Page 2 of The Hero She Loves

Owen coughed, and she was pretty sure he’d mumbled something about McDermott being a major asshole.

Her lips twitched, but she refocused her gaze on the road leading into Fairbanks Airport.

No convoy in sight.

She didn’t have time for Vic. He was just another reminder that men lied, and a handsome face could hide a lot of darkness.

There was no way in hell she was thinking of her father right now.

She tapped her boot again. Then she pulled her phone out and called Deputy Marshal William Lopez who was in charge of the transport. It rang and rang with no answer.

She felt a cold shiver down her spine. She was well aware that Kyle Olson was exceptionally dangerous. And well-trained.

She tried to call Lopez again. Nothing. Next, she tried the deputy marshal who was with him. No answer.

“Fuck.”

“Problem?” Owen asked, face serious.

“Neither of the marshals are answering and they’re late.”

Owen shrugged. “There’s spotty cellphone coverage out here.”

“My gut says we have a problem. Olson is dangerous.”

Owen made a scoffing sound. “Maybe, but he can’t take out two marshals and the two state troopers escorting them.”

Owen was wrong. Olsen could easily do that.

Her phone rang. “Sheridan.”

“Senior Deputy Marshal Sheridan, this is Lieutenant Dunford from Fairbanks. We have a problem.”

Double fuck. Just from the serious tone of the man in charge of the local state troopers, she knew this was bad.

“We lost contact with the convoy ten minutes ago,” Dunford said. “One of my troopers just managed to call. The prisoner has escaped. He crashed the vehicle he was in, and injured my men. He’s escaped on foot.”

Jenna closed her eyes, then opened them. “Where? We’ll meet you there.” She clicked her fingers at Owen. “SUV. Now.”

The young marshal jogged off.

“Sheridan, I knew this fugitive was dangerous, but not this dangerous.” Dunford sounded pissed. “Senior Deputy Marshal McDermott assured us this would be a simple transport.”

Well done, Vic. “Lieutenant, this fugitive is as dangerous as they get. Are your troopers okay? Where are my marshals now?” Lopez would be spitting mad. He had a fiery temper. Her mind was already focusing on where Olson would go. She started planning the search in her head.

“One of my men was injured in the crash, and the other has a bullet wound. Just a graze, thankfully.” The lieutenant paused. “Sheridan, your marshals are dead.”

She froze. “What?”

“I’m sorry. My man said Olson shot them both, execution style.”

Static filled her ears.Dammit, no. Grief hit her hard. Lopez had a big family, with kids and grandkids. Deputy Marshal Calt was young. His kids were toddlers. She looked down at her boots and wrestled her emotions down. She couldn’t think of them right now. “I’m on my way. Lieutenant, we need to find Olson. Fast.”

“I will find him,” Lieutenant Dunford said darkly. “He hurt my men, killed yours. And this ismystate.” He gave her the location.

“We’re on our way.” She slid the phone away just as Owen pulled up in a silver Chevy Tahoe. She climbed in.

“How bad?” Owen asked.

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