Page 98 of Ride the Lightning

“I’m going to be the one asking questions, Charlie,” Ellen said firmly. “Where the hell is that ambulance? I don’t want him to bleed out and die right here.”

Malcolm’s expression softened when he looked at her. “Thank you, my friend.”

“I want you to die in a prison cell where you belong,” Ellen clarified.

Rocky and Felix rushed into the warehouse to check on the situation. Jonah met them, and they embraced in a group hug. “You guys can’t be here when the cops arrive. Ellen would lose her job if the mayor found out she involved civilians in the takedown.”

“Yeah, okay,” Felix said, scrubbing a hand over his face.

“Did it hurt?” Rocky asked, poking his finger through the hole the bullet made in his shirt.

“After I finish hours of interviews and paperwork, you can try the vest on, and I’ll shoot you. You can see for yourself,” Jonah said.

Felix threw his head back and laughed.

“Okay, but not the same vest,” Rocky replied. “It’s compromised now.”

Jonah pulled them into another hug. “Get the fuck out of here. I’ll call you later.”

“You better,” Felix shouted over his shoulder as he tugged Rocky toward the rear of the warehouse.

Jonah walked over to where Ricky and Avery stood huddled together. Avery launched himself into Jonah’s arms when he came near.

“Don’t you ever do that again,” Avery said, hitting Jonah’s chest with his bound hands.

“Which part? Get shot or wear a bulletproof vest?”

Avery tipped his head back and looked into Jonah’s eyes. “Either one. And the next time a gunman is holding me hostage…” His eyes widened when he realized what he said.

“Let’s make this a one-time experience, okay?” Jonah asked, brushing his fingertips over Avery’s cheeks.

Avery nodded. “Jonah?”

“Yeah?”

“How can you want someone like me?”

Jonah heard the sirens of approaching police cars and an ambulance. “Can we maybe discuss this after I wrap things up here tonight?”

Avery nodded. “And you can tell me when you and Trexler became conspiring chums.”

“I will.” Jonah briefly kissed his lips before releasing him to speak to Ricky, who was rubbing his elbow.

“Did I hurt you?” Jonah asked.

“It’s no big deal. I just smacked my elbow against the concrete when I fell.”

Jonah gently gripped Ricky’s bicep and studied the joint. It looked red and slightly swollen. “I want you to have the EMTs check you out when they get here.”

“Don’t be silly,” Ricky said.

Four police officers and two paramedics rushed into the building.

“Oh, honey, that one EMT looks like a stunt double for The Rock,” Ricky said, sounding more like Marla by the second. He wasn’t wrong. The dude’s shirt looked tight enough to split down the middle at any given second. “Maybe I should have him check me out.”

“Don’t you mean check out your injury?” Jonah asked.

“Same difference, doll. My elbow is part of me.”