Page 10 of Raven's Curse
Kash laughed. “No more than usual.”
“Right. And I think?—”
A blast of static drowned him out, Greer’s radio crackling to life on her belt.
“Sheriff? You copy?”
Greer groaned, drooping her head forward as she sucked in a breath, then grabbed the unit. She tamped down the punch of disappointment and keyed up the mic. “Loud and clear. What’s up, Shirley?”
“Looks like we’ve got another round of hazing. I just got an anonymous report of people prowling around that old psychiatric hospital off Cliffside. Our Good Samaritan was worried someone might be hurt. Fool kids probably got caught up on some barbed wire or broken glass. I’d send Bodie, but he’s already dealing with another disturbance over at the old ranger station, and you asked me not to call Jordan after hours unless it’s life or death.”
Greer ignored Jordan’s huff. “You made the right call. I’ll go have a chat with our trespassers. Radio and cell service is pretty spotty up there, but I’ll check back in once I’ve cleared the building.”
“Roger.” Shirley paused, another hiss sounding over the speaker. “You’d better call me back within an hour or I’m sending in Raven’s Watch. And it’ll be Foster’s team so, don’t think they won’t storm the place.”
“Glad you’re not one to overreact.” She shoved the radio back on the clip and clenched her hands, cursing under her breath before facing the others, her heart still tapping wildly in her chest, the ground still slightly off-kilter. “Looks like I’m going to have to pass on the celebration for now.”
Jordan crossed her arms. “This is crazy. I can go. You’ve already worked a double?—”
“Oh no. We have an agreement. I won’t make you ride a desk until you’re ready, and you don’t work overtime while you’re making a whole new human.”
Jordan grunted, then turned, walking off a way, back rigid. Hands fisted at her side.
Kash sighed. “She’s still adjusting to not being in the fray every other second.”
Chase tsked, then tossed Kash his keys. “Hold those for a moment.”
Greer frowned as Chase headed to the rear of his truck, rummaging around in the flatbed before walking back, tactical vest strapped around his torso with enough weapons he could take on a small invasion. He had his medic bag slung over one shoulder, the sheer size of it making her back ache. How he moved like a wraith with all that weight still amazed her.
She hitched out one hip. “What’s all this?”
Chase shrugged. “I can’t have your back without proper gear. You’ve got a vest in your Bronco, right? Or do I need to bring my spare?”
“Who said anything about needing backup?”
He pointed at her radio. “You heard Shirley. Possible injuries, which translates into you needing a medic. Fortunately, I’m a registered first responder, so no worries about legalities.”
“And if bullets start flying?”
“Then, you’re lucky I’m familiar with both ends of a rifle.”
Another blast of heat punched through her gut. The guy was going to be the reason she ended up in a straightjacket. “While I appreciate the gesture and would love the company, you’ve already worked overtime, too. You really don’t have to?—”
“Yeah. I do.” He moved in close, again, quickening her pulse. Making all those butterflies flutter to life, again. “Don’t take this wrong, but you really do look exhausted. And I know today’s not your first double shift. Having Shirley on standby’s a good safety measure. Taking a partner… Even better.”
She arched a brow, all that heat simmering beneath her skin, threatening to spontaneously combust at any given moment. “Are you going to insist on driving, too?”
“We can split it.” Chase motioned to his truck as he looked at Kash. “Go easy on the clutch.”
Kash scrunched up his face. “When don’t I?” He whistled, and Nyx jumped into the cab. “We expect you both at the house in an hour, or we’ll come looking whether Shirley calls us or not.”
Chase offered her his hand, smiling when she slid her palm over his as they walked to her SUV. Foster slowed as he drove past, motioning for Chase to call him before pulling onto the road, then turning right at the lights.
She unlocked her vehicle, grinning when Chase circled around to the passenger side. He tossed his bag in the back, jumped in and buckled up without saying a word. She joined him, bringing the area up on her nav. “You know it’s likely just more frat kids, right?”
“Probably. Doesn’t mean you don’t need someone to watch your six.”
He leaned over, claimed her mouth in a kiss that she swore lit her hair on fire. Had tiny arcs of electricity jumping from her skin to his. He brushed his thumb across her lips. “Just a reminder that we’re not close to finishing our conversation. Now, drive. Before I forget about duty and spend the next hour making up for lost time.”
