Page 36 of Lethal Justice

Chapter Twenty

Before she knewwhat was happening, Malco had tackled her backward, knocking her down with such force she lost her breath. Wheezing, she got to her knees, a hand pressed to her stomach where his elbow had made contact. There had been gunshots, at least two, before Malco had pulled her back inside. More sounded, but they only made contact with the closed door and outside walls.

When she regained her breath, she saw Shane and the rest of the team running toward the entrance. And the blood on her hand.

It took a moment for her to realize it wasn’t hers.

“Malco!” Frida crawled to him as he half-sat beside her, holding his side. Pain twisted his handsome face, but if the wound was severe, she knew time was of the essence.

As she pushed his hand, she saw the blood soaking his shirt. “Don’t worry, mi corazón. The shot went through the fat.”

She arched an eyebrow, bracing herself. “What fat? There isn’t an ounce of it on you.”

And without waiting for any more of his nonsense, she pushed his hands aside to peel back the soaked cloth and reveal the wound. The blood was abundant, but from what she could see, the bullet had grazed his side, which was a small blessing.

Frida tore her top into a makeshift dressing and placed it against the wound, pressing hard. Malco cringed but didn’t say a word.

Shane came beside them. “How bad is it?”

“It grazed his side, must have been a high caliber.”

Malco’s voice was harsh. “Flesh wound.”

“A bloody one. You’ll need stitches, but I guess we were lucky.”

Shane cursed. “Lucky the shooter didn’t have better aim. Unlucky someone targeted us, it means they know who we are. That’s what concerns me the most.”

While Frida kept pressure on the wound, Shane helped Malco up just as James joined them.

“I checked the perimeter, and they’re gone.”

The three of them supported Malco as they went to the infirmary where Emme and Mercy were waiting for them inside. Once Malco was seated, Emme took over. Frida wanted to stay, but after a kiss on her temple, Malco shooed her away.

Despite the initial fright, she knew that Malco wasn’t in immediate danger, and after some stitches, he’d be okay.

Shane pulled her away, and James reappeared with a sweatshirt for her and she realized she was only wearing her bra.

It would have been so easy to crumble, but she wouldn’t allow herself the luxury. Danger had come faster than they’d expected.

“Do you know who it was? I’m guessing the Blood Razors, but I hope I’m wrong.”

Shane shook his head. “It’s difficult to know because we don’t know how big the gang is or who its members are. But my guess is as good as yours. What concerns me most is how they knew it was us. We were careful. They couldn’t see our faces, and our plates were covered. We didn’t use our own vehicles, and took detours to get back here.”

Frida said the words but prayed she was wrong. “Could there have been a leak? Not intentionally, but could someone have overheard something and shared it? I trust your team, Shane, every one of you, but it’s a possibility we need to consider.”

The expression on Shane’s face was feral, but just when she thought he’d punch the wall, he turned back. “You’re right. We need to consider every option. But security is paramount. From now on, all information will only be communicated in person or via secure methods. No more using phones until we’re sure the leak isn’t from there. We’ll debug our homes and vehicles, too, just to make sure. James, coordinate everything and communicate my instructions to every member of our team.”

“What about others like Ward or Tycen’s mother? Should they be informed?”

Shane looked at Frida, but his intentions were clear. “No. Not for now. Only the core team. Also, we’ll up security on Ward and Tycen’s family, as well as on our safehouses. I’ll call in a few favors from trustworthy friends. I still have a few SEAL friends who might like the extra money. I’ll make a few calls. I want Tycen and his family moved to a safe house that nobody but the team knows of. King can coordinate that. Ward is with Danie, and I’ll put extra people on them too, but keep them out of sight. I don’t want her spooked.”

James nodded and disappeared with his orders. Shane started pacing. “We won’t be able to contain this for long, Frida. Our resources are stretched, and there are too many enemies to keep an eye on.”

“I agree, Shane. I need to talk to JaKheel and convince him to testify. Once the accusation is out, it’ll force Kasten and Pool to keep a low profile and ask Bullet to do the same. It won’t hold long, but hopefully, at least until I can cut off a few heads. Once Kasten is down, Pool will follow. With the MPD clean again, they’ll keep the Blood Razors so busy I don’t think they’ll have time to worry about Alliance.”

Shane considered her words for a long time. “You’re sure of yourself. A lot is at stake, including lives, and it all depends on your ability to bring Kasten down. What if you fail?”

She wouldn’t even consider such a thing or think about it. The Agency, every member of it, had become part of her family, and Malco held her heart.