Page 123 of Maverick

The weight of what I've just done settles on my shoulders, but I push it aside. I have to focus on the investigation now. I'll deal with the consequences later. Right now, all that matters is that she's safe. I don't care if she hates me right now. It doesn't matter, as long as she's fucking breathing.

I scan the club, my eyes landing on Dean. He's sitting in front of a paramedic, a nasty cut along his cheekbone. Other than that, he seems okay. Relief washes over me.

Dean tries to stand when he sees me, but I clap him on the shoulder, easing him back into the chair. "Tell me what happened?"

He takes a deep breath, wincing slightly. "They presented as regular customers, boss. Sat for about an hour, enjoying the show. Then suddenly, one of them was pressing a gun into my chest."

I feel my jaw clench. "Amateurs?"

Dean nods. "Definitely. The guy fighting me didn't even get a shot off."

It's a damned good thing I hired Dean. His time in the military police clearly prepared him to handle anything. I make a mental note to give him a raise, assuming he still wants to work here after this mess.

"And Cadence?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Dean shakes his head, a look of awe crossing his face. "I had no idea she was such a fighter. She took down the other guy so fast, I'd only made it halfway to her, and she had her guy unconscious on the floor."

My heart races. I can't decide if I'm more impressed or terrified. "How was she after?"

"A little shaky, from the adrenaline. She sat down for a bit, and she was fine."

I nod, processing. "Did she say anything?"

Dean shrugs. "Not much. She was pretty quiet, actually. Just kept checking on everyone else."

That sounds like Cadence. Always putting others first. Even after nearly getting shot.

"Boss," Dean says, leaning forward. "I gotta say, I've never seen anything like it. She moved like... like she'd been trained for this."

I raise an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, her technique was flawless. It wasn't just luck or adrenaline. She knew exactly what she was doing."

"Her grandpa made sure she knew how to handle herself." Despite the echoes of fear still running through me, I grin. "She and Becca went toe to toe, and came out of it with no clear winner."

Dean whistles and shakes his head. "Jesus. No wonder."

"Yeah, no wonder."

"Thanks, Dean," I say, squeezing his shoulder. "Get yourself checked out properly, alright? Take as much time off as you need."

He nods, looking relieved. "Thanks, boss. And... maybe consider some extra security measures? Just in case."

"Already on it," I assure him, though my mind is elsewhere.

I turn away, my eyes searching for Cadence again. She's talking with Trixie and Ransom, and by the looks of it, she's fucking pissed.

40

CADENCE

"What just happened?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. I'm standing with Ransom and Trixie, watching Maverick's retreating back. My heart's still racing, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Ransom clears his throat. "Mav's just in shock. This hits really close to home for him."

The little spark of anger in my chest erupts into a low flame. "It hits home for me too. I'm the one who had the gun pulled on me, not him." My hands shake, and I clench them into fists.

Ransom winces, his eyes softening. "How are you really doing, Cadence?"

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