Mark’s breathing was erratic as he took in Lindsey’s bruised face, pain wrenching at his heart.
A low growl from the attacker drew his attention. Realization hit with a bitter sting. “Garth?”
The other man let out a burst of harsh laughter, pushing to his feet and lunging at Mark all in one move. His arms wrapped around Mark’s waist, as he sent him stumbling backwards. Mark managed to get his arms under the other man’s, and pry him off. Garth countered by throwing a punch, but Mark managed to block it.
* * * * *
Pure adrenaline powered Lindsey now. Her mind went back to her options. Gun. In purse by door. Had to get to her gun. She kept repeating her objective in her head, afraid the fog would take over. Stumbling, fighting dizziness, she managed to make it through the room and into the hall. She stumbled, falling to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks. Crawling the rest of the way, she found her purse and dumped it.
The front door burst open, and then Steve was there, squatting down beside her. “Oh, God,” he said. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, swallowing a sob as she grabbed his arm. “Help Mark. It’s Garth, Steve. It’s Garth.”
Steve frowned, but he acted without haste as his training dictated, pulling his gun and rounding the corner with stealth-like speed. Steve holstered his gun as he took in the two men going hand to hand. He might shoot Mark. He had no option but to do this the physical way.
He moved forward, yanking Garth from behind just as Mark jabbed him with a right hook to the face. Garth toppled over on Steve, knocking him to the ground. In a split second, Garth flipped around and yanked Steve’s gun from his holster.
Pointing the gun at Steve, he laughed, “Too slow,” he spat. “Get up.” Cutting a sideways glance at Mark, he added, “One wrong move and he’s dead.”
“Drop the gun, Garth,” Lindsey said from the doorway, her gun pointed at him.
She felt Mark’s eyes. “Lindsey—”
“I’m fine Mark.” But she wasn’t and she knew it.
Garth sneered at her. “No you’re not, darling. You’re bleeding. Why don’t you just hand over that gun and sit your pretty little ass down. Poppa will be right over to kiss it all better.”
Mark took a step towards Garth. “You son of—”
“Call off your dog, Lindsey,” Garth warned. “Or Steve’s a dead man.” He jabbed the gun to Steve’s temple.
Mark stopped dead in his tracks. “Garth,” Lindsey said stepping forward. “This little game is over. Drop the weapon.”
“Or what, darling?”
“I’ll shoot you.”
“I doubt that.”
“If you think for a minute I will hesitate, you’re dead wrong.”
He laughed again, the sound making Lindsey shiver. “Let’s find out. How about a little game of chicken?” He shoved Steve. “Get over there beside Mark.”
Lindsey kept her gun aimed at Garth. “I bet I can shoot one of them before you can manage to put me down.” He smiled. “You choose which one will live and which one will die.”
Garth waved the gun between Steve and Mark. Lindsey kept her gun aimed at Garth. She didn’t doubt he would shoot one of them. Maybe both. He was crazy. She should shoot him before he could shoot them. But . . . . she was foggy. It was hard to think. Should she?
“Game’s up, Lindsey,” Steve said quietly.
Lindsey heard his words, and absorbed their meaning. He was telling her what to do. She pulled the trigger, no hesitation. A second later, Garth crumpled to the floor.
Lindsey had shot him.
Steve’s words washed over Mark. He had reminded her of her training, of her only option. She had to shoot first. And Steve knew she wouldn’t wilt under pressure.
Mark’s eyes darted from Garth to Lindsey as he watched her lean against the wall and then slip down to the floor. Mark ran to her side, pulling her into his arms. The courage she had shown amazed him, but most of all it made him proud. She was amazing, such a combination of vulnerability and strength. She was the woman he loved and he was thankful she was alive. Losing her would have been a nightmare. Stroking her hair, he rocked her, whispering comforting words.
“He’s dead,” Steve said.
It was over.
* * * * *
Finally, after hours at the hospital, Mark carried Lindsey through his front door, her head resting on his shoulder. He had taken her to the emergency room as soon as Steve’s back-up arrived. She had a concussion and a lot of bumps and scrapes. More than anything, she had the trauma of the experience.
Lindsey had turned over her weapon to the authorities, and would now be subjected to an internal investigation. Standard procedure, even though she was on leave. Still, he hated it. He didn’t want this to get dragged out any longer than it had to. She deserved to put this behind her.
Ever so carefully he set her on the bed. Lindsey’s eyes fluttering open. “Where are we?” she asked.
“We’re home, baby,” he said as he bent down and kissed her forehead.
She blinked and looked at him through swollen eyes. “I hurt all over.”
“I know. You’re due some more pain medicine,” he told her. “Let me get you something to drink to take it with and then we’ll get you undressed.”
She nodded. He started to turn. “Mark?” He gave her a questioning look. “You saved my life.”
He sat down on the edge of the bed. “And you returned the favor, if I remember correctly.”
Her lips trembled. “I should have listened to you.”
He kissed her hand, afraid of hurting her if he kissed her anywhere else. “It’s done and over. I’m just glad I didn’t lose you.” Emotion lodged in his throat. “Rest. I’ll get your pain medicine.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyelashes fluttering to her cheeks. “I’m so tired. So very, very tired.”
* * * * *
“Hey Maggie, have you seen Mark?”
“He went out for a bit, but I don’t know where.” She studied Lindsey’s face. “That black eye is really looking better now.”
Lindsey touched the spot under her left eye. “Yes, finally. Now it sorta looks like a bad birthmark.”
“Gives the rest of us females a chance for once,” Maggie said with a playful smile.
Lindsey snorted. “Right. You too funny.”
Mark rounded the corner. “What trouble are you two cooking?”
Lindsey laughed. “That’s for us to know and you to find out.”
Mark moved forward, aware that his pulse was beating rapidly, tension lacing his body. He had something important to tell Lindsey. “Come to my office, and let me try and pry it out of you.”
Lindsey laughed and followed Mark. Once they were in his office, Mark pushed the door shut and pulled her into his arms. “I have ways to make you talk.”
Lindsey unbuttoned his jacket and dipped her hands beneath it. “Please, make me talk.”
“Actually, there is something I need to talk to you about.” He took a step backwards, taking her hand in his. “Come sit with me.”
Mark pulled the chairs around so that he could face her. He’d taken a big step. One meant to help Lindsey let go of the past. He could only pray it was the right move. He loved her. He had no question he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
Lindsey touched his cheek. “What’s up?”
He let out a breath. “I’ve given a lot of thought to you and me, and to the firm.” Her eyes widened. “I know you don’t want to run Paxton, and I came back on a limited timeline.”
Lindsey nodded. “I know, and I appreciate what you have done for me.”
Mark smiled, thinking of how things had changed between them. He wanted her to let go of the past. To choose to be with him out of desire, not pressure to run Paxton. “You have a job waiting for you in Washington.”
Her voice was almost a whisper. “Yes, but you have a consulting business to get back on track.”