Page 111 of Last Chance Christmas

Kianna eased away, her breath hot on his cheek.

“Thank God you’re okay,” she whispered close to his ear, her finger gliding across his jaw.

Kianna buried her face in the crevice of his shoulder, and Cole held her in his embrace.

Nathan had put his supplies away and grinned. He pointed behind him, then headed back toward the ambulance.

Kianna’s heart beat against Cole’s chest, and he stayed there, unmoving. This moment was a Christmas miracle.

Cole propped his chin on top of Kianna’s head and lifted his gaze to the sky. Thank You, Lord.

How many times had the Lord protected him? Come to his rescue and guarded his life. The Lord continued to watch over his coming and going.

He’d spared Cole’s life.

Again.

Who was he to sit around and waste it anymore? Not when there were people to make amends with. Not when there was an opportunity to invest in the future. Could it really be with Kianna?

He was ready to give it his all.

But first, he needed to make sure everything was wrapped up with this case.

Cole leaned back and put his hands on Kianna’s shoulders.

“Stuart.” Basuto called his name and jogged over.

Cole squeezed Kianna’s arm and smiled before pushing off the gurney and walking over to his boss.

“This was in Mackey’s possession. Cryptocurrency.” Cole pulled out the flash drive and handed it to him.

Basuto said, “I’ll get this entered into evidence.”

Before Cole could respond, Titan ran over to Cole’s side and whimpered. Then he raced to the car, still by the edge of the cliff.

“What is it, boy?”

Titan doubled back before racing off to the car again.

Cole jogged over to where the dog sat on his haunches, whining.

“What does he see?” Kianna asked.

Cole followed the dog to the car and crouched to Titan’s level.

Titan barked.

Cole scanned the trim near the front tire, and his eyes landed on a flashing red light.

Cole shot up and cupped his hands around his mouth. “There’s a bomb. Everyone away now,” he shouted.

Twelve

Cole grabbed Kianna’s hand and dashed for the tree line across the street.

People near Kianna yelled and ran every which way. Her head spun from the commotion, and in a split second, a boom resounded, drowning out everything around her. She pitched forward from the force of the explosion.

Cole caught her at the waist, then dropped to the ground with her, rolling to the side. Shrubs scratched against her jacket while snow dusted her clothing, but Cole tucked her close to himself.