Page 10 of Flint's Battle

He followed suit, edging toward the driver’s side. Gun steady. Muscles primed for a fight. A dark silhouette was slumped over the steering wheel, blood splattered across the windshield and side window.

A quick countdown, and he had the door open — was sweeping the interior. The guy behind the wheel was dead, a single gunshot to his temple. What looked like a hit from his own crew, though why they’d eliminate one of their own was a mystery.

Flint checked what he could see of the back when Emery shouted his name. He backtracked to the rear in time to see her racing along the beach, two dark figures several yards out in front of her.

“Shit.”

He took off, arms pumping. Feet flying. No sense worrying about getting off a shot when they had a healthy lead. Not if he wanted to catch them.

Ten seconds in, and he’d cut the distance in half. Not nearly close enough to help her, but at least he was gaining. Another ten, and he’d cut it down more. Still a fair way back, but he’d increased his odds of getting off a decent shot.

Emery fired a warning round, yelling at the men to freeze. They didn’t even pause, angling toward a small outcrop. That’s when he heard the whine of an engine — spotted the lights bobbing out on the water.

A boat. And it was definitely heading toward them.

Flint didn’t need to see the vessel to know whoever was onboard would be armed. Rifles. Maybe a damn machine gun mounted to the side. And he doubted Emery would pull up when she was close enough to have a real chance at catching them. Not with her adrenaline pumping. Her vision narrowed to the men and how much ground she was gaining. He’d had it happen in battle, and it never ended well.

Which was his cue to double down — find a way to pick up some speed. The men had made their way onto the rocky pier, waving at that boat and looking as if they were ready to dive in.

Emery managed to scramble onto the rocks behind them, gun raised, chest heaving from the exertion. “I said freeze, or I swear to god I’ll just shoot you.”

The men froze, raising their hands as they slowly turned. There was a moment of stillness, water from a wave spraying into the air before they dropped, that boat swinging in close behind them.

No chance for her to take cover as the boat roared to a halt, some asshole standing on the bow pointing a rifle her way.

Flint gave one last push, managing to wrap his arms around her and take her to the ground just as the bastard fired. Bullets peppers the area, a round grazing a path across his arm as he landed on the rocks, one hand cradling her head, the other stillholding his weapon. He rolled her beneath him, rising enough to get off a series of shots.

But the men were already hunkering down in the boat as it raced off, those lights quickly disappearing into the distance.

Flint eased back, shaking his head as he stared down at Emery. “Shit. Are you okay? I didn’t mean to tackle you so hard, but…”

But he’d been afraid he wouldn’t make it in time. That she’d die on his watch.

Emery blinked a few times, twisting to stare at where the boat had vanished before squinting up at him. Her eyes rounded a moment before she pushed onto her hands, staring at his arm. “You’re hit.”

He waved it off, wondering how she still looked breathtaking with sand in her hair and dirt smeared across her face. “Just a graze.”

“Which is still a bullet wound. Damn…” She took a few deep breaths, her chest still heaving. “I don’t even know how you caught up. That…”

“I promised to have your back. That’s not something I take lightly.”

“Trust me, you exceeded all expectations. Though, so much for staying in the shadows and not having to defend yourself. God knows how I’m going to spin this and keep your ass out of jail.”

“You’re still breathing, so…”

“Just, do me a favor and let me do all the talking once my captain gets here. And whatever you do, follow my lead. No being a hero and taking the fall. I got you into this. I’ll get you out.”

“Pretty sure I talked you into letting me tag along.”

“Please, you’re charming but you’re notthatcharming. Besides, you still have to drive me home — get me somecoffee. Can’t have Kian coming after your ass, too, if he thinks you bailed on me. Though, I think I’ve proven I don’t have a concussion.”

She smiled, and just like that, Flint knew he’d been a fool to think he hadn’t been falling for her this past month. That there was any chance of reclaiming his heart when she’d stolen it from him weeks ago without him even realizing it.

He helped her up, staring off into the ocean. Anywhere but directly at her when he suspected he had some goofy grin on his face. “Call me crazy but that seemed incredibly organized for some two-bit dealer. You’ve got yourself a major player.”

“That we do. I didn’t see the shorter guy’s face, but he’s got a web tattoo on his wrist. And I’ll recognize blondie the next time I see him, so… it’s only a matter of time before I bust their asses and bring their whole operation down. Now, let’s get back. I’d like to know what’s in those crates, because there’s no way they got rid of the evidence before bugging out. And if it’s what I think it is, it might be enough to keep your ass out of jail.”

CHAPTER 4

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