High Stakes Gamble

Chapter Forty-One

Aurora heard Ham’s voice describing Kai’s dangerous situation and instantly unparalleled rage erupted. Lily and Kai were both at the mercy of a lunatic and she stood powerless below. Her already stretched nerves couldn’t take another hit. God—will this torture never end?

Cory approached and touched her shoulder before she was even aware he had arrived.

“Aurora. Turn your radio on to Channel F9. You need to listen to this. Kai’s recording her.”

Quickly, Aurora switched and heard the words… “Don’t you talk to me about that cold-hearted bitch!”

What followed almost broke her. Hearing Lily murmuring in the background started the tears and listening to Jane’s contempt made her swallow them. Her emotions seesawed until the inside of her cheeks were raw and her temper completely frayed.

As if there wasn’t already enough to worry about Alan Haynes moved over beside her and Cory. “I’ve got my men positioning roadblocks and stopping everyone from entering the zone. We’re setting up the SWAT team for a shooter at the apartment where Detective Hampton is stationed and there’ll be another on the roof. The media—”

Cory voice boomed and startled Aurora from her listening. “No snipers and absolutely no media. The whole area is to be kept clear. You got that? If that woman sees a hint of any other police beside Kai Lawson, there’s no telling what she’ll do.”

“Pardon me Lieutenant Ashton, but I’m calling the shots here.” Haynes bristled as if someone had shoved a sawed-off broomstick up his ass.

Stepping in front of Cory, Aurora moved to face Haynes. “Boss, let me explain the situation to this dimwit.” Anyone who knew her would recognize that the softer she spoke the more they’d need protection.

“Now, Aurora.” Cory put his hand out. He did try and stop her… sort of. Knowing her boss, she was aware the warning didn’t ring true. And even if it had, it was far too late.

“Haynes, you little turd! If you let one of your men come anywhere near this operation and endanger my family, I will make you very sorry.”

Eyes narrowed, lip jutting out and a squeak in his outrage, Haynes fought back. “You can’t speak to me this way, Detective. I’ll have your badge.”

Maybe if he hadn’t made the mistake of jutting his chin too far into her space, or, maybe if he hadn’t put his hand on her arm as if he had the right to get her attention, she might not have attacked.

Nah—she would have!

First she grabbed his hand and twisted it up behind him, making sure his fingers would take a few days for the pain to recede. Then she forced him to his knees and put a strangle hold around his neck from behind.

“Let him go, Aurora.” Cory’s no-nonsense voice still didn’t ring true.

She grabbed his full head of hair and made sure Haynes paid attention. “No one is looking this way right now you stupid a*shole. If I let out any kind of noise, just maybe some of your men might notice your compromised position. Could be embarrassing… So tell me right now, you going to back off and let us do our jobs?”

“He’s trying to say something, Rory. Give him some slack so the man can answer you.” Cory nonchalantly blocked the view of the skirmish as he leaned against the closest vehicle and added, “Besides, you’re wasting your time with our friend here and missing some good stuff on the radio.”

Instantly, Aurora loosened her hold, gave Haynes a shake to make him speak up and waited impatiently.

“We’ll leave.” He croaked the words, and when she let him go, he slowly stood. Then he brushed his knees off carefully not using his fingers. “Just so you know, I’ll be making a full report to my supervisors on both of you.”

When Aurora made another move in his direction, he backed away quickly and limped to where his men were all gathered.

Cory’s big hand soothed her as he stroked her back. “It’s getting interesting. I think Kai is working his magic.”