Page 87 of Last Chance Christmas

Cole agreed. Had she turned on Mackey? Decided she didn’t want to be a part of his schemes any longer? Or was there something else going on?

Titan leaned back on his haunches and let out a low growl.

Cole scanned the perimeter, not sure what had the dog on alert.

Seconds later, tires crunched against the ground and lights flashed.

Kianna waved the ambulance over, and Nathan, who was behind the wheel, steered the truck off the gravel path and parked next to the bushes. He and Trace hopped out, and Kianna grabbed the medic bag from Trace while Nathan went around back to pull out the gurney.

Titan stayed in his position and snarled. “Help’s here, Tite. You know these guys. They’re the good ones.” Cole’s assurance did nothing to alleviate his partner’s sense of danger.

Cole lowered his hand to his weapon and wrapped his fingers around the base. If he’d learned anything over the years with Titan, it was that he could trust the K-9’s instincts.

What was it that?—

Cole’s thoughts were shattered by a spray of bullets that pelted the air.

Titan barked and jumped to all fours.

Nathan and Trace dropped behind the gurney, then ducked around the corner of the ambulance.

“Get down,” Cole shouted. He drew his Glock and pointed it in the direction of the attacker.

Thomas had his gun drawn and took cover behind a tree, then returned fire.

Kianna let out a scream.

“We’ve got an active shooter. Backup needed west of Mountainview Ridge Overlook, stat.” Cole relayed the information to his team on the other end. He wanted to go after the attacker, but what about Kianna?

More bullets kicked up snow on the ground around them, and bark flew off the tree trunk next to Kianna.

“I see where they’re shooting from,” Thomas shouted. “I’m going in.” He took off, staying low to the ground and returning fire.

“Titan, attack.” Cole ordered his partner, and the German shepherd raced off and dashed past Thomas.

Kianna had her arms locked under Rainy’s shoulders and was pulling her behind the shrubs, toward the ambulance.

“What are you doing? You’re going to get yourself hit.” Cole hurried over to her but kept his Glock at his side.

“And leave her to take the brunt of the attack? When she can’t defend herself? Not a chance.” Lines etched Kianna’s forehead, and she winced. She lifted her arm and brushed away the hair from her face. Blood dripped from her wrist. The back of her hand was bright red.

Cole clenched his jaw. Whoever had opened fire had hit a target. Cole needed to go cover for Thomas. Make sure the shooter didn’t get away. But first, “On three.” He shoved his weapon in his holster, then took hold of the woman’s legs and hoisted her in the air.

“I’ve got the gurney,” Nathan shouted. He pushed the makeshift cot toward them while Trace covered his back, and Cole and Kianna laid the woman on it. Nathan wrapped a blanket over the lower half of her body.

“You have it from here?” Cole retrieved his weapon from its holder and glanced over his shoulder to where Thomas and Titan had disappeared.

“Go find that person.” Kianna followed Trace, who pushed the gurney, while Nathan guided it, then lifted it into the back of the ambo.

Cole didn’t wait another second. He bolted toward the tree line, keeping his gun aimed and ready. No more shots had been fired.

“I’m coming your way, Thomas,” he radioed. “What’s your status?”

“Over by the edge of the trail,” he replied.

Cole could make him and Titan out in the distance. But where was the attacker?

He approached the end of the trail that connected with the main road. A few pine trees dotted the area, and tire marks impressed the snow-covered street.