Page 67 of Keel

There were multiple someones out in the forest, and they were the deadliest men on the planet. The two jerks would be lucky if they got away alive.

Before arriving, they’d agreed they wouldn’t kill Forest and Stone unless the idiots fired on them. Neither of them had guns out, so they were safe for now, but you couldn’t trust idiots not to do something stupid.

He was almost at the back of the building when Stanley informed them over coms that the idiots were going inside. He was going to be too late to rescue Frankie.

Anger slid through him, and he rushed forward, rounding the corner. Just then, the door opened, and he wondered who could be stepping out. He slowed, but kept moving closer to the door, hoping it was Frankie leaving out the back door.

Frankie looked away from Forest and stepped out, right into a solid object. At first, she thought it was a wall, but then she felt the warmth and his breath on her face.

She almost let loose a scream, but his hand covered her mouth, and then his voice was in her ear.

“It’s Keel. Don’t scream.”

Fear melted into relief, making her legs shake more than they were before. Tears filled her eyes as her fingers twisted in his shirt, trying to hold him close.

“Oh God.”

“I have Frankie. We should get out of here,” Keel said.

She had no idea who he was talking to, but was thankful when Keel picked her up, carrying her quickly around the side of the building.

They were almost to the front of the cabin when she heard a noise behind her. She could just make out Forest and Stone standing at the corner of the building.

“What the fuck?” Stone shouted.

“There’s a group of them. It’s the cops!” Forest yelled before he turned and ran off.

She had no idea where Forest and Stone were headed, as long as they were running away, that’s all that mattered.

Keel set her feet on the ground and held her gaze as he held onto her shoulders.

“I need to make sure this is over.”

It took a second for her to understand what he was saying. Then it hit, and she had to agree. Though she didn’t want him to leave, she knew he had to take care of the problem. “I know. Be careful.”

She watched as Keel took off, following behind Forest. She wasn’t sure how far Keel would go, but as long as Forest was out there, he would come back and terrorize her.

The thing that mattered most to her was that Keel had come looking for her and saved her from Forest. Her heart squeezed tight, as emotions flooded her. Her man had saved her from the monster. He was chasing after Forest to keep her safe. She’d never be able to thank him enough for saving her.

Chapter 42

Dealing with the authorities wasn’t fun, but Keel was back beside Frankie, thankful to have her in his arms. Dirt covered her arms and legs, and there was more blood than he wanted to see on her, but she was okay. At least she’d been able to walk on her own.

“Bean, stay with Frankie.”

“Got it, Keel,” Bean said over coms.

He was thankful he knew so many competent men who he could trust. They were the best of the best, and he never wanted to lose sight of that.

“Behind you,” Stanley said. “They’re running, but not too fast.”

“We should call the cops,” Chase said. Of course, Chase offered the suggestion that was one hundred percent compliant with the law. That’s who Chase was. But he knew Chase bent rules when necessary. He was right, they could call the cops, but they had to make sure they knew where to send them. This part of the wilderness of North Carolina was vast, but dotted with small towns and homesteads. Forest and Stone could go anywhere if they got away.

“Calling the cops right now might be a little awkward,” Link said. “Let’s see where they go.”

Chase grunted. “For now. But once we track them, we should call so they get thrown in jail and never come back.”

A thought hit Keel, and he had to know. “Bean, did you call an ambulance?”