Gathered a few feet from where he and Archer stood, the gaggle of reporters and their camera-wielding sidekicks excitedly prepared themselves to hear what the FBI had to share. The sea of onlookers grew anxious as a handful of important-looking people made their way to the awaiting podium that had been put in place for the impromptu event.
“Good afternoon.” A silver-haired man took center stage. Dressed in “My name is Richard Kelton, and I am the Chief of Police for the Tacoma Police Department.” The briefly recapped what the news had already shared about George Ray Harvey’s escape. “With me today is Mayor Oswald, District Attorney Donald Hennessy, FBI Liasson Ronette Capshaw, and former Pierce County prosecutor, Eloise Fisher.”
Lucky’s stare immediately went to Ellie. The tight black dress she wore fell just below her knees. She’d paired the look with a fitted, burgundy suit jacket that, when buttoned, showcased the woman’s feminine curves. A pair of respectable black heels topped off the outfit, making her look every bit the professional he knew her to be.
Professional.
Serious.
Sexy as hell.
With her spine straight and her hands clutched loosely together at her front, Ellie appeared to simply be showing her support for those working to find the escaped murderer. Thanks to Lucky’s training, however, he hadn’t missed the almost indiscernible shift of her pretty brunette head as she, too, continuously scanned the crowd.
There was a slight pause in her movements followed by a hint of a frown. Lucky knew she’d spotted them. But then Ellie turned her laser-focused gaze elsewhere while Chief Kelton continued with his politically motivated speech.
“The safety of the citizens of the state of Washington is our upmost priority. So rest assured, between the efforts of both federal and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the talented team of men and women standing behind me, George Ray Harveywillbe caught again, and hewillbe taken into custody, where he belongs.”
“That’s a mighty big promise for a guy like that to make,” Lucky mused.
“Kelton might wear the badge, but at his core, the man’s a career politician,” Archer grumbled. “And, according to Cassie, he’s also a total blowhard.”
Both Lucky and Archer continued to scan the crowd while the man in question spewed several more photo-op promises his politically motivated ass couldn’t cash. When he was finished, the powerful man turned and introduced the attractive blonde FBI representative, inviting her to take his place at the podium.
“This is Special Agent Jennifer Strauss with the FBI. Agent Strauss is up to date with all the facts we have so far in this case, and she’s been kind enough to take a few moments to share with you what details we are able to at this time. Agent Strauss…”
Chief Kelton oh-so-graciously stepped aside to allow the agent to take over the mic. The sound of cameras clicking filledthe afternoon air as those in attendance listened with bated breath for what the pretty blonde had to say.
But Lucky’s attention was on another woman. One with waves of brown flowing freely around her shoulders as she kept the expression on her gorgeous face as steady as the blood pumping through his veins.
Strong.
The word shot to the forefront of his mind as he studied her from his spot in the crowd. Even from here, Ellie’s inner strength was obvious. It was there in her ramrod spine and stiff shoulders. Her lifted chin and unintimidated expression.
Yes, the beautiful, sassy lawyer was strong. Brave, even. But standing right out in the open like that…knowing she had a potential target on her back…
That shit was also risky as hell.
From everything he’d learned on the drive here, Harvey had taken out his own lawyer, a guard, and the judge before attacking Ellie that day in court. And even after the murdering asshole was locked up nice and tight, he’d somehow continued his reign of terror over her from behind bars.
According to the reports he’d accessed, that shit had gone on for several months before Harvey finally got bored enough to leave her the hell alone.
“If she knows this guy could be coming after her,” Lucky turned his attention to Archer, “why is she even here?”
One of Archer’s dark brows arched high with the man’s incredulous stare. “Youhavemet Ellie, right?”
Archer knew full well Lucky and the mouthwatering lawyer had met. Their paths had crossed a few times, thanks to Ellie’s close friendship with Cass and Natalie.
His gaze shifted back to the woman in question, his pulse spiking the same way it always did when she was around.
Oh, yeah. We’ve met.
“So what’s the plan?” He kept his eyes locked on her. “We wait until this thing is over then follow her home?”
“Far as I know, yeah.” Archer’s nod was visible in Lucky’s peripheral. “Cass said Ellie didn’t want to stick around here any longer than she had to. Not that I blame her. By the way…” The other man looked over at him. “In case I forget to say it later, thanks.”
“For what?”
“For offering to come here.” His broad shoulders shook with a huff of a breath. “Though, I’ve gotta admit, I was a bit surprised.”