Page 44 of Special Agent Anastacia

Hanna raised hers to share a look. “I don’t know. She shut down when I asked her.”

A vibration in Dave’s pocket let him know about the incoming call. He stood and moved a few feet away to answer. “Right. Thanks. Send me the photo and information on the vehicle.”

He stood in place for some time before joining the girls again. “Got the info on a car that went missing this morning. All the facts point to our perp. I sent the image and plate number on to Nash, and we put out an APB for the vehicle. I sent it to you too.”

Ana checked and nodded. “Got it.” Before she could add anything else, a warning blast happened on both their cells. She opened the app window and felt the chills rush over her body. “There’s a fire coming our way. It’s out of control and moving fast.”

“Son of a bitch. As soon as I left the office earlier, I got a sinking feeling about the high winds and smoke coming from the south. Christ Almighty, I think our luck has just run out.”

Chapter Thirty-three

Nash got the same notice from his crew while driving toward the hospital. He’d let Carly talk to her parents for the first ten minutes, but it upset her so badly, he had to shut it down. “Look, Sam. Carly can’t talk anymore. Poor thing is too upset.”

“I’m on my way.”

“Hey, stop. She’s with me, and we’re going to get her the help she needs for her leg, man.”

“You gotta understand. I need to be there.”

“No. You can’t be with her yet so stop talking trash and scaring her worse. You need to listen to reason. She’s terrified for your safety.”

“Look, Nash. She’s my kid, and I don’t give a flying fart about my own safety. I care about hers.”

“Do you? If so, you’d listen to what she’s been saying. Vlad has her petrified so badly that until he’s caught and in jail, she doesn’t want to be the reason he carries through on his threats. She’s seen him with a gun and knows he’s used it. I’ll call youas soon as we get the animal behind bars. In the meantime take care of those with you, hunker down, keep your eyes peeled, and don’t do anything foolish.” He hung up and turned to look at the girl cowering on the floor in the front seat.

“Honey, he’s your dad. The man’s worried about you and wants to protect you. But he’s promised to listen to reason.”

Carly swiped at the mess on her face and then lowered her head into her arms, leaning on the seat. “Okay. Thanks. I’m sorry.”

“Carly, sweetheart, you’ve got nothing to be sorry for.” Just as he reached a hand to pat her arm – hating to see her involuntary flinching away from his kindness – his cell rang with news from Dave.

“Looks like Vlad stole another car and is on the move. Only a matter of time before the police pick him up.”

“Good. Send me the plate number so I can keep my eyes open in case he’s around here.”

“Already done. Keep me in the loop about how things go at the hospital.”

“You know I will. Chao.”

Carly peeked up at him, and her weak smile made him sadder than he already felt. Before he could open another conversation, knowing that for her talk would be beneficial, he heard the heart stopping ringtone from the incoming call. When the special warning blast sounded, he knew it meant business. Answering the call, it didn’t surprise him to hear the voice of his buddy, Chuck Ono, on the other end.

“We’ll be seeing you soon, bro. Wind’s picked up, heading in your direction. The bastard’s coming your way.”

“Figured as much when I heard the ringtone. Keep in touch. I want to know when you’re within ten miles of me.”

“You know I will.”

Once they arrived at the hospital, it took all his calm prompting to get Carly to leave the safety of the truck. “Look, honey, I’ll be with you. Vlad will have to go through me to get to you and that ain’t happening.”

“He’s got a gun.”

Nash lifted his shirt for a few seconds and said, “So do I.” Being experienced in getting some ornery folks to listen to reason when they refused to leave their homes to the incoming flames, he carried a weapon in his vehicle. It was hidden from those who didn’t know where to look for it, and he only used it when absolutely necessary in saving lives. Today seemed to be one of those times.

Carly still hesitated. “Nash, that crazy sucker will use his.”

“Honey, this isn’t just for decoration, believe me. It’s for our protection, and trust me, I won’t hesitate to use it if he makes me.”

She stared at his determination and nodded. “Okay.” Then she reached up, letting him lift her into his arms, and they made their way inside the emergency entrance where – after hearing from her dad that she’d be arriving soon – the doctors were waiting to take her with them to their ICU.

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