Page 6 of Fatal Intent

Cooperation? Like they actually had a choice in the matter. “Do you have your phone on you?” he whispered.

Rayne gave a slight nod.

“Have Z send a lawyer to the Hartman police station. You probably won’t need representation, but I definitely will.”

Another nod, then she reached for her phone.

“Wait.” He bent and whispered in her ear, “Change places with me.” The last thing he wanted to do was trigger a panic reaction from Crabtree. Although he despised having his back to the two cops, he’d rather be unprotected himself than for Rayne to risk being injured by a trigger-happy rookie.

With her back against the cruiser and Grant shielding her actions from the cops, Rayne held her phone between their bodies and tapped out a text to Fortress Security’s tech and communication guru.

Seconds later, her screen lit up with a response. She glanced up at Grant and nodded.

The tension in his body eased. Excellent. At least he knew he’d have one of the cadre of lawyers Brent Maddox kept on retainer for Fortress employees. “Thanks.”

She winked.

Even more tension melted away. How did she know exactly what to do to help him through this? Taking a chance, Grant bent and brushed a light kiss over her lips, mindful of their attentive audience. What he wouldn’t give to have the luxury of really kissing her without interruption.

Footsteps approached their position, sounding like a herd of elephants on a rampage. Probably the detectives, but he wouldn’t take a chance with Rayne’s safety. Yeah, she could protect herself as well as he could, but that didn’t mean he wanted Rayne to do it on his watch.

Praying she wouldn’t protest, Grant nudged her closer to the vehicle and used his body to prevent the people approaching from seeing her when they stepped into the small clearing.

“Grant?” Rayne’s eyebrows rose.

“Shhh. Company.” He wriggled his wrists still restrained behind his back. Would the cops protest if he freed himself from the handcuffs? From what he’d observed, the two copswho detained him didn’t have a sense of humor, and he’d rather avoid getting shot.

He glanced over his shoulder as two men pushed past the bushes and took in the scene.

The tall detective nodded at Ace. “How’s it going?”

“Not great. The victim didn’t make it.” He inclined his head toward Grant. “I've got a couple of people for you to interview.”

The shorter detective frowned. “Why is he cuffed?”

Crabtree snorted as he pointed to the pile of weapons on the ground. “Do you see that? They were both armed to the teeth.”

“So?”

“Who goes jogging at three in the morning with an arsenal on his person?”

Short Detective grunted. “If you don’t carry a weapon everywhere you go, turn in your weapon and badge now.”

The rookie scowled. “We found him with the vic,” he snapped. “His girlfriend arrived about ten minutes after we did with her own stash of weapons.”

More footsteps heralded the approach of someone new to the party and had Grant pressing Rayne closer to the cruiser. What he wouldn’t give to have a better way to protect her. Although he half expected Rayne to shove him away, she slid her phone into her pocket, wrapped her arms around his waist, and held him closer.

He drew a deep breath and relaxed in her embrace. Although he remained alert, Rayne’s acceptance of his protection allowed him to regain control of his over-the-top protective tendencies where she was concerned.

Grant lowered his head and nuzzled the side of her neck. He kissed the delicate skin below her ear and smiled at the shiver that raced through her body.

“You have suspects to transport?” a deep voice asked.

“Take Mr. Bowen and Ms. Weatherly to the station, Officer Shelton,” Ace said. “The detectives will want to ask them questions after they examine the scene.”

“Copy that.” A hard hand gripped Grant’s shoulder. “Mr. Bowen, you and your girlfriend need to come with me, please.” A command couched in polite terms.

Grant glanced down at Rayne, eyebrow raised in a silent question. Was she ready for an interrogation? Not like either of them had a choice, though.