Dangerous Lies (Badge of Honor #2)

Chapter 18

EIGHTEEN

Megan’s body ran cold with fear when she spotted the flying bug-like object heading straight for them. It was still too far away to see if a weapon was strapped to the bottom, but she didn’t need a closer look—she already knew the answer. And in that moment, a terrifying realization hit her. All her target practice had been in vain. Had she truly believed she could shoot a drone out of the sky? Or, worse, take down an actual person if it came to that?

Jax grabbed her hand, pulling her back under the cover of the trees. His gun was already in his grip. “Get low.”

She dropped to the dirt, pressing herself beneath a thick bush. Through the gaps in the leaves, she could just make out her house in the distance. Her heart pounded with fresh panic and the roar of her pulse filled her ears. “My grandparents?”

“Kyle’s got them covered.”

Even as Jax spoke, Megan spotted the former Army security specialist sprinting across the yard. He ducked inside the house, securing Nana and Pops. A second later, Jason and his German shepherd, Connor, approached their location. With a sharp command, Jason ordered Connor to take cover. If the drone opened fire, the dog would be defenseless.

Connor weaved his way through the trees, heading straight for Megan. He plopped down beside her in the dirt, pressing close. She buried her fingers in his thick coat. The German shepherd seemed to sense her fear, nudging her hand as if to reassure her.

The drone’s buzz grew louder. Jax crouched beside her, gun raised, his hand firm on her back. Fear gripped her, thick and suffocating.

She didn’t want anyone to get hurt.

Especially not Jax.

The handgun case rested next to her other hand, where Jax had dropped it. Megan grabbed it but didn’t bother opening it. Paper targets were a lot bigger than a flying drone, and the last thing she wanted was to create a distraction. Jax and Jason had training. They knew what they were doing. She had to trust them—and follow orders—even if it left her feeling helpless.

The advice Sandy, her sponsor, had given a few days before rolled through Megan’s mind. When life feels overwhelming, take it moment by moment. Breathe. Pray. Remember—you’re not fighting this battle alone.

A strange stillness washed over her, pushing back the panic threatening to take hold. Megan inhaled deeply, grounding herself in the moment. The feel of the cold earth beneath her, Connor’s warm body beside her, the steady weight of Jax’s hand on her back. The crisp scent of pine filled her lungs. She wasn’t alone. She wasn’t powerless.

God, I put my trust in You. Protect Jax and Jason, my grandparents, Kyle. Give us the wisdom and strength to do what’s right—no matter what comes next.

The prayer steadied her. Unlike before, fear didn’t paralyze her—it sharpened her focus. The drone buzzed overhead. Through the thick foliage, she caught only glimpses of its dark frame, but then the wind shifted, revealing a clear view of the weapon strapped to its underside.

Not a flamethrower this time.

An assault rifle.

“He can’t see us,” Jax murmured.

The drone hovered, its camera swiveling, searching. The seconds stretched, unbearably long, until—finally—it veered away, speeding toward the lake.

Relief crashed over Megan.

“Let’s go.” Jax tugged her to her feet. Then he turned to Jason. “I’ll get Megan to the house. See if you can find the pilot.”

“On it.” Jason’s face hardened, all sharp angles and battle-honed focus. Sunlight caught the scar on his left cheek. He gave a quick command to Connor, and the German shepherd leapt to his side. In a blink, they vanished into the trees.

“We have to run, Megan. The house provides more safety, but we have to get across the yard before the drone comes back.” Jax’s words were clipped and hurried. “I need you to focus on getting to the house. Don’t worry about anything else. Got it?”

Her gaze swept over the long expanse of the yard, separating their hiding spot from the house. Fear clawed at her chest, threatening to take hold, but she forced it back. She could do this. She would do this. Their lives depended on it. Jax would never leave her, and the longer they stayed out in the open, the greater the risk that someone would be hurt.

She met Jax’s gaze. His expression was calm and controlled, but in the depths of his dark blue eyes, she recognized the fear. Not for himself. For her. Without thinking, Megan rose onto her tiptoes and brushed her lips across his. The kiss was featherlight, but it sent a shockwave through her system.

Then she turned on her heel and did as Jax instructed.

She ran for the house.