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Pushing through the exit, she stepped into the crisp midnight air and hurried to Alex’s pickup. As soon as she opened the driver’s door, a black shape appeared at her side, tail thumping against her. Jake bounded onto the seat and curled up on the passenger side. She chuckled softly and climbed in beside him, giving him a scratch on the head. Her heart nearly stopped when she reached for the keys and came up empty.
“Oh, crap.” She’d been sure she’d left them there. Hadn’t she? She slid from the seat, slapping her pockets on the off chance she’d taken them with her.Nothing. Frantically, she searched the floor and as far beneath the driver’s seat as she could. Jake watched, his tail wagging, then barked once. Jordan was about to shush him when she heard a noise behind her. Fear coursed through her blood. In her concern for Travis, she’d almost forgotten Brody’s men likely still hunted for her.
Her left hand closed around something cold and metallic under the seat, and she whirled around, swinging the heavy object in an arc away from her body. Too late to stop, she recognized Coop as his right arm rose to take the blow.
“Damn it, Kitten!” He tore the crowbar from her hand. “Did anyone ever tell you you’re dangerous?”
“Don’t sneak up on me,” she shouted back.
“Is this what you’re looking for?” He dangled the pickup keys in front of her face.
“Give them to me.” She grabbed for them.
Coop closed his hand and tucked them into his pocket. “Not on a bet, lady. What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“I have to do this. I don’t know why. I just do.”Well, there’s a compelling argument.She would have laughed if she wasn’t so frustrated.
Coop’s expression softened. “I know why, but I’m still not letting you go.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “It’s too dangerous.”
She shrugged off his touch. “Damn you, Coop. What if he dies?”
“Travis is like a brother to me. Do you think I’d let anything happen to him? Trust me. Roberts is checking his messages; then we’re out of here. Come on. Carmen is looking for you. Believe me, Jordan, this is the best thing you can do for Travis. He’d want you safe—not running back into the viper’s nest.”
Damn it. Jordan hated that Coop was right. Reluctantly, she shuffled toward the building.
“Don’t forget your dog.” Humor sparkled in his eyes.
Despite her exasperation, Jordan returned a half-hearted grin, patted her leg, and Jake instantly hopped out, plastering himself to her side.
Her babysitter turned out to be the pretty Hispanic woman who’d joined the men’s impromptu chat earlier. Carmen met them inside the door, all smiles and confidence. Jordan noticed a trace of irritation in Coop’s expression, but it vanished quickly.
“Take Jake with you and get some rest. Don’t worry. Travis will be fine.” He grinned as though that was all she needed to alleviate her concern.
Jordan followed Carmen, only half listening and replying in monosyllables when the conversation lagged. She’d rather this nice, well-intentioned woman be quiet and leave her alone with her thoughts. Finally, Carmen excused herself to make a phone call, promising they’d be on their way to a safe house as soon as she returned.
Chapter Sixteen
Travis stood tuckedagainst the wall just outside the double doors of Halstead’s office. The man had slammed them so hard they’d refused to stay shut, swinging back open enough to allow a glimpse of the room’s interior. Halstead paced back and forth behind the desk, swearing with every step. He stopped long enough to pick up a framed picture and slam it down. Glass shattered, and Halstead roared as he swept it from the desktop.
A train whistle interrupted his tirade. “What?” he growled into the phone. A long pause followed while Halstead listened. “That worthless son of a bitch. I should never have trusted a senator’s son ... maybe we can salvage something yet. No, don’t come here. I’ll meet you in Lone Pine ... I don’t know how long it’ll be. Just wait for me and stay out of sight.” Halstead ended the call, whipped around, and threw his phone against the wall.
Travis grinned. Halstead was not a happy man. Visibly agitated, he continued to pace behind his large oak desk. Choosing a moment when the furious man halted, facing the door, Travis stepped into the room.
Halstead’s gaze traveled from the gun leveled at him to Travis’s face. A flicker of surprise gave way to anger, and then he smirked. Superiority oozed from every pore as his gaze roamed the length of Travis.
