Page 63 of The Hero She Loves

“And did you like my work with the older couple?” There was sick pleasure in the fucker’s voice.

“Ah, but you were rushed,” Jenna said. “You’re just another two-bit killer, Olson. There’s nothing special about you. You’ll be in good company in prison.”

Seconds ticked by. “You’ll never catch me. Conroy, you’re not as good as me. I heard you got captured. That you became the Taliban’s plaything.”

Park sucked in a breath, his fingers tightening on the butt of his gun.

“I’m going to make the pretty marshal my plaything,” Olson continued. “Make you watch while I hurt her.”

Park couldn’t hold it in. He popped up and fired. He heard Olson’s laughter somewhere in the trees.

With a curse, Park dropped back down and pressed his back to the rocks.

“Don’t let him bait you,” Jenna said.

He gave her a clipped nod. That was easier said than done. Especially when he threatened her.

No one was laying a hand on her.

No one was tying her up, keeping her captive, hurting her.

There were more shots, but Olson didn’t say anything else.

Then the gunfire paused.

“Can we circle around to him?” she asked.

Park frowned. “There could be more booby-traps.”

Another few shots came in their direction. Park leaned up and fired back.

They had to do something. They’d run out of ammo soon.

“Call Owen,” he said. “We need back up.”

Jenna nodded and pulled out her satellite phone.

Park sent a few more shots at Olson while Jenna urgently talked with Owen. The gunfire stopped again, and he frowned. He felt a whisper of unease. Why was Olson keeping them pinned down?

“Owen’s on the way.” She checked her weapon. “He’ll be here with the state troopers in the helicopter soon.”

“Something’s not right,” Park said.

“That spidey sense of yours is a little freaky.”

“Vander’s is worse.” He rose into a crouch. “Stay here. I’ll be back.”

“Hell, no.” She gripped his sleeve. “We go together.”

“There’s no point both of us leaving cover.”

“Then I’ll go.”

“Absolutely not,” he gritted out.

“I’m law enforcement. You’re a civilian.”

He made a sound. “Fine. We’ll both go.” Gunfire came their way again and he frowned.