Page 14 of Shadow Redemption
“Same. I’d call that a win for the good guys.” He grabbed his phone as he extended a hand to help her sit up. When his call was answered a moment later, he said, “I need you to access traffic cams at 10th and Sycamore Drive.”
“Hold,” Zane said. The sounds of his keyboard clicking drifted from the phone’s speaker. A moment later, “Got it. What am I looking for?”
“A dark green car, four doors, fairly new. The driver tried to run us over and sped off going east on Sycamore. I want the plates so we can find this clown.” He wanted to have a discussion with the driver that might or might not include the use of his fists.
More keys clicking, then, “No plates.”
Ben growled. “Track it as long as you can. Maybe we’ll get lucky.” He wasn’t holding his breath, though. His luck was never that good.
“Copy that. Any injuries?”
“We’re fine.”
“I’ll get back to you when I have something.”
Ben slid his phone away and helped Ruth stand. “Let’s get out of here.”
“What about the damage to these cars?”
“I’m more concerned with your safety than sticking around to be a witness on a hit-and-run in a parking lot.” Determined to get Ruth into the safety of his vehicle before any other mishaps befell them, he wrapped his arm around her waist and tucked her tight against his side. If he’d been a step slower in recognizing the danger bearing down on them, the green car would have hit Ruth.
Had the stalker escalated or was this about Ben? He scowled. This was exactly the reason he didn’t want to be assigned as Ruth’s bodyguard/boyfriend. He was just as much a danger to her as her stalker. The thought of another man taking on this role with Ruth made Ben grit his teeth in frustration with himself and the situation. He couldn’t have it both ways. Ruth wasn’t for him. She deserved better than a man with his background who might cost Ruth her life.
Ben hurried her across the lot, unlocked his SUV, and breathed easier after enclosing her inside his reinforced ride. He slid behind the wheel and drove away from the restaurant as patrons streamed from the building to investigate the commotion.
He took Interstate 40 and headed for Ruth’s home. Noticing her trembling, Ben warmed the temperature to help her combat the shock and threaded his fingers through hers. “You’ll be okay in a few minutes.”
“I can’t stop shaking.” Her teeth began to chatter.
“It’s adrenaline dump. We have to deal with it on missions.”
“I’m not a f-f-fan.”
He chuckled. “I hear you.” He turned on the heater in her seat. Three exits later, he saw a coffee shop that served hot tea and took the exit and pulled into the shop’s drive-thru lane. He ordered hot tea for her and black coffee for himself. He was dealing with his own case of adrenaline surge and knew he’d need caffeine to keep himself awake through the night. Didn’t help that he couldn’t sleep on the jet on the way home.
Ben sighed. Looked like he would have to call on one of his friends to help him keep watch. He preferred one of the Shadow unit, but they were as tired as he was.
Two minutes later, he accelerated onto the interstate and resumed his journey toward her home. “I’ll be staying with you tonight, either on the couch or in my SUV in front of your house. It’s your choice where I stay, but you don’t have another option. After this incident, I won’t leave you alone.”
“I have the alarm system that Trace had put into the house. He told me it was the best Fortress had to offer.”
“No system is foolproof. Won’t hurt to have your own personal guard dog as extra insurance.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Ben. You must be exhausted. Go home to sleep. I’ll be safe.”
He shook his head. “This isn’t negotiable, Ruth. I’ll need someone to help me keep watch. He’s a good friend, someone I trust at my back.”
She sipped her tea. “Who?”
“Either Rafe Torres or Cal Taylor.”
“I’ve met Cal. He used to be a cop, right?”
He relaxed. Good. If she knew Cal, having him in her home should be easier to handle. “A detective with Metro Police. He’s just returned from a short assignment and should be available to give me a hand. Will you be comfortable if I call him in?”
Ruth glared at him. “I’m not that fragile. I’ll be fine, especially if he spells you so you can sleep. Otherwise, you’ll be awake all night to protect me.”
He kissed the back of her hand lightly. “Sorry, sunshine. I forget about that steel spine of yours.”