Page 13 of Target Acquired

“When are you going to start reading your texts?”

“I saw them.”

“You saw them but didn’t read them. You’re the absolute worst when it comes to communicating by text, my friend.”

“I know. I’ll catch up before I go to bed, I promise.”

“It’s not necessarily a bad thing that you don’t have your nose in your phone all the time.”

“I hate the thing, to be honest. But I know it’s a necessary evil.”

“You’re hilarious. Get some sleep and we’ll talk later. Night.”

“Night.” Kenzie hung up. She might not have much interest in her personal phone, but her work phone was different. She checked it regularly and kept it turned on with the volume up at all times.

She dug her personal phone out of her purse and tapped the screen. She scrolled through the messages and a wave of gratitude swept over her. It hadn’t been that long ago she’d been doing nothing but working, focusing on her goal of finishing medical school and getting on SWAT, knowing the obstacles she would face if she ever found herself on Lake City’s all-male team. She’d been lonely and tired and had thought of quitting more than once. Then, thanks to a bullet graze, she’d been sent to the hospital where Lainie had walked into her life and befriended her within seconds.

And brought her into this circle of friends without hesitation. In addition to Lainie, there was Jesslyn McCormick, a fire marshal, and Kristine Duncan, an air marshal. And, of course, Stephanie Cross, Lainie’s best friend since childhood. Jesslyn, Lainie, Kristine, Allison, and Steph had a special relationship, but they’d all pulled Kenzie into the midst, making her feel welcome without the slightest hint of awkward.

At the time, Kenzie hadn’t realized Cole was a part of that group, and when she’d discovered it, she almost pulled away but couldn’t quite bring herself to give up her newfound community. A community that she’d craved for as long as she could remember.

Just thinking about Cole made her antsy. His on-again, off-again attitude was about to drive her up the proverbial wall. Today he’d been more on than off. And offering to go running with her? What was he really up to? His explanation about trying to set an example for the guys made sense, but she wasn’t sure she believed it.

Not that Cole had ever lied to her before. That she knew of anyway.

She was too tired to think about it. The call with Lainie had perked her up a bit, but that was long gone, and now she wanted nothing more than to crash. She didn’t even have the energy for that bubble bath. After a quick supper of leftover chicken pot pie, she changed into sweats and an old T-shirt, then turned on the gas logs—best upgrade she’d done to the house thus far—curled up on the couch, and aimed the remote at the flat-screen on the wall.

Unfortunately, not even Tom Cruise and his top gun flying abilities could keep her mind from reliving the day. The moment she’d rushed in to find Cowboy’s head drenched with his blood, to the moment in the hospital where she felt—if only for a moment—that she belonged with the unit. And then almost getting flattened by the car with the careless driver.

She might not always read her texts in a timely manner, but she had no problem sending one when it suited her purpose. She pulled up Cole’s number.

Any news on who the car belonged to?

Just got the answer. The plate didn’t belong to the vehicle. The owner didn’t even realize it was gone. So, no way to trace the one that nearly ran you down.

His response was almost instantaneous. She shook her head. Did all of her friends stay glued to their phone? Three little dots said he had more information coming.

I’ll be honest. That whole incident makes me a little nervous. Like there’s more to it than just a random close call.

You think he WANTED to run me over?

I don’t know, but it sure looked like it.

Right.

Anything else weird been going on for you?

Like someone trying to turn me into roadkill? No.

Well, that’s good.

I’m restless, though. I’m going to go get in a workout and hope that takes the edge off. See you in the morning.

Night, King.

Kenzie stared at the words for a brief second before swinging her legs over the side of the couch and standing. Why was he being so nice all of a sudden? Not that he was ever mean, but . . .

She went into a stretching routine and, once she had the kinks out, headed to the kitchen and down the stairs to her basement, skipping the one that squeaked out of childhood habit.

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