Page 30 of Blackstone's Heart

"I don't know. Grant and Hawkeye are with Jimmy and Cain going over the evidence from the bomb. Hopefully we'll have some answers soon."

She laid her head on his shoulder. "What now?"

"That's up to you Krista."

"Me?"

"Yeah. I know you had no other plans this week. Next week is light enough that I feel alright with you keeping those engagements."

"What about New York?"

Ethan lifted her chin. "If you want to keep them, then we will. Myself, Hawk and Gage will go with you."

Squaring her shoulders, she spoke. "I want a no bull shit assessment Ethan. I mean it, I want your honest opinion. Would it be too risky to keep my engagements in New York?"

"Had you asked me that a week ago I would have said the risk was minimal. In lieu of the attack yesterday, yes the risk would be high. He proved he's closer than we think and he's good enough to get close enough to deliver or have a bomb delivered."

Krista stood and began pacing. "I figured as much. Alright. I can still do the interviews via skype for Today and Good Morning America. I think I could even still do the segment with Howard Stern via phone. I'll call the publishing house and fill them in."

"I can do that if you want. Tony could probably rig something up for you so you can call in your interviews." Ethan replied.

"Then we have a compromise. See, I can be reasonable." She teased.

Ethan chuckled. He stood and pulled her to him. "How are you feeling?"

"Honestly? I'm still a bit shaky. That was a close call. It pisses me off that he hurt Jerry, that he's in my hometown starting this shit. I want to nail his cowardly balls to a tree with rusty nails."

"Ouch."

"Right now though I just want to go out and blow something up."

Ethan pulled back a little. "That I believe I can help you with. Get dressed and meet me downstairs in ten minutes."

Krista narrowed her eyes. "What are you up to?"

"Just do as I said woman. You'll like it." He grinned.

Fifteen minutes later they were in his truck and were heading out of the city. As much as she tried to get him to tell her where he was taking her, he was staying tight lipped. She just sat back and enjoyed the ride. Slowly she felt herself begin to relax as they drove through the rolling hills. When He turned off the highway onto a dirt road, she frowned.

"Where the hell are we?"

"You'll see baby."

"Ugh, have you always been this annoying?"

Ethan laughed and shook his head. After pulling through a carded gate Ethan finally stopped the truck. He got out and moved to her side. With a smile, he helped her out and with his hand at the small of her back, led her inside the log cabin looking building.

"Ethan, I was wondering when you were stopping by again. It's been a while." An older gentleman greeted, rounding the wooden counter.

"Hello Eric. I'd like you to meet a very special lady. Krista, meet Eric. Eric, Krista." Ethan laughed as he took Eric’s hand.

Krista smiled and extended her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." Eric nodded. "First time Ethan's ever brought a lady friend here."

"Where is here exactly? Mister Mystery over here wouldn't tell me." Krista said, elbowing Ethan.

"You're at my gun range." Eric answered.