Page 126 of Counter Attack

“Nope, not until you’re here with us.”

“Looks like we’re at an impasse.”

Kayla swung around and aimed her gun at him. “I don’t think so. If you’re not where I can see you in five seconds, I’m shooting your boyfriend in the knee.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Then you won’t care.” She took aim.

Kayla would do exactly what she promised.

“Wait!” With her heart in her throat, Alex jogged out of the woods and onto the road. “I’m here.”

“About time. Lay your gun on the ground. Your backup too.”

“I don’t have a backup,” she said, laying the larger Sig on the gravel road.

“I don’t believe you.” She turned and fired in Nathan’s direction, then turned back. “Lay it on the ground or I won’t miss the next time.”

Reluctantly, Alex pulled the smaller Sig from her waistband and laid it beside the other one.

“Now, come forward. Slow and easy.”

When Alex was ten yards away, Kayla whirled around and pulled the chair out from under Nathan’s feet.

“No!” For a second Alex could do nothing but stare as Nathan struggled to keep the noose from tightening and cutting off his air. If he died ... she couldn’t bear it.

“Now you’ll know what it’s like to lose someone you love.”

Like a fiery ball, a rage so powerful it almost blinded Alex roared through her body. She launched herself at Kayla, but the woman was ready for Alex and used her momentum to flip her on the ground. Alex rolled and bounded to her feet as Kayla came at her again.

Alex tackled her, grabbing for the gun, and they fought for it. Kayla was much stronger than she looked. Alex couldn’t break her hold on the gun as Kayla pointed it at Alex’s head.

Suddenly the air split with the sound of a rifle. Kayla jerked her head toward Nathan as he crumpled to the ground, the rope sliced by Mark’s bullet.

“No!” Rage darkened Kayla’s eyes.

With a growl, Gem raced toward them, her fangs bared. Kayla’s eyes widened and she swung the gun toward the dog. Alex knocked her hand away as Gem latched onto Kayla’s arm, and she dropped the gun.

Kayla screamed. “Call the dog off!”

Footsteps pounded toward them. “Donne, Gem!” Mark said. The dog dropped her arm. “Garde.”

Gem guarded Kayla as Alex yanked the woman’s arm behind her back. “You are under arrest.”

“I want a lawyer,” Kayla snarled.

“Cuff her and take her to jail.” Alex turned to Mark as deputies overran the area. “I have to see about Nathan.”

“An ambulance is almost here,” Mark said.

Thank God. She rushed to where Nathan struggled to get on his hands and knees. “Wait, I’ll help you.”

His eyes brightened. “You’re okay,” he whispered.

“I am,” she said softly. “How about you?”

“I’ve been better.”

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