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Whether he wanted to or not.
“If that is what you want,” John said, shooting a glare at Brian.
Adele didn’t want to pit the two men against each other. But this was her life. She’d promised herself a long time ago she would be the one in charge of her own destiny. She wasn’t about to break the promise she’d made to herself. “It is.”
She may or may not come to regret the decision she’d made to forgo Senator John Ortega’s offer of help. Time would tell. She was loath to analyze the reason she’d chosen Brian over John. Maybe her decision stemmed from the surety that if she’d agreed to let John see her home, he would interpret the concession as an invitation to be more involved in her life. Not going to happen.
With Brian, there would be an expiration date on his attention. As soon as the courtroom bomber was caught, she’d be free to live her life.
“Now that that is settled...” Brian’s voice was a tad too chipper for her liking. She narrowed her gaze on him as he continued. “Let’s get you home.”
“I want to check on my staff.” Determined to do just that, she stepped away only to have Brian snag her by the elbow, drawing her up against him.
“We can get a situation report on them later,” he said, his intense gaze boring into her. “Your safety is paramount.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying. Maybe you can talk sense into her,” John said with a clear plaintive tone.
After grinding her teeth at John’s irritating words and extracting herself from Brian’s touch, she managed to say politely to the senator, “Shouldn’t you go check on Prosecutor Fitch?”
“Of course.” John’s expression softened. “Adele, if you need anything, you let me know. Promise me.”
His concern was genuine. He really did care. Guilt pricked her conscience and she fought to stay true to her decision. Sentiment wouldn’t derail her course now. “I will, John. Thank you.”
Holding her gaze for a moment, his thoughts inscrutable, John nodded and then faced Brian, his expression hardening. “If anything happens to her, I will hold you accountable.”
Brian inclined his head but the impatience in his eyes was unmistakable. “Duly noted.”
Obviously, Brian didn’t like being threatened. But who did? Adele watched the senator move away, his stride confident while he deftly talked to the press, certainly giving good sound bites for the news cycle. John did like to shine. Maybe that was what kept her from allowing him into her life. She didn’t want the limelight.
Some would say being a judge disproved that idea, but from the bench she was an observer who kept a neutral stance. Her function was to guide and see that rules were followed.
The moment the senator was out of earshot, she said to Brian, “Thank you.”
Mild surprise flared in Brian’s green eyes. “For what?”
Not wanting to admit her relief at being out from beneath the senator’s attentions, she said, “I would appreciate it if you investigated who blew up my courtroom and why.”
His eyebrows dipped. “A full investigation will be done.”
Adele refused to flinch beneath the intensity of his narrowed green-eyed gaze. Did he think to intimidate her? She’d faced down arrogant lawyers, malicious criminals, and everything in between. She’d developed a thick shell that not even a handsome US deputy marshal would be able to breach.
“I’m sticking close to you,” he murmured so low she almost imagined the words.
Her mouth dried. He was declaring his intention. Sticking close to her. “What exactly does that mean?”
“Twenty-four-seven. Around-the-clock protection. Where you go, I go. Just consider me a part of your world from now on.”
Her chest grew tight. This was of her own doing. She’d chosen the deputy over John. Now she had to squirm her way out of the decision she’d made. “It’s really not necessary. I only told John you would be providing me protection to make him back off. Clearly, the bombing today was meant to take out Tomas Garcia. I’m confident I am no longer in danger. And your protection is not needed.”
“As much as I appreciate your confidence that you are no longer in danger, I beg to differ.” Brian widened his stance and crossed his arms over his broad chest.
The stubborn line of his jaw didn’t bode well.
“We don’t know who the intended target was or why,” he continued. “Yes, it could have been an attempt on Garcia’s life. But assumptions always leave a bad taste in my mouth. Until we have answers, you are mine to protect.”
THREE
An antsy restlessness had Adele tapping her foot, which caused a riot of pain in her thigh. She clenched her jaw and froze. She was wasting time arguing with the man. Best to go along for now until she could extricate herself from the circumstances. “Fine. But I need to check on my staff before we leave. I will not be settled until I know that they are all right.”
“If the paramedics are ready to release you, then we will check on your staff.”
Adele wasn’t sure what to make of his acquiescence but decided not to push him any further. She turned to the paramedic standing by, pretending not to listen. “Well? Can I leave?”
“Ma’am, I suggest you let us take you to the hospital for sutures. The butterfly bandages may not hold for long. And I’d recommend a head CT. You have a contusion on your forehead.”
“I’m standing upright. I know my name. I’m good,” Adele countered.
“I’ll make sure she is seen by a doctor,” Brian interjected.
The paramedic nodded and handed Adele a clipboard. “Please sign here that you are declining transport.”
Quickly signing the document, she handed back the clipboard. “I appreciate your concern and your help today. I’m sure there are others who could use your assistance.”
Once the paramedic walked away, she said to Brian, “Now, may I see to my staff?”
“As you wish.” He gestured for her to precede him.
She frowned, wondering if he’d quoted from her favorite movie on purpose?
But she was not some farm girl to his farm boy.
