Page 97 of The Deadly Shallows

He inhaled, then exhaled in a steadying whoosh before looking over at Austin. “Do you want to wait in the car?” he asked, partly hoping she would and partly that she wouldn’t. It’d be nice to have someone at his side, to have her at his side. He was getting used to her there. Loving her there, if he was honest.

Austin shook her head. “No. I want to be there with you,” she said, her voice holding a steadfastness he admired.

“Okay.” He stepped from the car and moved around to open her door. She climbed out, and Officer Jager met them as they approached the open front door. Screams flooded out.

“Thanks for calling,” Caleb said.

“Anytime, man,” Jager said.

“This is Miss Kelly,” Caleb said introducing her.

Officer Jager dipped his chin. “Ma’am.” He looked to Caleb. “You want to follow me in?”

He nodded, thankful Bill Jager always called him, even though Caleb had no jurisdiction here.

“You—” Susie screamed obscenities, and Bart gave them right back.

Caleb shook his head, extending his hand to Austin. “You sure?” he asked, giving her one last out.

“Positive.”

He nodded as hot shame and indignation boiled beneath his skin. He rounded the corner to the kitchen, Austin close at his side.

Officer Samuels held Bart back, while the six-two burly man wrestled in his hold.

“Duck!” Caleb said, pulling Austin down with him as a series of plates flew over their heads, busting on the wall behind them.

“What are you doing here?” Susie screeched as he and Austin righted themselves. “And who is she?”

Red marks in the size and shape of fingers marred Susie’s arms. Blood dripped from her lip, and her right eye was already swelling.

His heart cracked. “Suz . . .” he said, pleading for this to stop.

“Don’t ‘Suz’ me. I didn’t ask for your help, and I don’t want it.” Another plate zinged.

“Enough!” roared Jager, stepping in front of her as Samuels wrangled Bart into cuffs. He looked back at his partner. “Get him in the car.”

As Samuels walked him out, Bart glared at Caleb. “Like she said, you’re not wanted.”

Caleb’s jaw clenched. “And you’re arrested again.”

“She’ll bail me out in an hour. No ’arm. No foul.”

Caleb got up in his face. “Look at her. She’s bleeding. That sure as heck is harm.” He bit back the rest of what he wanted to say, obeying what God called him to do instead.

“Who’s the broad?” Bart asked, looking Austin up and down.

Before Caleb could respond, Austin did. “I’m not a broad.”

Bart chuckled. “You sure look like one, darlin’.” He tugged against his restraints, trying to get in her space.

She didn’t bat an eye. “I suggest you back up, or we’re going to have a problem.”

Caleb loved her tenacity.

“Yeah.” Bart snorted. “And what kind of trouble could you possibly cause?” he asked as the officer pulled him away from her.

“This kind.” She lifted her concealed Colt in her right hand, and her PI license in her left, showing it to Officer Samuels.