Page 20 of Deadly Target

Maybe I can get her to adopt him.

“Was that a police dog vest I saw on the backseat?” he asked as she took the lead collecting clothes for Ronni, saving him the embarrassment of going through Ronni’s dresser drawers for undergarments.

She smiled, swallowing the last of her brownie and brushing her hands on her jeans. “Taz came to work with me today. He’s in training, if anyone asks.”

Yup, I think I could love her.She found a way to take every situation and make the best of it. He’d tried to do the same throughout his life, taking care of his disabled mother while she raised him and his sisters with no father in the picture and a very limited income.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” He smiled at her as he sent off a text to Thomas, telling him they would be at the safe house shortly.

She returned it, then the smile faded. “Victor, there’s something I need to tell you.”

His stomach went tight at her tone. “What is it, Liv?”

The dog sat at her feet, sensing the unease in her voice. She patted his head, averting her eyes from Victor. “It’s just that… Well, you know how I feel about y—”

Victor’s phone blared with Celina’s ringtone. He snatched it from his pocket. “Sorry. It’s Celina.”

“Oh, um. Go ahead. You have to take it.”

He punched the button. “Celina, how is he?”

Her voice was teary, but with happiness. “He’s awake, Victor! The Beast rises. You have to come.”

Yes!Everyone on the taskforce referred to Cooper as the beast. “That is great news. Hang tight. I’m on my way.”

He disconnected and shoved the phone back in his pocket. “Cooper’s awake.”

Olivia smiled again, but it was strained. “That’s wonderful. I thought they had him sedated.”

“I’ve never known anything that can keep Cooper Harris down, and apparently not even heavy doses of intravenous drugs. I need to talk to him. He might have seen the shooter. It’s a long shot, but it’s possible he could ID the guy.”

She headed for the door. “I’ll drive.”