Page 74 of Last Date

“I’m not.”

Captain Roscoe shifted his position, groaning. The blood was spreading fast, soaking his shirt and seeping onto the leather chair. “I can’t die… not until I avenge Allister.”

“That’s what this is about?”

He nodded, licking his lips. “That phony won’t get away with it.”

“What phony?”

When the doorbell rang, Spot started barking hysterically, and I jumped. That had to be Merrick. I stared at the door, dreading what might come next. I didn’t want to open the door and drag Merrick into this nightmare. I was determined to do just about anything to keep him out of it.

“Go answer it,” Selena said softly. “Tell them you’re sick and you don’t feel up to a visit after all.”

“He won’t buy it,” I muttered.

“Of course he will. Convince him. Do you want to get shot?”

“Obviously not.”

Captain Roscoe moaned and closed his eyes. “Then get rid of them, or else.”

“I’m telling you he won’t believe that story,” I said through gritted teeth.

“You’re just saying that so we’ll leave.” Selena’s mouth thinned. “We’re not going anywhere. Not until you help my father.”

I met her angry gaze. “Selena, the person on the other side of that door is Police Chief Dawson.”

“What?” she squeaked.

“That’s who my guest is.”

She looked horrified.

“Kip?” Merrick’s voice came through the door.

She lifted the gun higher. “M… make him go away, now.”

“I can’t. He probably hears us talking.” I looked at Selena imploringly. “If I don’t answer, he’s going to know something is wrong. My truck is in the driveway. He knows I’m home.”

“What do we do.” She turned to her father.

Captain Roscoe gritted his teeth but said nothing.

“Slip out the back,” I said softly. “I promise I won’t say anything about your visit. I’ll give you time to get away.”

“Don’t trust him, Selena.” Captain Roscoe bit his bottom lip.

“I don’t know what to do.” Tears streamed down her pink cheeks. “Daddy, I don’t want you to die.”

He waved a bloody hand toward her. “I’m not going to die, honey.”

I wasn’t sure I agreed—he was the color of putty and losing a lot of blood. “You will if you don’t get actual medical treatment soon. You need a blood transfusion. The amount of blood you’ve lost; I don’t even know how you’re still awake.”

“I was a Navy Seal, that’s how,” he growled. “The only easy day was yesterday.”

“Well, you can’tmachoyour way through blood loss, sorry. You need to see a doctor ASAP.”

Without warning, the front door slammed open, and Merrick stood there, weapon drawn. “Put the gun down, Selena. You and your father are under arrest.”