Free Protective Custody by Lynette Eason Page B

have been more of a warning than an attempt to kill.
    So, what was the attack on the house? Another message? A true try at killing him? Or something else? Carly’s brain processed these thoughts as Nick slammed a fist against the wall and muttered something she couldn’t hear. If he was praying, she hoped somebody was listening.
    â€œAnother example of complete and utter disregard for human life,” she muttered. Nicholas looked like granite. Trying to read his expression was like staring at a blank page. “Nick? What are you thinking?”
    â€œThat I want these people stopped, and I want them stopped yesterday.”
    â€œWe’re working on that.”
    His face softened slightly. “I know.”
    The crime-scene unit arrived, and Carly stepped back. Mason pulled out his phone and started barking orders.
    Nick placed a hand on her arm, and she looked up at him. His touch sent a shiver up her shoulder. Clearing her throat, she asked, “Are you ready to head to the safe house now?”
    He blew out a sigh and transferred the hand on her arm to grasp the bridge of his nose with two fingers. “Yes, I think we’re going to have to drop out of sight in order to keep people alive. I don’t like it. I don’t like being forced into—” He broke off and shook his head. “Well, no sense grumbling about it. We’ll do what we’ve got to do, and that’s that.”
    She was quiet for a moment. “They had this planned.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThis was all planned. It had to be. How did they know you were going to be here today?”
    He shot her a wry look. “I’m always here, Carly. Unfortunately, my schedule isn’t one that I can alter very much. I might drive a different route to work or come in a little early on Monday, leave late on Tuesday, and so on, but for the most part, I’m here at this time of day. Anyone who knows me…or has been watching me…wouldn’t have much trouble figuring that out.”
    She frowned. “Okay. Point taken. But to be ready to act so fast.”
    Mason walked up in time to hear her comment, and all three headed back to the security room. “They must have had someone watching the courthouse. Waiting for the judge to arrive. All it takes is a phone call. Then the guy pops the first security guard that comes his way, and the game is on.”
    â€œAnd with all of the hoopla it took to get in and park…”
    â€œBy the time we got in the building, the person had plenty of time to get the message and let the snakes in.”
    Nick’s fingers curled into a fist. She watched his jaw clench, causing a muscle to jump. As he opened his mouth to say something, his cell phone rang.
    Carly turned to Mason to suggest he check out the secretary’s wild-goose chase while she and Nick finished the surveillance tapes.
    â€œExcuse me?” Nick’s deadly quiet question pulled her attention back to him.
    He pressed a button on the iPhone screen to engage the speakerphone, and a mechanically disguised voice said, “You heard me, Judge. I have one of my men at your children’s school. Watching them even as we speak. You think those two incompetent marshals can keep me from them if I want them?”
    Mason grabbed his phone and stepped from the room. Carly knew he was calling Maria or Grady to alert them of the new developments.
    Nick already had a trace on his phone. Every incoming and outgoing call would be recorded.
    â€œYou leave those kids out of this.” Nick’s face had gone pale even as stark determination stamped his features. “They’ve got nothing to do with any of this.”
    â€œTheir mother and aunt didn’t have anything to do with one of your cases, either, did they? And yet look where they ended up. You’re messing with the same people, Judge, so you know how we work. Still want to take us on?”
    Stunned, Carly drew in a swift