Page 23 of Always Mine

Mick greeted them all, introduced the guys and one woman, then asked, “In the den you said?”

Sofia showed them the way, but the chief stayed with Diego. Diego said, “Thanks for coming this late.”

“This isn’t something to ignore.” His voice was grave.

“Whatisthis?”

“I’m guessing somebody has it out for you.”

The women in his life gasped.

Diego frowned. “I’ve made enemies solving crimes with the Task Force.”

“Maybe.” The chief just stared at Diego, unnerving him.

“What?”

“Your last call pretty much decimated the Cobras, but our people on the street picked up news that one survived.”

His pulse sped up. “Are you serious?” He touched his shoulder. “This could be him?”

“I’m afraid it might be.”

“You said nobody survived.”

“We weren’t searching for Cobras. We didn’t investigate them…with all the funerals we had to arrange.” Which Diego hadbeen unable to attend. “This brick thing tells me one of them might still be out there.”

“So they came after me?”

“It’s just a theory, Diego. But you have to be vigilant.”

“If it’s true, they’ll try again.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Hell, my mother and sisters could be in danger if I stay here.”

“We’ll get a uniform to post at the house.”

“They could still be at risk.” He glanced away. Then, “I’m going home.”

“Can you get along by yourself?”

“No. I’m still pretty shaky. But I can’t risk anybody in my family staying with me, though.”

The chief frowned. “Then you’ll have to—”

“Wait. I could call Will Lincoln to come over and help me out. I wouldn’t worry about his safety.”

The chief’s brows rose. “Will’s in town?” Everybody knew about his friend’s success in the Secret Service.

“Yeah, he came to see me when he could get away for a week.”

“We’ll still send guards 24/7. You’ll have double protection. Get in touch with him. He can move you and our police protection will stay here until then. What about your mother’s safety long term?”

“She’d been planning to visit her sister in Rochester until I got hurt.”

“You should go there, Mrs. Rodriguez.”

His mother frowned. “I want to help you, son.”

“I know, Mama. But you have to be somewhere safe. And Will’s the best.”

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