Page 7 of Maliea's Hero
The policeman ignored her comment. “I need you both to step away from the vehicle,” he said.
Another patrol car roared into the apartment complex parking lot and skidded to a stop, lights flashing, siren screaming. The officer in that car leaped out just like the other and stood behind the door with his gun drawn.
“Good grief,” Solange muttered as she and Maliea stepped away from the car.
Once they were in the open and the officer could ascertain they were not armed, he let them drop their arms. The two officers relaxed, switched off their flashing lights and closed the distance between them.
While the initial officer questioned them, the second man searched the parking lot.
Maliea snorted. They wouldn’t find the attacker. He was long gone—probably as soon as he heard the sirens wailing toward them.
After ten more minutes, with them giving their statements, Maliea and Solange were allowed to go up to the apartment.
Tish opened the door before Maliea could reach for the handle. “Nani is still sleeping, sirens and all. What happened? Are you all right? I saw you go down and then I couldn’t see you at all.” She gripped Maliea’s arms and stared into her face. “I was so worried and wanted to come down to help, but?—”
“You had to stay with Nani,” Maliea finished. “You did the right thing. Solange came to my rescue like a Valkyrie with her tire iron.” Maliea grinned.
Solange shrugged. “It was the only weapon I could find. Speaking of which, remind me to put it back in my Jeep.”
“But you went down fast,” Tish said. “What happened?”
Maliea rubbed the back of her head. “The guy was hiding under my car. He grabbed my ankle, yanked me down and tried to drag me under the chassis. If not for Solange and the police coming at that moment, I don’t know what would have happened.” Maliea hugged Solange. “Thank you.”
“Oh, Maliea, I was so scared.” Solange hugged her so tightly that Maliea could barely breathe.
“Well, that does it.” Tish crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t like where this is headed. I think you need more help than we can give.”
Maliea stepped away from Solange. “I know. I need to find another place to stay. If that man comes back, you ladies will be at risk, as well.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you because of me.”
“Nonsense,” Tish said. “You’re staying tonight. But tomorrow, we’re getting more help—professional help to protect you and Nani. I know just who to call.” Her gaze went to Solange.
Solange’s eyes widened along with a smile. “Brotherhood Protectors? Or one in particular?”
Tish gave a brief nod. “One in particular. I’ll send you to the man who protected me while I was in a coma. He said that if I ever needed help again, I should let him know. I think you need help.”
“As much as I’d like the help,” Maliea said, “I can’t afford to pay for it. And he was talking to you, not me.”
“From what Kiana said, money’s never a problem with the Brotherhood Protectors. Hank Patterson, the founder, and his wife, Sadie McClain, fund the project when needed to ensure people who need it most have the protection they require, regardless of their ability to pay. You need help. I think they’ll provide it. If not Reid, then one of the other guys who work for the Brotherhood Protectors.”
Maliea chewed on her bottom lip. “Are you sure? I’d hate to accept help and get a bill later that I have no way of paying. I can barely keep up with my rent, utilities and groceries since Taylor died.”
Solange touched her arm. “Trust her. They can help. Not only did they protect Tish, but they also saved Kiana’s life when she was targeted by the man who wanted her for body parts.”
Tish nodded. “At least talk to Reid. He’ll give you all the information you’ll need to decide.”
Reluctant to accept charity, Maliea was too tired to think of any alternatives. “Okay. I’ll talk with him. Does he have another name besides Reid? And what’s his background? What makes him someone who can provide the protection Nani and I need?”
Tish grinned. “Reid Bennett is an ex-Navy SEAL, highly trained in combat and self-defense with years of experience in special operations. He has performed combat missions, rescued people in dangerous situations and provided protection for important dignitaries. The guy knows his stuff.”
“Why would he want to help me?” Maliea asked. “It’s not like I’m an important dignitary.”
“Sweetie, you’re important to me,” Tish said. “Besides, he’s not in the Navy anymore. He works with the Brotherhood Protectors, utilizing some of that training to protect civilians. In fact, he and two other members of his team are currently working a job out at the Kualoa Ranch, providing security to a movie production company.”
“Then he’s already on assignment,” Maliea said. “He won’t have time for me and Nani.”
“Maybe not, but he’ll get in touch with his boss, and they’ll assign another protector to you and Nani.” Tish crossed to the table by the door where she’d left her purse and pulled out her cell phone. “I have his phone number and the address where he’s staying. Since the production company will be there for several weeks, he rented a small cabin.”
Maliea pushed a hand through her hair, tired to the bone from her earlier performance and everything else that had happened since she’d arrived at her apartment and Tish’s. “It all seems so intense.”