There would be no happily-ever-after, riding off on a white horse.
She strode away from the ambulance, aware of Brian right on her heels. With each step, her leg throbbed. Soon, she couldn’t keep from limping. She started when Brian stepped closer and put an arm around her waist, taking some of her weight.
“Lean on me,” he said.
That was the last thing she wanted to do. She didn’t want to need anyone. Doing so would only end badly. But in this instance, she had to take his offered help. Her objective was the well-being of her staff, and the price was having to rely on Deputy Brian Forrester.
Aware of the many gazes tracking them as she allowed Brian to help her, they walked around to the front of the building where the police officers had set up a barricade to keep the media at bay.
“What’s up with you and the senator?” Brian asked.
The heat from his touch burned through her judge’s robe. “Nothing.”
“Didn’t seem like nothing,” he murmured.
She didn’t respond. No way would she confide that the senator wanted more than a friendship from her or the reasons she’d chosen to avoid romantic entanglements. The past needed to stay in the past. Yet the significance of the parole hearing notice in her pocket weighed heavy on her and raised so many questions. Questions that she couldn’t pursue the answers for at the moment.
As they approached his boss, Adele straightened away from Brian but was careful to keep weight off her injured leg. She searched the area, but all she saw was the swarm of jurors and more courthouse employees among the emergency personnel and media.
“Marshal Armstrong,” Adele said, “can you please tell me what has happened to my staff?”
“Judge Weston,” Marshal Armstrong said, “your injured staff members have been transported to the hospital for care.”
Adele swallowed the panic and fear and sorrow clogging her throat. Though they were staff and she couldn’t claim a close relationship with any of them, she still felt the weight of responsibility for their welfare. “I heard that Rachel Brown was in critical condition. Is she alive?”
“Last I heard, yes,” Gavin replied.
Somewhat relieved to hear this, Adele turned to Brian. “I’ll go to the hospital now.”
The marshal and Brian exchanged a look rife with lots of meaning that Adele wasn’t quite sure how to interpret. But she didn’t care. She wouldn’t be put off. “Now, please.”
Gavin’s gaze probed her before he said, “Deputy Forrester will take you to the hospital then he’ll take you home.”
Brian nodded to his boss. “Can I have the keys to one of the vehicles?”
Marshal Armstrong tugged keys from his pocket. “Take my rig. Jace and I will take his to the hospital.”
Accepting the keys, Brian said, “Yes, sir.”
Another marshal jogged up to them. A tall man with brown hair and hooded eyes beneath a cowboy hat. He gave her an assessing once-over before his gaze flicked to Brian. “This must be the judge.”
“Judge Weston,” Gavin said, “this is Deputy Jace Armstrong.”
Surprise washed over her. “Your son?”
Jace grinned, transforming his demeanor. He was a handsome man, but he didn’t make her heart flutter the way Brian did. Though why she was even making a comparison between the two marshals, she didn’t know. She gave herself a mental head slap. Her judgment when it came to men was faulty. Best to ignore any inclining of attraction or emotional attachment. Brian was only a means to an end and wouldn’t be around too long.
“I am the marshal’s son,” Jace said. “Though sometimes he doesn’t like to admit it.”
Marshal Armstrong rolled his eyes. “Not true.” He shifted his focus to Brian. “We’ll see you at the hospital.” To his son, he said, “Let’s go talk to Tomas Garcia. You’re driving.”
The two men walked away. Adele looked up at Brian, saw the small frown marring his expression. “Do you regret not being able to go with them?”
He faced her, his countenance transforming into a vestige of charm, sending her heart rate soaring. “What?” He cocked his head as if puzzled, but there was amusement in his eyes. “And give up the prettiest assignment I’ve had in a very long time?”
Adele dipped her chin. No, no, no. She didn’t want this man charming her even though his grin made her stomach do little flip-flops and his words seeped into the edges of her defenses.
Steeling herself against his appeal, she said, “Can we please go now?”
“Right this way. Your chariot awaits.” He tightened his hold around her and guided her toward the black unmarked SUV waiting near the curb.
* * *
The moment she settled into the SUV and buckled her seat belt, Adele slumped down and rested against the doorframe as if the exhaustion of living through a bombing had finally caught up to her. And she was hurting, if the grimace twisting her pretty face was any indication.
Brian really needed to get her to the hospital where she could get some pain relief. Though he doubted she would take anything. She seemed the type who would grit it out. He couldn’t fault her because he was the same.
A disturbing prickle at the back of Brian’s neck had his muscles tensing and his nerves stretching taut as he drove through the chaotic downtown San Antonio traffic. He kept one eye on the rearview mirror. A white sedan had pulled out onto the road after them when they’d left the courthouse parking lot and was staying at least four cars behind as they crossed town.
Instead of going left toward the hospital, he took a sudden right, heading back downtown.
Adele grabbed the dashboard. “What are you doing? The hospital’s that way.”
Deciding not to sugarcoat the situation or keep anything from her, he said, “We have a tail.”
