!”
“Easy there, buddy.” Ben crouched on the other side of Cassidy. “I think she got the wind knocked out of her.”
Please, God, let it be that.
“Try to breathe deep.” Kyle’s voice quavered, but he didn’t care. She could have died.
She nodded. After a couple of minutes, her breathing evened out. “The car hit me.”
He shook his head. “No, Cass. That was me. I’m sorry if I hurt you.”
“’S okay.” Her words slurred a bit as she continued to struggle with her breathing. She took in a lungful of air. “Thank you.”
“Glad to help.” He smiled.
Her brows pulled together. “You’re bleeding.”
He scanned his arms and torso. A blotch of red grew in diameter on his shirt. He’d taken her to the ground, and his side had taken the brunt of the force against the concrete curb. “I must have scraped it.”
