Page 87 of Shattered Sea

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I followed Boden to the mudroom and slipped on my boots and jacket. “I’m not letting you go out there alone.”

“Laiken—”

“I highly doubt that whoever shot at us went back to Wolf Gap, stole a snowplow, and is now coming back for attempt two.”

Boden’s jaw tightened. “They could be hiding out in the mountains, waiting for us to step outside.”

That thought had a wave of nausea sweeping through me. We’d only let the dogs out once last night, quickly and under the cover of full darkness. “I don’t think anyone would last overnight in these temperatures. They’d freeze.”

“I guess you have a point there.”

I wove my fingers through Boden’s. “We’re in this together.”

“Together.” He squeezed my hand before releasing it and then moving for the rifle. Checking a few things on the gun, he opened the door and stepped out onto the porch.

My gaze swept over the land around us, looking for anything out of place. But there was nothing. The engine of the snowplow grew louder, and it finally peeked out from behind the incline.

Boden lifted a hand in a wave, trying to flag the guy down. The truck slowed, but the engine stayed on. The driver’s side door opened, and a man appeared. “You folks weather the storm okay?”

“We actually ran into some trouble. Someone took a couple of potshots at us yesterday. Think you could radio the sheriff from your truck?” Boden asked.

The man’s eyes widened. “Shit. You guys okay?”

“Mostly, but I think it would be good if the sheriff came up.”

“Of course. Want me to wait it out with you so you have some backup? I’ve got a shotgun in the back in case of emergencies.”

“Thanks, man. I think we’re okay for now.”

The man ducked back into the cab of his truck. A minute later, he appeared again. “Sheriff Easton and some deputies are on their way. I’ll clear a spot for them to park.”

“Thank you so much,” I called. “We really appreciate it.”

A soft bark sounded behind me, and I picked up Gizmo. “Here you go.”

I started down the steps, but Boden was right on my heels, his eyes tracking over the land surrounding us. I set Gizmo down and told myself over and over that the shooter was long gone. I carried Gizmo back up the steps, Peaches following, and we hurried back inside.

Once we were there, I turned to Boden. “Let me see your shoulder.”

The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Is Dr. Laiken back?”

I glared at him and snapped my fingers. “I want to make sure you’re not dying of gangrene or something.”

“Fair enough.” Boden shrugged out of his jacket and pulled off his sweatshirt. I didn’t miss his wince as he did.

Carefully, I rolled up his t-shirt sleeve. The area was definitely swollen, but it didn’t look infected. “Maybe Beckett can give you some antibiotics.”

“That’s Addie’s husband?”

I nodded. “He’s the doctor in town. We should’ve told Hayes to bring him along.”

“Laiken.” Boden brushed the hair away from my face and pressed his lips to mine in a slow kiss. “I think I can make it to a doctor.”

My hands fisted in his shirt. “I just want to make sure that you’re okay.”

His lips brushed against mine again. “You did a great job of taking care of me. The best. We’re going to be fine.”

I let out a shuddering breath. It would take a while for me to assure myself of that. “I know.”


Tags: Catherine Cowles Tattered & Torn Romance