Free Love & Deception (Agents in Love - Book 1) by Chantel Rhondeau Page B

into his arms and stood,
cringing when she winced. “Who can I call for you, Carlie? Who are
you working with?”
    She leaned her head against his shoulder.
“What do you mean? I’m not with anyone. The killers found me. Help
me.”
    Walking toward the doorway, he tried once
again. In her dazed state, he had a better chance of getting
information out of her—though he hated himself a bit for doing it.
“I mean, who’s helping you here in town? Muhammad?” Another thought
occurred to him. “Shelley?”
    “You. You’re the only one. I prayed you’d
find me somehow, save me from him.” Coughing wracked her body
again. “It hurts to breathe.”
    “The jerk choked you. You’ll be sore for a
while.” He stepped outside, hoping if he left the door open someone
would happen by and finish Stephen off. “Let me take you to the
ER.”
    “Shoot. No. I’m sorry. I’m asking too much.”
She lifted her head off his shoulder, the blood coating her face
shifting to a rusty brown as it dried. “Put me down. I’ll drive
myself home. I shouldn’t involve you in this.”
    He grunted and held her tighter, carrying
her to his car. He opened the passenger’s door and carefully placed
her inside, pulling the seatbelt across her lap and fastening it.
“Where are your car keys?”
    She patted the pocket of his suit jacket,
which she still wore, and pulled out keys.
    He took them from her and closed the door,
walking to the Camry. After placing the keys beneath the driver’s
side floor mat, Nick swiped his smart phone and brought up the
boss’ phone number.
    “You find her?” Paul asked in greeting.
    “At Stephen’s house. Your little errand boy
needs help, but he’s alive. Carlie’s keys are in the usual place.
Get her vehicle back to her house, then stay away from this case.
Either that or pull me from it. I had things under control.”
    “Don’t presume to tell me what to do or
I’ll—”
    “Have me taken out? I thought we were closer
than that, but I guess times change.”
    “Be reasonable,” Paul said. “We’re talking
about something bigger than you and I, Nick. Your target and her
terrorist friends are dangerous. We have to think about the people
they’ll hurt if they succeed.”
    “I know that.” It was the whole reason he
joined S.A.T.O. He wanted to protect people. Nick walked to the
Porsche, unable to see Carlie through the dark tinted windows.
“That’s also why you need me now more than ever. The target’s
spooked and somehow knows you’re on to her. She said I’m the only
one she can trust.”
    “It sounds like you want to protect her. You
don’t think she’s innocent, do you?”
    “Innocent until proven guilty, isn’t that
the way our country works?”
    “Find the bracelet, Nick. I know she has
one. Then you’ll see I’m right.”
    What if she did have it? She was afraid, and
she didn’t want police involved. There had to be a reason. Having a
piece of jewelry that could wreak havoc on the country would be a
good reason to want to remain anonymous to the police.
    He sighed. “If she has the bracelet, or I
can connect her to the terrorist organization, I’ll do things your
way. For now, let me do it my way.”
    “I’m counting on you. The whole country
is.”
    Disconnecting the call, Nick climbed into
the car. Carlie breathed regularly and she appeared to be asleep,
though he hoped she wasn’t unconscious.
    “Carlie, hon, can you wake up a little?”
    “Hmmmmm.” She shifted in her seat, but then
cried out, opening her eyes. “Crap. That hurts.”
    “I’m going to drive you home, okay? I’ve
arranged for your car to be taken there later.”
    She shook her head as though to clear her
confusion. “I can’t go home, Nick. I thought you understood. I need
your protection.” She sighed and looked out the windshield,
avoiding his gaze. “I shouldn’t drag you into my problems. Go ahead
and take me to my house.”
    Searching her place could wait for another
day. The