Susan Sleeman - Explosive Alliance

Otto shook with laughter. “I like you, Cash Dixon.”

Krista glared at him. It was obvious she didn’t like him. Not the least little bit. No skin off his nose. He was hardly boyfriend material right now. The jury was still out on whether he’d ever be again.

They slowly worked their way toward the main concourse. Otto chatted all the way down, his attitude remarkably cheerful.

Around the corner, Cash spotted the First Response Squad barreling up the ramp. Five strong, they wore uniforms of black tactical pants and black collared knit shirts. Kevlar vests covered with intricate FRS logos on their chests.

“Late to the party, I see,” Cash joked, though he was glad to see them.

Jake marched up to Cash. “We good?”

“Yeah. The device is disarmed. I’ve put an officer on the backpack. When MEDU arrives they can dispose of the Semtex.”

“Good job, man.” Jake clapped Cash on the back.

Brady Owens, whose shaggy blond hair made him look like a surfer instead of a sniper, socked Cash in the arm. “When the building didn’t blow up on schedule, we figured you had things under control.”

“Yeah, man.” Archer Reed, a team negotiator and the only member of the group taller than Cash, grinned. “We’re glad you didn’t go boom.”

Despite the obvious sarcasm, Cash knew both men were sincerely relieved that he was all right.

Negotiator Skyler Brennan, small for a law enforcement officer, with fiery red hair, stepped forward. Her size often had people underestimating her strength and determination, but she was one of the strongest women Cash had ever met. She lifted her arms to give him a hug.

He wasn’t about to let anyone hug him on the job. He stepped back, and she looked hurt.

“Don’t be rude, Cash Dixon,” EMT Darcie Stevens chastised. The self-professed mom of the group, she kept everyone in line.

A job Cash could never do. Making a bunch of adrenaline junkies mind their manners and play nice together was a thankless job. But Darcie did it well. Most of the time anyway. When she wasn’t trying to get all the guys to express their feelings. That was just plain annoying.

“Don’t worry, Darcie,” Skyler said. “I get it. Cash’s on duty. He can’t possibly let people think he’s less than a macho alpha male.” She grinned at Cash, then turned her attention to Krista. “When Cash called this in, he told us how well you handled discovering the bomb. Most people would’ve screamed or fainted.”

Krista shot Cash a surprised look.

He shrugged it off.

“Don’t mind him.” Skyler wrinkled her nose at Cash. “He doesn’t like people to see it, but he’s a real softy.”

Cash groaned. “Maybe we should keep the focus on Krista, not me.”

“My Krista is an amazing woman,” Otto said fondly. “I’m glad for others to see this, as well.”

Jake cast an intimidating look at Otto. “And you are?”

“I am her very proud grandfather, Otto Schiffer.” Otto puffed out his chest.

“A brave man in his own right.” Cash relayed how Otto had been willing to give up his life so Cash could disarm the bomb instead of helping Otto exit the arena.

A flush colored Otto’s face, his silvery beard now more pronounced. “It wasn’t anything that anyone else wouldn’t do.”

“If you don’t mind, can we end this praise fest and move things along?” Brady tapped his foot on the concrete.

He was constantly in motion, a field of energy always buzzing around him, but he had a laid-back, carefree attitude. Cash was more deliberate. Moved slower. Thought things through and weighed the consequences. Still, as a former Marine Scout Sniper, Brady’s past military experience made him the person Cash connected with most on the team, despite their different personalities.

“For once I agree with your need for speed, Brady.” Jake changed his focus to Krista. “The sooner we get your statement, the sooner we can catch our bomber.”

“Wait, what?” Brady swiveled to face Jake. “We’re staying to take her statement?”

Cash seconded the question. The FRS was needed in the moment of crisis to take care of the immediate danger. They were rarely involved in the subsequent investigation other than holding a debriefing to evaluate and improve their performance for the next incident.

“With the gravity of this situation, the higher-ups have already decided the county will form a joint task force with the city. Skyler will take lead for County.” Jake turned to Krista. “In addition to Skyler’s duties as a negotiator on our team, she’s also a detective with the county’s Special Investigation Unit. She’s asked us to sit in while she takes your statement.”

Darcie lifted her medical bag. “After I give them a quick evaluation.”

“The restaurant looks deserted. We can meet in there.” Jake took off, his long strides carrying him swiftly down the empty corridor.

The team followed like ducklings after their mama, Krista and Otto trailing them. Cash chose to hang back for a few seconds to clear his mind. Still, he let his gaze track Krista. He’d never admit it to anyone, but he was glad he didn’t have to say goodbye to her just yet.

Brady turned back and eyed Cash.

Right. Get moving before everyone starts asking questions.

“Dude.” Brady slugged Cash again. “You’re practically drooling. Not that I blame you. She’s a real looker. But you’d better get your head together before Jake notices.”

Cash laughed, pretending to blow off Brady’s comment.

Brady was right—Krista was a real looker. But what really attracted him was the care and concern she exhibited for her grandfather. After Cash’s parents had died when he was eight and he’d been passed around from home to home, he could appreciate the obvious love they both shared.

Still, he wouldn’t let this interest in her distract him. Not now. Not when his help was needed to locate this very dangerous bomber before he struck again.

FOUR

Krista helped Opa find a seat in the restaurant as the First Response Squad connected tables, allowing the group to sit together.

What a team.

Six people. Calm, efficient and quick to move. Intimidating, really. Very intimidating.

Except for the EMT, Darcie. Tall and thin with auburn hair in a ponytail, Darcie’s warm, motherly attributes shone through as she squatted in front of Krista and took her vital signs. Everything about Darcie exuded compassion and friendliness.

Maybe her kindness proved that this team was different from the detectives investigating Toby’s murder. Would they actually be kind to her instead of falsely accusing her? Trashing her name in the media and ruining her life, leaving her no choice but to flee from Portland?

Could she be lucky enough to stumble upon decent cops who believed in someone’s innocence until proven guilty?

Like their leader, Jake Marsh. Was he a good guy?

He oozed strength and seemed to analyze every step before acting. Exactly what Krista would expect from a leader. At the same time, he didn’t pressure Darcie to finish her exam so they could start the questioning. A good balance for the deputies who counted on him, Krista supposed.

He talked with Brady, who she’d gathered from their chatter held the position of sniper. Solidly built, he had a carefree smile and laid-back look, but he bounced around the room like a Super Ball. The team negotiator named Archer was long, lean and intense, his gaze watchful all the time. As if he was trying to figure out what made people tick. Skyler, who was about Krista’s height, stood next to him. She carried herself with a self-assurance that warned Krista to be careful around her.

And Cash? The man she tried not to look at? She didn’t know what to make of him.