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“That theory only works if Kyle knew about the affair.”
“Kyle did know about Ash,” Eloise said.
He turned his head to stare at her. Another detail she’d failed to mention. “What makes you say that? What did he say to you?”
“Just that he saw Ash’s name on my phone. And knew that we’d exchanged text messages.” Eloise hunched her shoulders. “Kyle knew I used to date Ash when he was still working as a cop here in Milwaukee. I told him we were just friends, but I’m not sure if he believed me.”
“Did Ash ever threaten to hurt Kyle?” he asked. “To kill him?”
“No.” The way Eloise avoided his gaze wasn’t reassuring. He had a feeling the guy had threatened Kyle. And that Eloise had kept her mouth shut about that too.
He hoped the DA would throw the book at her and made a mental note to ask Elly if either Bax Scala or Maddy Sinclair could take the case. Eloise needed to be held accountable for her actions. Or lack thereof.
What if Ash had succeeded in killing Elly? The mere thought had him breaking out in a cold sweat.
He loved her.
A weird calmness washed over him. Loving Elly felt right. And if he were honest, he’d admit he’d been fighting his feelings for her for months now.
Because of Rhy being his boss. And that wasn’t fair to Elly. Or to him.
The arrival of the ambulance interrupted his thoughts. He almost groaned when he saw Colin jump out from the rig and run straight toward Elly.
“What happened? How badly are you hurt?” Colin asked.
“I’m fine. Just sore.” Elly’s smile looked strained.
There was no point in varnishing the truth. He stepped forward. “A bullet creased the back of Elly’s vest. She’s short of breath, and her ribs hurt.”
“A bullet?” Colin narrowed his gaze. “You were supposed to protect her.”
“He did,” Elly insisted. “I’m standing here, aren’t I? Besides, I’m the one who got out of the car against Joe’s and Grayson’s advice.”
Colin huffed but let it go. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”
Joe walked alongside. “I’m coming with you.” When Colin looked as if he might argue, he added, “Ashton James, the shooter is still out there. We have officers searching for him now that we have a name and possible location. But I’m not leaving Elly’s side until he’s arrested.”
Colin sighed. “Fine. I guess that’s what Rhy would want.”
“He would,” Joe agreed.
“I’m right here,” Elly said testily. “Does anyone care what I want?”
“Not really.” Colin opened the back door of the rig. “Hold on. We need the gurney.”
Joe stood to the side while Colin and a female paramedic pulled out the gurney, got Elly to lie down, then put her back inside the rig.
He jumped up beside her, taking her hand. He’d keep his promise to stick to Elly like glue.
And mentally prepared himself to face his boss’s wrath over her injury.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
Clinging to Joe’s hand during the ambulance ride made Elly feel safe and secure. She knew Ashton James was still out there, but she was confident that the tactical team members would find him.
Her ribs hurt with every breath. She knew the injury was nothing compared to what so many others had suffered. Images from the Christmas shooting flashed in her mind. The dead skaters, Kyle, Lisa, and so many others.
“Take a deep breath,” Colin said, after he’d placed an IV catheter in her arm.