“Are you sure?” She twisted in her seat to stare through the back window. “There’s a lot of traffic. How can you know that any of the cars are intentionally following us?”
Slanting her a glance, he couldn’t keep the dryness from his tone, “I’ve been at this job for a long time. I can spot a tail.”
She swiveled to stare at him. “I’m not questioning your abilities.”
He flashed her a grin. “Good to know.”
“It’s most likely the media,” she said. “Is my going to the hospital a secret?”
“Not a secret.” But getting her home undetected would be a priority. At the next stoplight, he slowed despite the green light. When the light turned red, instead of stopping, he hit the gas and sped through the intersection, hooked a left, crossing traffic and leaving behind a blare of screeching tires and honking horns.
He could feel Adele’s startled gaze on him.
Slowly, she peeled her fingers off the vinyl dashboard. “If I didn’t have a headache before, I certainly do now. Thanks.”
He grimaced, not liking that he’d added to her pain or the barely detected quiver in her tone. But he had to admire this woman’s spunk. No hysterics. No barrage of “poor me.”
Pulling into the four-story parking garage, he took the ramp to the third floor where he knew they could step right into the hospital without having to take an elevator or the stairs. Choosing a spot near the entrance, he backed into the space. He preferred wheels facing front for a quicker exit.
When Adele reached for the door handle, he put out a hand, stopping short of touching her. “Sit tight. I’ll come around.”
“I’m perfectly—”
“No.”
She heaved a sigh but put her hand back in her lap. He popped open his door and stepped out, shutting the door behind him then locking the doors. He stood, listening, waiting for anything to trip his internal warning system that had saved his life in the past, leaving him with only a few scars.
After a heartbeat, he walked around to the passenger’s-side door, again pausing for one second longer. He took a breath. Though he believed he’d lost their tail, the need for caution demanded he be alert.
If it were up to him, he’d take her far out of town to a rural hospital where there would be little chance of anyone bothering her. But she wouldn’t go easily or quietly. She wanted to personally check on her staff. And his boss was expecting him here. He hit the fob, unlocking the doors.
Before he could even reach for the handle, she popped the door open and pushed it into him. “I do not like being locked in.”
She hopped out, ignoring his extended hand, and winced as her injured leg hit the ground. Stubborn woman.
He shoved the door shut and armed the vehicle’s alarm. He put his hand to her back.
She stiffened and stepped away. “Do you know where my staff are?”
Checking his phone as they walked inside, he noted Jace had texted that were already on site at the hospital. Brian shot off a quick text letting Jace know they were on their way inside. “Twelfth floor.”
They took the elevator. Passing the nurses’ station, he nodded to the curious hospital staff and kept Adele moving toward the cluster of US marshals at the end of the hall. Gavin and Jace stepped away from the other marshals.
“The judge needs to be seen,” Brian told his boss.
Adele shot him a glare. “After I check my staff.”
“Judge Weston,” Gavin said, his gaze bouncing between Adele and Brian, “I agree with my deputy. Let’s have your injuries seen by a doctor. Then we will direct you to your staff.”
“The paramedics did a fine job assessing me. They released me.” Adele’s firm tone suggested she was ready for a fight.
“Only at your insistence,” Brian interjected, hoping to head her off. “The paramedic recommended you be seen by a doctor. That is what’s going to happen.”
Without waiting for her permission, he waved to one of the gawking nurses. “We need a doctor to examine her wounds.”
“Right away,” the young nurse said and hurried off. Presumably to get a doctor.
Another nurse stepped up. “Let’s get you in a room. This way.”
Adele glared at him then heaved a sigh and lifted her chin as she followed the nurse to an exam room.
Brian moved to follow them when Gavin said, “Brian, I want you to join us while we question Tomas.”
“But the judge—” Despite not wanting this assignment, he took his duties seriously.
“She will be perfectly safe.” Gavin gestured for another deputy marshal to join them. “Conlan, you stay here. Don’t let anybody in.”
Deputy Joe Conlan, late twenties, tall, with close-cropped hair beneath a brown cowboy hat, took a position by the door. “Yes, sir.”
Brian didn’t know Conlan very well. The younger man had come on after Brian had transferred to the California office. Sometime in the year or so he’d been gone, there were a few new deputies on board and a few who’d transferred to other offices. Like Jace. Brian often wondered if finding love and changing his whole life for a woman would turn out well for his friend. He prayed so, even if Brian knew he would never succumb to that fate.
Sparing one last glance at the closed door, he moved down the hall with his boss and Jace. Two US deputy marshals, who were part of the prison transport system, stood outside an exam room. Both of the men nodded as Gavin led the way into the room.
Tomas Garcia lay propped up in the hospital bed, both hands cuffed to the railings on either side of him, his legs shackled to the footboard. Monitors beeped. An IV dripped into his arm. The man looked ages older than he had the last time Brian had laid eyes on him. His cheeks had sunken. His once-thick hair had thinned. His dark eyes, however, had lost none of their menace.
“To what do I owe this torture?” Tomas asked.
“We have some questions,” Gavin said.
Tomas turned his face away. “I don’t have answers.”
