Page 31 of Safe Haven
I shove her into the emergency hallway and close the hatch behind me.
“RUN!” I take off, hoping she follows.
The tunnel we added during our renovations was meant for situations like this. An escape route that dumps into a ravine where we have a truck hidden for emergencies. We opted for a cage, thinking that if we were running motorcycles, it would give us away, and on the off chance we had to dispose of a body, then we’d be prepared.
Thank god for small favors because Diesel doesn’t look like he’d be up for an early morning ride on a bike, and I highly doubt his mama would leave him behind.
When we reach the exit point, I slow down and move the grate and false wall by shouldering it with all my force. It’s been collecting runoff dirt and overgrowth since we built it. It takes five good shoves to move it, and it won’t squeeze through the crack.
“You and Danica built this?” Haven asks as I seal it back up so no one gets trapped inside.
“We did. There’s a truck hidden under a tarp and fake underbrush about half a mile that way. Let’s hustle. Can you shoot?” I pull a gun and offer it to her.
She takes it with confidence and checks the chamber and clicks.
“Very well.” I grin at him.
Just like your cousin.
“Good, that’s one less thing I need to teach you. Let’s go.” I take the lead, and she lets Diesel off the leash to run ahead.
“Will he come when called?” The last thing I need is for him to play hero and get shot in the process.
Haven whistles, and the dog is at her side and between her legs like a trained military officer. She must see the shock on my face. She shrugs with a small smile.
“Corvin’s father founded Royal Dog Academy.” I raise an eyebrow, impressed.
“And he’s fully trained?” She nods and pats her leg.
Diesel instantly moves to the side she tapped, and he watches her hand signals. He darts off and stops about fifteen feet away and crouches to wait.
“Fully trained in hand and verbal commands, but it’s the everyday stuff he fucking sucks at.” She sighs with a little grin, and I wonder what mischief he’s gotten into that she could be so proud and sick of his shit all in one sentence.
We reach the truck and I start uncovering it when Diesel growls.
I pull my gun and search the woods, but I can’t see much cause of the dark and overgrowth. I feel Haven bump my back with hers and then her whisper in my ear.
“I can’t see shit.” I nod and hate what I’m about to ask, but right now, he’s our best defense.
“Can he scout?” She doesn’t answer me. Instead, she lets out another whistle, and I hear him move into the woods.
We stay back-to-back, covering our sixes and listening for any sounds. After a few minutes, Diesel returns and bumps her thigh with his nose.
“Clear.” I sigh and lower my gun.
I pull the last of the tarp off the truck and open the door. Haven and Diesel get in, and as I’m locking it, three small pops meet my ears before the burning sensation tears through my back, shoulder, and arm.
I slam the door shut and scream at Haven.
“Keys on dash. GO!”
Chapter Seventeen
HAVEN
Idon’t know what kind of person Apex thinks I am, but no way in hell am I leaving him to bleed out on my watch.
NOT AGAIN.
