Page 118 of Deadly Target (Rocky Mountain Courage 2)

Finn was the one facedown on the ground now, releasing a string of curses. Nathan finished putting the mobster’s wrists in handcuffs even as his gaze searched the woods.

She stepped from behind the tree. “Nathan.”

He exhaled, his relief clear in his demeanor.

She rushed forward and into his arms, pressing her face into his shoulder. “You did it, Nathan. You saved us.”

“It’s okay. It’s all over now.”

Erin pulled away. “He was waiting on someone to meet him. I think he was taking me back to the area near the train tunnel by the old warehouses. You need to get whoever is waiting on Finn.”

Nathan shook his head. “I’m not leaving you again.” Lifting his cell, he contacted Jack and then Trevor, informing them that he had apprehended Finn McPherson and instructing them to grab the man he’d planned to meet and where they might find him.

Shouts and flashlights filled the woods. Alex emerged from the trees, gasping. “You got her. So . . . glad ... you got her.”

Alex glared down at Finn as more law enforcement officers appeared and took Finn into custody, then ushered him through the woods.

“Jack’s heading for the old warehouse district near the train tunnel, along with a contingent of deputies. All the roads are blocked,” Alex said. “No one is getting away.” He eyed Erin, dipping his chin as if to make sure she would be all right here alone with Nathan. “You okay?”

With Nathan’s arms still around her? “Never better.”

Alex nodded. “Good. I’m going to catch up with Jack, then.”

“Be careful.”

Alex took off through the woods.

Nathan tugged her closer and gazed into her eyes. “I’m so relieved it’s finally over. You don’t ever have to worry about your past catching up to you again, Erin.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about what happened before. I should have trusted you. But Mom had warned me never to tell anyone what happened that night. As for the larger story behind it, I didn’t know—not until I recognized her in that article you sent. Honestly, I understand. Mom was protecting not only me but also those around me. It’s the same reason your father told you not to tell anyone.”

“I figured that out.” He hugged her tighter.

She could stay in his arms forever and hoped he would never let her go. But that wasn’t reality. Erin buried her face in Nathan’s chest. She listened to the strong, steady beat of his heart. The security, the stability she’d been searching for had been there waiting for her all along.

And she wanted another chance with him. He was a hero. Her hero. But he was also a detective and the son of a detective. And now that he knew the truth, that she was the granddaughter of a crime boss, would he want another chance too?