Shirlee McCoy - Protection Detail

She took a deep breath, tried to smile. “I appreciate that, Officer Anderson. Once Harland recovers, I’ll ask what he thinks. I usually run things by him before I make any changes to the house.”

“The way I hear it, the congressman is doing well, but he might not be out the hospital for a couple of days. I’m not sure you want to wait that long.”

“I—”

“Cassie.” David appeared in the kitchen doorway. “My coat isn’t in the closet.”

“You’re sure?” She’d hung it there after their trip to the doctor’s office. She was certain of it. With eight kids to take care of, she couldn’t afford to waste time searching for things like coats or shoes.

“I looked about sixteen times,” he responded.

She wasn’t sure he’d looked that many, but he was young and it was easy to miss things. “Destiny, would you mind—”

She never finished.

The window exploded, glass flying across the kitchen, kids screaming. Officer Anderson dropped to the ground, blood spurting from his shoulder or his chest. Cassie didn’t know which, didn’t have time to think about it. She yelled for the kids to run, then darted forward to grab Officer Anderson by the arms. Another shot, this one whizzing past Cassie’s head.

She dragged Officer Anderson out of the kitchen and into the hall, the kids’ screams ringing in her ears.

“Everyone up the stairs,” she shouted, her heart thundering as she dragged Officer Anderson further away from the kitchen.

He groaned but didn’t open his eyes.

Something slammed into the back door.

Once. Twice. Again.

Please, God, let the kids be hiding. Please keep them safe.

“I called the police. They’re on the way!” Virginia pressed in beside her, grabbing at Officer Anderson, frantic sobs coming from her throat as she helped drag him back.

The banging continued, the sound reverberating through the house. They made it to the stairs before the back door crashed open with so much force the entire house seemed to shake. Or maybe it was Cassie who was shaking, fear stealing her breath and making her heart skip frantically. She met Virginia’s eyes.

“Go get the kids. Hide them until the police arrive,” Cassie whispered as she pressed the hem of her sweater to a wound in Officer Anderson’s right shoulder. His eyes were still closed, his body slack.

“I can’t leave you here,” Virginia cried, tears streaming down her face.

“You can’t stay!” Cassie hissed. “Someone has got to protect the kids.”

“But—”

“Go!” she mouthed.

Virginia took off running, up the stairs, out of sight.

And it was just Cassie and Officer Anderson.

And whoever had broken through the back door.

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