Page 91 of Deathmarch

“I’m fine. He’s unconscious.”

Harper shook his head as he stood. “If he’s still not awake when I get down there, I’ll check on the ambulance. If he’s awake, I’ll kick his ass.”

“Harper!”

He made himself step away from her. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“And I was going to rappel out the window.”

“Not funny. I’ll be right back.”

He passed his mother on the stairs. She was carrying a first aid kit.

Harper slowed to drop a kiss on her forehead. “Thanks for that.”

She waved away his gratitude. “Allie fought for herself.” Grudging admiration crept into her voice. “She’s not a weak woman.”

“Neither are you.”

“That little shit never stood a chance.”

He hesitated for a second, but then asked, “What made you change your mind about her?”

“I ran into Robin.” His mother patted him on the arm. “You hurry on back. Allie might be strong, but at a time like this, a woman still needs her man.”

Harper grinned. “You probably shouldn’t tell her that, or at least not in those words.”

As his mother went up, he paused to listen for a second, wanting to make sure the two women did get along.

Rose Finnegan started with “I’m sorry, Allie. I’ve been unkind before. I love my son. I want what’s best for him. I always have. But I shouldn’t have said the things to you I’ve said. I was wrong about you on every count, and I’d like to think I’m a big enough woman to admit it.”

“You saved me down there.” Allie’s tone carried surprise and gratitude. “How about we leave the past in the past and start over?”

Pausing for a second was one thing, outright eavesdropping was another, so Harper continued down with a smile on his face, glad things were going well upstairs.

He lost that smile as soon as he stepped outside and saw Zane sitting with his back braced against the back tire of his SUV. Anger pushed Harper to lay the bastard out again. Training—and the need to see proper justice, Zane behind bars for a couple of years—held him back.

Kennan was leaning against the bread truck, casually emanating a you-move-you-die vibe. When he saw Harper coming, he grabbed his pool cue and pushed away. “I need to get back to work.”

“I’ll handle the rest. Thanks, bro. Allie… I…”

“I know.”

As Kennan walked back to the pub with a grin, Zane shot a murderous look at Harper, yanking on his handcuffs. “What the hell happened?”

“You are under arrest for assault and attempted kidnapping.” Harper Mirandized him, then he grabbed the guy’s arm and pulled him to standing. “Do you need medical attention?”

“Fuck off.”

“Believe me, I’m not itching to do you any favors.” But because the idiot had been out for a while, Harper called dispatch anyway and checked on the ambulance’s ETA.

After he hung up, he called Chase. “Are you busy?”

“Nothing that can’t be put aside for an hour or two. Need any help?”

“Allie’s old boyfriend came by and tried to take her. I’m sending him to the hospital in an ambulance. Could you meet him there in about an hour, then when he’s released, toss him into lockup?”

“Sure. Tell me you didn’t beat him up. Captain’s going to have your skin.”