Page 80 of Last Chance Christmas
Cole froze at the statement and turned to Kianna, who had her arms crossed. “The police have it covered. Mackey’s too dangerous.”
Kianna’s jaw flexed.
Cole frowned. Kianna wasn’t an officer, and he didn’t want a civilian slowing down the search. Plus, “I don’t want you in danger. We’ve had one too many close calls.” The father’s statement was a prime example.
He admired her tenacity, but from what they knew of him, Mackey wasn’t the kind of person you messed around with. He didn’t care who got hurt. His only mission right now was to save his own skin—whatever the cost.
Cole understood the risks of his job.
But it wasn’t fair for others to step in the line of fire as civilians. If something happened to Kianna, her family would be distraught. Life would never be the same.
“Then I’ll search on my own.” She pulled her hair up and took a ponytail holder from her wrist to secure the updo. “In my line of work, I’ve learned two are better than one.” She shrugged.
Oh, she was good. Cole wasn’t sure whether he should laugh or reprimand her for her persuasive tactic.
He could spend time arguing, but precious seconds were ticking by. “Don’t you have a job to do? Trace shouldn’t have to do everything by himself. After all, two are better than one.” Cole winked.
“Touché.” Kianna smirked. “My shift’s over, so I’m on my own time now. And it looks like I no longer have a ride.” She held out her hand to the ambulance pulling away from the shoulder.
“Daylight won’t last forever.” He nodded, then tugged on Titan’s leash. “Let’s get searching.”
The dog let out a short bark and wagged his tail.
Kianna fell into step next to him, and they climbed over the guardrail and trudged through the wet, slush-covered grass.
Cole lifted his radio. “Titan, EMT Kianna Russell, and I are headed east, into the woods, past the Mountainview Ridge Overlook.”
“Copy.” Tazwell’s voice sounded in his ear. “We’ve got the copter scouring the area too.”
“Witnesses at the scene of the crash said Mackey headed this way.” Cole rattled off the coordinates of the location and picked up his speed.
He burrowed his chin against his chest. The cold air began to seep into his face and penetrate his jacket.
“He couldn’t have gotten far. Let’s hope he’s cornered soon.”
Cole agreed with Tazwell. Their task force for this search was fifteen people. And with the rest of the town on the lookout as well, the guy couldn’t hide forever. At least, Cole hoped not.
They stepped into the woods, and Kianna brushed pine branches away from their path. Their feet crunched on twigs under the slush. Thanks to the tree cover, there was less ice and snow in this area.
“How long have you and the dog been working together?” Kianna never took her focus off the path.
“Two years. I got to be part of his training process, and we bonded quickly. I’d say Titan is one of the best in the field. Isn’t that right, boy?”
Titan’s ears perked and he barked.
“I’d say he agrees.” Kianna smiled. “Although, don’t you think you’re a little biased? What made you decide to join the force and work with this guy?”
Cole laughed. “And you don’t beat around the bush. I help out at Tiny Paws, the local animal shelter, on occasion. Titan and I train some of the rougher strays to have better behavior so they find homes faster.”
“That’s noble of you.” Her blue eyes met his gaze, and the look there made him shift his focus. The curiosity and warmth in her expression was dangerous. Like she was trying to get to know him.
He couldn’t succumb to the pull. Not when getting to know someone came with added weight. If he let himself get invested, there was no telling what would happen.
Circumstances changed in the blink of an eye.
And a friendship now meant the grief of loss later.
He groaned.
