CHAPTER 19
Syracuse, NY
After finishing their coffee, Laney and Jake headed for the station. Jake had argued that they should head out of town. But Laney couldn’t do it. Frank had been killed helping her and Marcos was hurt. She needed to do her part to help get the bastard. And then she needed to get her uncle.
The station was in an uproar when they arrived. Rocky latched onto Laney’s arm as soon as she walked in the door and led her to an interrogation room. Jake was escorted by Mike to a different one.
As the door closed behind them, Laney turned to Rocky. “How’s Marcos?”
“Still in surgery. They’re not sure he’s going to make it.”
Laney slumped into a chair. “Do you have any idea how that guy found us?”
Anger laced Rocky’s words. “Two more detectives were killed. About thirty minutes before the attack on the safe house. We think it’s the same shooter. We’re guessing he got the location from them.”
Oh my God. Laney wrapped her arms around herself, leaning forward in her chair. “I’m so sorry, Rocky.”
Rocky knelt down in front of her and waited until Laney met her eyes. “You listen to me, Delaney McPhearson. The only person who needs to apologize here is that asshole who attacked you. You have nothing to apologize for. You hear me?”
Laney nodded, but she still.
Rocky squeezed her knee, before pulling up a chair next to her. “Okay, now I think you know the drill. Tell me everything that happened, and leave nothing out.”
Laney nodded. She detailed every event since arriving at the safe house. When she was done, she felt like she’d run a marathon. How could a recounting be so exhausting?
“You’re sure it’s the same guy from your house this morning?” Rocky asked.
“I know it is.” She put up a hand to stop Rocky from speaking. “And I know, it’s not possible. But unless this morning’s attacker had a twin who also got hit by a shotgun in the face, it’s the same guy.”
“Laney, shotgun blasts can't-”
“Heal in that short a time. I know. I can’t explain it. I just know what I saw. I also saw him take two bullets in the chest without pause. Can’t explain that, either, in case you’re wondering.”
They lapsed into silence. Finally, Rocky spoke. “Look, if anyone asks me about this next piece of the conversation, it never happened. Got it?”
Laney nodded.
“Okay. I think you need to leave town. I don’t know if it’s the same guy who came after you at the safe house. But someone is definitely after you. We need to hide you away.”
Laney shook her head. “No. If someone goes looking for me and can’t find me, they’ll go after the people I care about - my uncle, Kati, Max, you.”
“Kati and Max are already out of town. We’ll get them to extend their stay. And take your uncle with you.” She flexed her bicep. “And I’d like to see someone come after me.”
“Rocky, I can't …”
Rocky’s expression was fierce. “Yes. You can and you will. You are in danger. And I’ve got a place for you to go: Chandler Headquarters. That place is like Fort Knox.”
“Down in Baltimore? But how? I can’t ask Jake to do that.”
“Don’t have to. While you were having your little chat with Jake, I had one with Jake’s boss, Henry Chandler. It’s all arranged. There’s a plane arriving at the airport in about four hours for you guys. And I called your uncle. He’s going to say the evening Mass and then go with you.”
Laney gave Rocky an incredulous look. “Jake can’t possibly agree to that. The email from Drew can’t have anything to do with his brother.”
“Well, I saw how he watched you. I think the boy has a bit of a crush. And you are a bit of a damsel in distress right now.”
Laney rolled her eyes. “I can honestly say that playing the part of the damsel in distress has never appealed to me. I much prefer being the knight in shining armor.”
Rocky grinned. “Well, right now you’re a bit of a hybrid.” She pulled Laney into a tight hug. “Just try to avoid needing rescuing any time soon.”
“I’ll do my best.” She pictured Paul’s face contorted with anger. A tremor ran through her. “But I don’t think that’s entirely my decision.”