Page 20 of Defending You

Asher would face charges as an accessory after the fact.

“Are you all right?” Cici had been so quiet that her voice startled him.

“What?” He blinked. “I’m fine.”

“You sure? Because you’re gripping that steering wheel like you’re trying to choke the life out of it. I’m not sure this car can handle that much aggression.”

He stretched his hands out. “Just thinking about everything.”

“Come to any conclusions?”

None, which was why this whole thing was so frustrating. He needed to ask Cici about what she’d seen and heard in the jewelry store that day. At the same time, he’d needed a few minutes of peace.

“How’d you do that, back at the station. With the gas and the clutch? You got the engine going without hot-wiring it again.”

“Just popped the clutch.”

“That clears it right up, thanks.”

Sarcasm. Nice. “I’m sure you don’t remember, but back in high school, I drove a beat-up Nissan.” He glanced at her, saw no recognition on her face. Of course she’d never noticed what he drove. She’d barely known he existed.

“Anyway, it stalled a lot, so I learned how to pop the clutch to get it going again. It’s just a matter of feeling the sweet spot between the clutch and the gas.”

“Wow. Thank God you had that skill.”

He’d hated that car. He’d been embarrassed by it, especially considering the other kids in town drove much nicer vehicles. But like so much in his past, God had used it.

He should be thankful.

“I’m sorry,” Cici said. “I’ve been trying to be quiet. I know it annoys you when I talk too much. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to drive the car. Thank you for getting us out of that. I’m trying not to be a nuisance. I’m sorry you got sucked into this madness.” She laughed. “Sorry. I’m doing it again.”

He glanced at her. “What do you mean? Doing what again?”

“Babbling. It doesn’t usually take gunshots to make me shut up. I was just…panicking.”

Back at the station, yeah. But why was she babbling now?

“Not that you make me nervous. Or…but I guess maybe you do. Or it’s just…” Her words faded. A moment later, she added. “Anyway, you didn’t seem like you were okay.”

“It’s not every day I elude killers and steal a car.”

“Really?”

Maybe she saw something in his expression, because she added, “For all I know, this is a normal day for you.”

She was amusing, even when she wasn’t trying to be.

“Not even close. I had more relaxing missions behind enemy lines.”

That made her giggle, the sound so lighthearted and unexpected that he couldn’t help the smile that tugged his lips.

“That makes me feel better. I mean, most of the time I’m pretty competent. I hate that I lost it like I did back at the station. I was just a little bit freaked out.”

“I was a little bit freaked out too.”

“Ha. You were amazing. You’re a quick thinker and…and you just make decisions and go with them. It’s really impressive. I can’t imagine being in better hands.”

Her words filled him, infused him with a combination of courage and pleasure and determination to prove her right.