Chapter Eighteen #3
Our fleeting eye contact was broken only moments later when our driver went over something in the road, causing me to jolt and sway for a few seconds.
Nash’s arms went around me in the blink of an eye as I was yanked up against his hard chest. In the few seconds it took to steady myself, my stomach swarmed with butterflies, much like it had the first time he’d pulled me into his arms and kissed me.
I felt like I was going to swoon right there in front of his friend as blood rushed straight to my groin.
God, I wanted this man. Talk about smitten.
When he bent to speak quietly into my ear, shivers ran down my spine. “Let’s get you into this vest, baby.” I nodded as he released me, and quickly stepped back, still conscious that Mickey was standing only feet from us. “Lift your arms, let me slip this over your head.”
I complied, grateful I’d donned a T-shirt under the sweater so the scratchy vest wouldn’t be against my bare skin.
As soon as it was on, I was surprised that it felt so light.
Bulletproof vests always looked so much heavier in all those TV shows I liked to watch.
Once the Velcro straps were in place and Nash had tested it to make sure it wasn’t moving around, he handed me back the sweater, telling me to put it on.
“One last thing.” He opened an upper cabinet and pulled something out. When I recognized what it was, I started to shake my head. He frowned at me, looking exasperated. “Don’t look at me like that.” He nodded at my waist. “Undo your belt.”
“Here?” I glanced at Mickey who was chuckling behind his hand. I looked back at Nash.
“I need to slide this onto your belt. You won’t even feel it, but you’ll have it just in case.”
I looked at the slender—and I’m sure very sharp—stiletto type knife. When I met his gaze again, I sighed deeply, nodding. “Fine, but how are you going to—”
He attached a knife sheaf that sat horizontally across my belt and slid the blade into place before redoing it and pulling my sweater down over it.
“Oh…got it.”
“It should feel comfortable and yet be easy enough for you to get to if and when you need it.”
I nodded, knowing there was no way on earth I would ever need to use a knife on another human being. I let Barbie cut all our meat at home because I simply hated the way it felt. “Fine…and thanks.”
“Good.” He nodded sharply, taking my hand and tugging me back down onto the bench seat beside him. I didn’t pull my hand out of his.
We drove into the parking lot at the school, taking a spot on the curb right in front of the building and one of the entrances the captain had marked on the map.
I was a little surprised, thinking that the team would want to conceal their presence, but then realized the parking was purposeful, probably to let the cartel or anyone else watching know that I wasn’t alone here, guarded by only one man.
I was still a bit doubtful that the cartel knew where I worked but then remembered someone dirty at the DEA would surely have access to that information.
Nash and Mickey were the first out of the vehicle, each carrying two of the deadly automatic rifles.
After arming the captain and our driver, Mars—he insisted on being called—they formed a wall around me and escorted me into the building.
I was almost relieved to find Rex and Patsy there waiting, similarly armed.
“How’re we looking, Monroe?” the captain asked.
“Good. Ain’t seen hide nor hair of anyone to worry ‘bout,” the big Texan drawled. “Then again, if they’re out there somewhere, they wouldn’t show themselves until y’all got here.”
“And the others?”
“Huerta and Mathis are in the classroom, findin’ a hidin’ place for weapons and Smith and Joy are at the other end of the buildin’,” Patsy replied. “Been quiet on that side too, boss.”
Captain Sorensen nodded. “Good. Let’s hope it stays that way.
” He pointed to Patsy and Rex. “You two stay outside the doors until Mr. Calder is done teaching tonight. You’ll probably be questioned by students who’re arriving for classes.
Just tell them you’re with a guest speaker in one of the classrooms. That should satisfy. ”
“They’re gonna ask who, boss,” Rex drawled.
Patsy reached up and punched him in the arm. “Just tell ‘em it’s classified. Hopefully, that’ll shut ‘em up.”
The captain smiled. “Okay then. I’m gonna take the BearCat around to the other side and instruct Joy and Smith on this intel.
If any of the cartel are watching, I want them to know we’re here.
” He looked at his watch and then up at Nash and me.
“Well, Mr. Calder, we’re ready. You and your students will be very well guarded. ”
I reached out and he took my hand, shaking it. “Thank you so much. That’s all I can ask.”
“It’s our pleasure.” He glanced at Nash, then Mickey. “Stay alert. Remember to lock the doors. We’ll radio if anyone the least bit suspicious shows up. I’ll need you two, Huerta, and Mathis to do the same, okay?”
Nash and Mickey saluted. “You got it, Captain,” Nash said, nodding before the captain walked away. He reached out and set a hand on my shoulder. “I need you to help us with what Candy said. If anyone shows up that you don’t recognize as a student, you need to tell me immediately, okay, Joshua?”
I nodded. “Understood.” My body was thrumming with anticipation, and I couldn’t decide whether it was the prospect of getting killed, or the warmth of his hand.
I really hoped it was Nash.