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“GET DOWN!”

The truck started up and lunged forward, knocking me back into the seat. I took my spot on the passenger side, Maddox too busy to argue as he jammed the accelerator, racing toward the action.

“I SAID—”

Three men sprinted toward a secondary alley, firing as they went. I could see Kane firing back from a fixed position. Austin advancing to flank them, shooting while running toward the side of a brick building.

SCREEEECH!

Both vehicles sped away. Both moved in different directions. The SUV sailed past us, and Maddox traded shots with it from out the window.

“Go after them!” Austin shouted to Maddox.

A moment later he and Kane were gone, both sprinting full tilt down the darkened alley. Maddox gave me a sideways glance, then tore off in the direction the Jeep had gone.

“Put on your seatbelt,” he growled.

“But—”

“NOW!”

Twenty

MADDOX

The Jeep had a damned good head start. Whoever was driving it was quick and decisive, and the size difference between our vehicles made it even easier for them as we weaved in and out of traffic.

“They went left!”

I squinted hard as I gripped the wheel. Having a second set of eyes was always a good thing. Having that second set of eyes as Dallas Winters…

You’re an asshole, Maddox.

I could hear it in my head as clear as day. Connor’s voice.

You were supposed to protect her, not get her involved!

“Piss on that,” I spat angrily. “You never told us anything! You got wrapped up in something you should’ve—”

“What?” Dallas was staring at me like I had five heads.

“Nothing.”

“Who the hell are you talking to?”

“Nobody,” I growled. “I was—”

CRACK! CRACK!

I ducked instinctively at the sounds of gunfire. Dallas was staring ahead, mouth open. Eyes transfixed.

“GET DOWN!”

I yanked the wheel hard, swerving left and right. Trying to make us a harder target, while with my left hand…

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

The pistol rolled in my hand with every bump and jolt. It was impossible to aim and swerve. Every angle was bad.