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through his bloodstream. His commander would have his head on a platter if he moved in
without orders. Unless he could do something immediately to protect Celeste.
Right, you ass. You did a damn good job of protecting her. She wouldn t be in harm s way if you
had. You should have insisted that she live with you, even if she didn t want anything more to do
with you physically or emotionally.
As if he would have forced her, required her to do anything against her will.
Fear and guilt twisted inside until he felt gut punched. Mick managed one deep breath, than
another as professionalism reminded him what to do--what he must do.
He wanted to rush in and save her.
He wanted to kill the son-of-a-bitch who dared take her hostage.
Doing either or both right now would destroy everything he d worked for and more than that, put
the woman he loved in harm s way.
He shook with the agony of hesitation. Of not making a decision that could mean her death.
He crept to the front window, kneeling so Huntley wouldn t have a view of his stealthy
approach. Mick crouched by the window, well aware that Huntley could already be tipped off. If
he d seen Leigh looking in the window, he would have to know she d call for help.
Huntley stood over Celeste, weapon pointed right at her. Mick saw stark, undeniable fear in
Celeste s eyes. But around that fear he saw strength and determination.
And blood on her temple.
Jesus.
All of Mick s muscles tensed. That fucker. That piece of filth, scumbag, peckerwood.
Huntley would know she feared him, and that gave the man an advantage. Anger sent energy
spiking up Mick s spine as he assessed the situation. Mick s heart flooded with love for Celeste.
Now he understood when Dace had described his desperation for Mary when she d been taken
hostage. He also understood with stark clarity how Celeste might have felt when she thought he
might be hurt today on the SWAT operation.
Of course she d been frantic about him.
Maybe, just maybe, could she feel one inkling of love for him?
The thought twisted in his gut.
A man wild with fear for the woman he loved could make serious mistakes. With a sense of
dread, Mick moved away from the window.
That asswipe had done something to her--hurt her. Huntley would live to regret it.
Mick reached for his phone again and dialed Dispatch to relay intelligence to Captain Jefferson
Harris, Commander of the SWAT unit.
Dispatch immediately linked him. ETA is six minutes. Don t make one damned move until we
get there, understood? Captain Harris said, the expectation Mick would follow his orders clear
and harsh in his voice.
Understood. If there was any way I could sneak in behind him--
Don t even consider it.
Yes sir.
Two Sheriff s Department cruisers rolled toward Mick about a half block away. He ran toward
them and within seconds recognized his brothers. As they quickly left their cars, they hurried to
open their trunks and grab everything they d need.
Hey bro, Trey said, eyes troubled as Mick ran up to them. The van is on its way.
Craig clapped his hand on Mick s shoulder, his eyes warm with understanding. You okay?
Mick shook his head. No, but I will be as soon as I break that son of a bitch s neck.
You aren t touching him. Craig squeezed his shoulder. Harris won t let you anywhere near
this one.
Trey slipped his vest over his head. Besides, you didn t bring a cruiser home with you and all
your gear is in it. We ll take care of her, Mick. We won t let anything happen to her.
Mick growled his response. You re damned right you won t. There s blood on her face. The
fucker has already hurt her.
Kelso rolled up in his unit and so did Dace. City officers arrived on scene to erect barriers and
keep the public out of the area. People in houses nearby would be directed to keep out.
The SWAT van appeared and even at a half block away, the black rolling command post looked
imposing and ready to take on any situation. At this point they wouldn t need the armored
personal carrier, but it was possible they might later on if the situation continued for long.
Unaccustomed doubt raged through Mick, and he tasted the awful flavor it left in his mouth.
Recognizing the symptoms of his own fallibility and fear, he resolved to maintain control of his
emotions.
Captain Harris alighted from the vehicle as did the negotiator, Bill Renfore. Mick immediately
informed Renfore that Huntley was a sociopath.
That s going to make things more difficult, Renfore said as he took note of the information.
Harris s grim expression erased his normally jolly attitude. Bald-headed, around fifty, and sharp
as a razor, the Captain ran the SWAT team with a firm but fair hand. As the other men suited up
and prepared to rumble, Mick itched to do the same.
Harris s green eyes flashed as he headed toward Mick. Don t even think about it.
Mick bristled. About what?
Going in there with us if we have to make an assault on the house. First, you re off duty.
Mick swallowed hard, and stuffed his Glock in the back waistband of his jeans. We re on
twenty-four, seven.
Harris put his hands on his hips. Doesn t matter. You know the rules. You aren t participating if
you re personally involved with the hostage. Are you?
You know I am.
Then why have you got your piece?
When Leigh Strong called me, I acted on instinct and ran to check out the situation. I wasn t
going near the house without my weapon.
Harris s stern face relaxed, then he headed for the back of the van. Got it. Stay back while we
plan this operation.
Wait, Captain. Mick grabbed his shoulder for a second and the other man turned around. I
know I can t participate, but at least let me hear what s going on. Celeste is-- His throat
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