Page 87 of Rescued Dreams

A police officer she didn’t recognize stuck his head in. “We need to get the doors open, then the EMTs can come in. Hang tight.”

“Get the doors open or this man doesn’t make it!” She paused for a second. “His heart stopped!”

Maria appeared at the door. “I’ll find an AED.”

The lobby was a mess of people, all of them talking. She didn’t spot any ofherpeople now that Maria was off hunting for an automated external defibrillator. The one thing that could save this guy’s life.

A police officer raced in a few seconds later, hauling the life-saving device. “We’ve got it.”

She spotted the intent on his face and moved out of the way, leaving them to it. If they didn’t know who she was, they’d assume she was one of the victims here. She knew that because no one had arrested her.

Amelia stepped out of the manager’s office and realized she might not be getting arrested, but she wouldn’t be going far.

Lieutenant Basuto, in his SWAT gear, strode over. “Are you hurt?” His gaze scanned her, snagging on the source of the pain on her temple. “Much?”

“I could use an ice pack. And an explanation.”

Basuto’s dark brows lifted. “Let’s get control of the scene, make sure everyone gets where they’re supposed to be, and then we’ll talk.”

“He wanted the money. Whichapparentlyhas been here the whole time? At the same bank where someone was trying to frame me for paying people to hurt firefighters.” She wanted to shake her head over the fact this didn’t add up, but that would only hurt more. “And probably even that I paid someone to nearly kill me in the training house.”

“Did you?”

Amelia stared at him. “If I say no, will you believe me?”

Before he had the chance to answer, Ridge yelled, “Amelia!” He raced over.

She moved around Basuto, done with their conversation. She’d much rather see Ridge.

He looked relieved to see her and opened his arms. She burrowed in, sliding her arms inside his jacket and wrapping them around his waist. He held on to her, and she pretended she could disappear into his hug. That they weren’t in the middle of a room full of people.

Amelia let out a long breath.

“Are you okay?” He whispered the question in her ear. “That knot on your forehead looks nasty.”

“Looks like she got pistol-whipped.” That was Izan.

“Ouch.” Della.

Apparently everyone was here. “How did you guys know to be here?”

Ridge said, “They called us to breach the door, but it looks like Maria is doing it.”

Amelia turned in his arms and saw Maria speak to the cop beside her. He handed her a multitool.

Maria turned to the mechanism on the door handles, and a second later, the doors swung open. “You’ll want to call the National Guard, Chief.” She was speaking to Conroy Barnes, the police chief. “They’re missing some of their tech.”

Maria went to the nearest window and removed a little block that looked like gray modeling clay. “Remove these carefully, separate the detonator, and it’s safe.”

“He rigged the place to blow?” She turned back to look up at Ridge, still in his arms. “Like…explode?”

“Who knows what his plan was?” Izan said, like the group was having a conversation, not just Amelia and Ridge. “It’s not a great way to get out.”

Amelia bit her lip.

Ridge smiled, then touched his lips to hers. Short and sweet. “I’m glad you’re all right.”

“I will be.” She squeezed his middle with her arms, not quite ready to let go. “Seriously though. How was he going to get out of this situation?”