Free She Can Kill (She Can Series) by Melinda Leigh

them?”
    “Jumping in, as you say it, was the last thing I wished to do.” Cristan spoke carefully. “And I don’t know how else I can be of assistance. You have my account of the incident and my description of the men. I’ve never seen either of them before. Surely, you have other avenues of investigation.”
    “I have a feeling your observation skills are as good as your hand-to-hand.” Mike tilted his head. “Most civilians avoid confrontation. Yet you were able to disarm and overpower two men.”
    “They did not see it coming. Surprise is a formidable advantage.” Cristan shrugged.
    Sean’s eyes called him a liar.
    “True.” Mike scratched his chin. He sighed, as if he was giving up. “The mayor called. He’d like to say thank you. Also, the woman with the little girl in the store wants to express her gratitude. Face it, you’re a hero.”
    Cristan shifted his position. “I was hoping the incident could be kept low profile.”
    Mike sighed. “I doubt that’s possible. Once that video gets out, the media will be looking for you.”
    “Is there any way to keep that from happening?” Cristan asked.
    “Most people would be thrilled to get the attention.” Mike dropped his glasses on his desk.
    “I only wish for my daughter and me to live a quiet life,” Cristan said. Was that too much to ask? Anger heated his blood. The fallout from today’s robbery would threaten his daughter’s happiness. Lucia would be devastated if he told her they had to move. But if the video went live . . .
    Mike sighed. “I can try, but I suspect the state police will want to broadcast the video and set up a hotline in case these men are spotted by a citizen.”
    Mike’s answer added to the argument for leaving town.
    Cristan’s muscles crawled with the need for movement. Frustration filled him with restless energy like an animal in a cage. “I should pick Lucia up. I’d like to shower and change before I do so, but I’m willing to answer more questions tomorrow.”
    “Fair enough,” Mike said. The cell phone on his blotter buzzed. He picked it up and read the text display. “Sarah wants to know if you’re OK.”
    Cristan dropped his head into his hand.
    Mike tapped on his phone screen. “I’ll tell her you’re fine, but you might want to call her. It sounds like she’s worried about you.”
    “I’m sure she’s wondering when I’ll be picking up Lucia.”
    “I doubt that’s the only reason she’s asking.” Mike set the phone on his desk.
    What did he mean by that comment? Sarah did not so much as flirt with him. She was sweet and friendly and went out of her way to be kind to Lucia. His daughter adored her. But there was nothing between him and Sarah except a bit of longing on his part. As much as he enjoyed her company, he had nothing to offer her.
    Mike straightened. “Thanks for cooperating, but I have to say, your hand-to-hand skills are impressive and a little shocking. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
    Cristan lifted his head. Mike was a good man. He’d proved himself honorable and courageous several times over the past five months. But honesty could be a problem. He hadn’t broken any laws today, but what Cristan had done in the past was illegal. Mike might feel obligated to turn him over to the proper authorities if he learned the truth. “I’ve taken Krav Maga for years. I suppose the training works.”
    Cristan stood. “I should be leaving. You’ll let me know if you’re able to identify the man from the blood on my clothes?”
    Mike nodded. “No guarantees of getting your clothes back.”
    “Thank you, but I have no wish to have them back,” Cristan said.
    Mike stood and offered a hand. “I appreciate what you did today. You could have ducked and simply saved yourself. Instead, you risked your life to save a woman and a little girl.”
    Cristan accepted the handshake. In hindsight, his heroic actions had been foolish. Lucia didn’t deserve to lose another parent. Plus,