Page 45 of Asher

BOOM!

“He’s destroying your beautiful house, Kelsey,” Marlowe whined.

“He can have the house,” she whispered. “It’s not what’s important, is it?”

“No, but—”

“There are no buts. I know what it’s like to lose everything, remember? Trust me. That creep out there can have the house. Everything that’s important to me is in this room. Well, almost everything. I do wish the guys were here with us.”

“Oh,” was all Marlowe said.

The deadly quiet in the safe room was rife with undercurrents of worry and fear. These women weren’t fooling anyone. Kelsey might act tough and in charge, but Marlowe knew better. Women in love can’t disguise the feelings for their husbands.

Her heart flew to Asher. Where was he now? Right now. Was he safe? In hands as good as the hands that had cared for Marlowe when she’d woken up and found herself in Virginia? Or was he alone with no one to speak gently to him and comfort him?

BANG!Another loud noise and the walls shook. Then another! What was happening outside of this room? Were Harley, Walker, and Maverick still safe? Were those noises their weapons or were they Tippetts’ guns? Did Jamah have superior weaponry built into that weird wheelchair?

The suspense was too much. Marlowe bowed her head and prayed.Please don’t let us die here tonight, Lord. Keep us and our men safe. Guide them as they rid this world of the despicable evil that has come for these tiny children.

Her gaze settled on Alex and Kelsey’s perfect little boy. Bradley was still asleep. His arms were spread wide, like only a child who had never known fear or death could be. He trusted his mother and his father.Be the great protector of women and children that I know You are. Only You, through the capable hands of our men, can win this battle against evil. Inspire Harley and Walker and Maverick. Guide them. Watch over them. Please help them win.

Another loud boom and a crash and this time tiny dust particles sifted down from the ceiling. The house still stood firm on its foundation, but Marlowe felt the vibrations down to her soul.Please Father, bless Harley and Maverick and Walker to end the murderers who dared breach this home. Bless their aims to be true.

Tiny cracks spider-webbed the white painted wall alongside one window casement. The windows weren’t cracked or shattered. Neither was the ceiling. She didn’t smell smoke or fire. The safe room, maybe the entire house, was still standing.

“Breathe, ladies,” Kelsey whispered. “All of us, take a good long breath and trust in our men. They’re highly-trained professionals, and they’ve each overcome worse devils than this one.”

Marlowe saw the guns then. These women were armed, their weapons in hand or beside them, at the ready. Just as Marlowe imagined their husband’s weapons were.

A terrific boom rattled the walls, then another. Then nothing. The tension in the safe room ramped higher. It was so thick, Marlowe could taste it. Kelsey’s pistol was now in her hand. Her knuckles were white. She was prepared to fight. For the first time in her life, Marlowe wished she owned a gun and knew howto use it. Of all these women, she was the ultimate protector. The one with experience. Why had she ever traveled without protection?

Harley came back online with a terse, “It’s done, ladies, and Jamah’s on his way to the morgue along with Tippetts.”

“You’re safe? All of you are safe?” Judy asked, her voice tight with concern.

“Yes, ma’am, and I’ll be dropping by in a bit to take my best girl home. Sorry about the damage to your home, Kels. He didn’t go down easy. The cleaners will be here shortly to put everything back the way it was. Stay in the safe room until they’re finished, okay?”

“Yes, okay,” Kelsey breathed. “Thanks, Harley. Thank Walker and Maverick for me, too.”

“Sure thing.”

“I’d better be your only girl.” Judy grumped as she wiped her teary eyes.

“Thanks for keeping us safe, guys,” Libby murmured, her voice trembling.

“My pleasure,” Harley responded.

“God bless America,” Marlowe whispered. It seemed right, ending this battle with a prayer.

“Damned straight,” Alex declared from somewhere else. “We’re coming home early, sweetheart. Keep the porch light on.”

“Always, sweetheart,” Kelsey breathed. “Oh, my God, it is so good to hear your voice. Fly safe.”

“Is Asher coming with you?” Marlowe had to know.

“He is, but he’s going to need extra-special care. Can you handle that?” Alex sounded as tense as Marlowe felt.

“Yes, please,” she replied softly. “I can handle anything now. I have sisters.”

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