The driver of the black truck had returned to finish the job.
“Call 911,” Cam said. Then he fired off two rounds in rapid succession. The sound was incredibly loud, and she was tempted to cover Bruno’s ears. And her own. Glancing at the dog, though, she was amazed to see he wasn’t fazed by the gunshots.
She fumbled for her phone, pulling it from her pocket. When she finally heard the dispatcher’s voice, she sent up a prayer of relief.
“This is Evie Tobin. The driver of a black truck is shooting at us. We’re a mile from Highway 23. Please send the police right away!”
“I’m dispatching an officer to your location,” the calm voice said. “Are you safe?”
“No! He’s shooting at us!” It was all she could do not to scream at the top of her lungs. “Please hurry!”
“Please remain on the line,” the dispatcher said.
Evie didn’t want to remain on the line. She wanted her hands free in case they had to run away again. Rather than responding, she tucked the phone back into her pocket and looked up at Cam. “The police are on the way.”
“I hope they get here in time to catch him.” Cam’s calm voice helped steady her nerves. He had the situation under control.
Returning fire seemed to have done the trick. A thick silence settled between them. Peering around Cam’s solid frame, she didn’t even see the black truck anymore.
“Did he leave?” Intense relief warred with dismay. “How will the police find him?”
“Yeah, he turned around and took off after I returned fire.” Cam’s tone was grim. Before he could say anything else, she heard the wail of sirens. He raised his voice to be heard. “I doubt they’ll find him.”
Evie lowered her head to Bruno’s fur, squeezing her eyes against the threat of tears. They were safe for the moment, but for how long?
A sob broke free. Cam dropped down beside her and pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay. We’re okay.”
She shook her head, feeling far from okay. The constant attacks against her were bad enough, but the close call with Bruno had hit hard. If that black truck had struck the back of her SUV, Bruno might have been badly hurt.
Or killed.
“Please, Evie, don’t cry.” Cam’s voice was slightly panicked. “I’ll keep you safe.”
She struggled to take a deep breath, willing the tears away. She wasn’t a crier. Working with arrogant and often annoying surgeons had caused her to develop a thick skin. But this was different.
Life and death. Her and Bruno’s life and death.
Cam’s too. She had to admit he’d put himself in harm’s way to protect her. She drew another deep breath, swallowed her tears, and stiffened her spine.
They would get through this. The killer would be found and arrested.
“I’m fine now.” She lifted her head and swiped at her face.
Cam searched her gaze, then surprised her by brushing a quick kiss across her lips. “You’re amazing, Evie.”
She wasn’t close to amazing but appreciated his attempt to make her feel better. The wailing sirens were louder now. Leaning on Cam, she stood. He snaked his arm around her waist, then lowered his mouth to her ear so she could hear.
“We’ll need to talk to the police.”
“I know.” The red-and-blue flashing lights got brighter as the police car grew closer. “I guess we can get a ride back to town.”
“Yeah.” Cam frowned. “I think we should get a rental instead of using my Jeep. I’ll pay to have your SUV towed and the tires replaced.”
She wanted to argue but wasn’t sure if her insurance would cover the damage. She had some money saved and would have more once she sold her mother’s house. She could repay Cam then.
Besides, this could have ended with them being hurt. Her SUV could be repaired.
“Let’s go.” Cam urged her forward, retracing their path toward the road. She eyed the officer who emerged from the squad and crossed over to meet them. The officer appeared to be in his forties. She didn’t recognize him, and a quick glance at Cam indicated he didn’t either.
