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“Whatever gets you through the night,” Wade grumbled.
Carson turned up the volume when the radio crackled again. The sheriff’s voice filled the kitchen, announcing the discovery of the missing guard and a request for an ambulance.
“Are you hunting anywhere around Turkey Run in the next day or two?” The property had been in his mother’s family for as long as anyone knew. She claimed her grandfather had turned it into a hunting club when he’d retired to hide from her grandmother.
“No. Why?”
“Anyone else going that way that you know of?”
Wade frowned as he removed the old door. “Doubt it. There’s been more action on the other side of Bishopville this year.”
“Good. Keep it that way if you can. And keep this conversation to yourself.” Carson turned away from his brother’s wide-eyed shock. “I’m doing a walk-through upstairs.”
He took the stairs two at a time, mentally crossing his fingers Ruth’s twenty-two revolver was in the nightstand. He wanted Eva armed. Now.
In his mind, the scene played out again as the intruder tried to get through him to her. He didn’t care what Ross thought about her ability to hit a target. Weapon was better than no weapon.
Sirens cried out across the quiet morning once more and he knew if things didn’t settle down soon, the sheriff would have his hands full. The Haleswood community took pride in their general safety.
Pulling open the nightstand drawer, he saw the soft gleam of the snub-nose revolver and he sagged onto the bed, staring at it. Reality was sinking in and feeling heavier by the minute.
He’d shot a man in the line of duty. Not fatal, but the guy would limp for the rest of his days. Wasn’t he supposed to feel more remorse? He didn’t. No, he’d gladly do it again without a second thought if it kept Eva—or anyone else—safe.
He heard footsteps in the hallway and knew it was her. No one else in this house had such a light step.
“Carson?”
“In here.” He glanced up as she stopped at the open bedroom door.
“I’m supposed to—” She reached for her pendant. “Oh. I know that look. There had to be a first time.”
“How’d you know?” He reached for the revolver, flipping the cylinder out. Pleased to find it loaded, he flicked his wrist and it dropped back into place.
“I’m the queen of intel, remember? Accessing your personnel file was no big deal.”
He winced. Beautiful and regal might describe her to a ‘T’, but he hated her old nickname right now.
“My apologies,” she said. “I know that’s supposed to be private.”
“It’s not that.” He shook his head, tried to smile. He didn’t need to give her any cause to worry. “I’ll get over it.”
She stepped closer. “I met your brother.”
“I’m sure you did.” He rolled his eyes. “Wade’s good with his hands.”
“All that Morris family training I’m sure,” she said with a smile. “And you’re not in much of a mood to trust anyone but family.”
“It shows, huh?” He reminded himself it was her job to observe and analyze. “Ross warned me this wasn’t an average situation.”
“Warnings are nice, but it’s always different when you’re in it.”
She took another step, putting her within arm’s reach. He’d wanted to touch her since he’d first seen her. Staying under the same roof, danger aside, was quickly turning that initial want into a driving need. He held out the revolver grip first, instead of doing something stupid like dragging her down onto the bed. “It’s loaded.”
“I noticed.” She winked at him, but didn’t take the gun.
“Will you carry it until we’re done here? Please?” If he failed to stop the next attack, he wanted to know she had a fighting chance to defend the computer between her ears.
“Maybe,” she said, gently pushing the gun aside.
