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“We need to move,” Rissa says from the doorway. “That fire’s spreading fast.”

I lift Leo into my arms and he clings to me like a monkey, face buried in my neck. “Can you walk, baby? We have to run.”

He nods against my shoulder but doesn’t let go. I adjust my grip on him, making sure I can still use my weapon if needed. Together we head back the way we came, Rissa in the lead.

We’re almost to the stairs when the power cuts out, plunging us into darkness. Something explodes below us, making the whole building shudder, and a familiar voice calls out from behind us.

“Eve! This way.”

I spin to find Zeke at the other end of the hall, backlit by the emergency exit sign. Even in the dim light, there’s desperation on his face.

“The stairs are compromised,” he says, already moving toward us. “Fire’s taken the first floor. We need to go out the back.”

Part of me wants to run to him, hug him and hold him close, but there’s no time. The heat is becoming unbearable, and Leo is trembling in my arms.

“Lead the way,” I say.

Zeke takes point as we navigate through smoke-filled corridors toward the rear of the building. Every few steps he checks back, his eyes lingering on Leo with concern.

We reach a fire escape just as another explosion rocks the building. Metal groans ominously beneath our feet.

“Ladies first,” Zeke says, holding the door. “My men have the perimeter secured.”

The fire escape descends into controlled chaos. Eli and several other men form a protective circle around us as soon as our feet hit the ground. In the distance, sirens wail—backup finally arriving, far too late to be useful.

“Eve.” Zeke’s voice is urgent. “You need to let me take Leo. The police can’t find either of us here.”

He’s right, damn him. Any chance of handling this through official channels died the moment his private army showed up. But the thought of letting Leo out of my sight again? Panic threatens to take control of me.

“I’ll keep him safe,” Zeke promises, reading my hesitation. “I won’t fail you again.”

I hold his gaze and all I see is honest loyalty, love, and determination to keep us safe. I don’t want to leave Leo, but Zeke’s right, and I need to trust him. As my husband and protector. “Okay, don’t get caught.”

Leo lifts his head from my shoulder, eyes wide and frightened. “Don’t leave me, Aunt Evie.”

My heart breaks. “Just for a little while, baby. I have to help catch the bad guys who took you.” I stroke his hair, trying to project confidence I don’t feel. “Uncle Zeke will take you home, okay? He’ll make you feel better, and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

He sniffles but nods bravely. I pass him to Zeke, watching as my husband—my dangerous, complicated, surprisingly gentle husband—cradles him close.

“Go,” I say roughly. “Before the cavalry arrives.”

Zeke hesitates, then leans in to press a fierce kiss to my lips. “Be careful,” he murmurs against my mouth.

Then he’s gone, melting into the shadows with our nephew while his men provide cover. I watch until they disappear into waiting vehicles, trying to ignore the way my arms feel empty without Leo’s weight.

The sirens are much closer now. Rissa touches my shoulder. “Ready to give our statement? We’ve got a hell of a story to spin.”

I take a deep breath, shoving my emotions down where they can’t interfere with what needs to be done. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”

The warehouse burns behind us, orange flames licking at the night sky. In the morning, we’ll tear this place apart for evidence. For now, though, all that matters is that Leo is safe.

And Zeke, a small voice whispers in my mind.Zeke came through when it mattered most.

I push the thought aside as the first patrol cars screech into the lot. There will be time later to deal with my complicated feelings about my husband’s methods. Time to figure out how to reconcile the man who so tenderly held our nephew with the one who just orchestrated a small war.

For now, I have a job to do. A role to play. Detective Landry, following procedure, doing everything by the book.

Even if nothing about this night has been by the book at all.