Page 177 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Delaney pulled away and looked at Hugh’s lifeless body, a shudder running through her. “Is he dead?”

“Yes, he’s dead.”

Her shoulders sagged in relief, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I’m glad it’s over.”

Corbin looked over as the man next door came outside, a suspicious look on his face. “What’s going on here?” hedemanded. A look of horror came over him when he saw the dead bodies.

“Nothing you need to be worried about, Gus,” Pops said, leaning on Zane for support. “Go back inside.”

Gus rushed back in and slammed the door behind him.

“We need to get Wallace to the hospital,” Zane said, “before he loses any more blood.”

Corbin nodded, noticing that Zane was putting pressure on the wound to stay the bleeding. He left Delaney’s side and went to Pops, patting his arm. “You’re gonna be okay,” he said, his voice hitching. He didn’t want to even contemplate how close he came to losing Pops.

“I’ll be all right,” Pops said with a wry smile. “Told you the only way to put an end to this was to lure out that old grizzly bear,” he quipped.

Corbin laughed in surprise. “Well, your spirits are certainly fine. You’re a stubborn old man. I’ll never hear the end of this one.”

Pops cocked his ear. “How’s that?”

“You were right.” Corbin rolled his eyes. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

“Just call him Jack Reacher,” Zane said with a laugh. Then he grew serious, his eyes locking with Corbin’s. “I’m not gonna lie. You had me worried there for a minute.” He paused. “But you did good. Doug would be proud. Once a frog man, always a frog man.”

Emotion balled in Corbin’s throat as he swallowed. “Thanks,” he said gruffly.

The radio crackled. Cannon walked over and picked it up. “Yep … glad to hear it … we’re all good here... That was Blayze,” he said a few seconds later. “Your grandmother and sister are doing fine. All has been quiet there.”

Sirens sounded in the distance.

Wallace grunted. “Now the police come after the trouble’s over. Figures.”

Cannon smiled. “So, who wants to explain this?”

“I’d might as well do it,” Corbin said, “the sheriff already hates me. I figure he’ll just add this to the list.”

“Go easy on Sheriff Hendricks,” Wallace cautioned, “he’s had a hard time since his wife passed and—” The rest of his sentence got cut off as he winced in pain.

“Let’s get you to the hospital,” Zane said.

“I’ll be there shortly, as soon as I get this squared away with the police,” Corbin assured him. He looked at Delaney who was staring at Hugh, a dazed expression on her pale face. She was in shock. He put an arm around her. “Let’s get you inside where it’s warm.”

She nodded numbly.

When they got inside the cabin, she turned to face him. “Is Wallace going to be okay?”

He offered a reassuring smile. “Yes.”

“Should we go to the hospital with him?”

“We will, as soon as we get everything sorted out. Meanwhile, Zane will be with him.”

Her lips pressed together in a tight line as she nodded. “Thank you, for everything.”

“No thanks necessary.” He cupped her face. “I love you, Delaney Mitchell.”

“I love you too.” Tears wet her eyes. “Promise me that you’ll never leave me.”

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