Page 16 of Fatal Misstep

He resumed speaking into the mic. “Request a patrol unit to Lucero’s. Send out a BOLO for two individuals—” He cut his eyes to Caleb.

Caleb rattled off the men’s physical descriptions, the vehicle make and model, and the Arizona plates he’d caught before getting into Gia’s SUV.

“You in law enforcement?” Zach asked, his eyes narrowing. “That was a pretty detailed description.”

“Executive protection. Before that, ten years in the Army. I’m trained to notice the little things.”

Some of the tension eased from Zach’s shoulders. He relayed the information to the dispatcher.

When he finished, he turned his focus back to Caleb. “I served, too. Marine Corps. Nine years. What unit were you in?”

“Third Special Forces Group out of Bragg.” Satisfaction hummed as Zach’s brows shot skyward. “You?”

“Third Battalion, Seventh Marines. Scout Sniper.”

Now it was Caleb’s turn to be impressed. His cousin would keep Gia safe.

Although, if her ex felt motivated enough to track her down when she’d clearly made an effort to stay hidden, Zach might need help.

I could help.The thought rose uninvited.

No.His part in this ended tonight.

Tomorrow, he’d bury his mother. Then visit the detective in Phoenix handling her case. After that, he’d pack up what few possessions of hers remained and head east. Maybe to his cabin in North Carolina for a few days to give his shoulder time to heal, then take the New York job for Ryder.

Right now, however, his concern was Gia.

Caleb ignored his cousin’s aggressive posture and stepped closer. “You’ve had a rough night. Will you be safe here?”

She nodded, but her body said otherwise—arms curled protectively around her stomach, spine stiff.

“Of course she’s safe here!” Zach snapped. “I won’t let anything happen to her.”

Protective and prickly. Caleb got it.

Gia was beautiful, intelligent, with a fragility that called out to his protective instincts. If he lived here, he might have competed with Zach for her attention.

But he didn’t live here. Wasn’t staying.

And Gia didn’t need more men chasing after her.

The cell on Zach’s hip rang.

“Blackwater,” he barked, then listened. His features hardened. “Thanks. Let me know if they turn up. I’ll get victim statements over to GPD.”

He hung up and turned back to Gia. “Gallup police are at the bar. The guys who attacked you were gone by the time they got there.”

“Cameras?” Caleb hadn’t noticed any, but surely there had to have been one hidden somewhere.

“At Lucero’s?” Zach shook his head. “The owner’s never had a reason. It’s full of old-timers who’ve been frequenting the place for years.”

“What about the bartender and the two guys at the bar?”

“They saw the man come in. Gave the same description as you. When the gunshot rang out, Billy went for his rifle. By the time he got outside, Gia’s car was gone, and a black Ford Explorer was leaving.”

“Then the threat to Gia isn’t over.” Caleb instantly regretted his words when Gia flinched.

If looks could kill, Zach’s glare would have been a shot to the head. “Law enforcement in New Mexico and Arizona are looking for the SUV. Gia’s safe here, on the rez.”

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