Page 81 of Her Guarded Hero

“We know somebody was behind Ricky and Ned, since they’re still after you. This is the first real lead we’ve got. You’re the target, and we’re sure as hell not having you go into the base of operations.”

“Well you don’t have much say in the matter,” she gave Dalton an angry look.

She heard Dex’s muffled laughter.

“You’re not going,” Gunnar said. “That’s the end of the discussion.”

“You’re not telling me what to do either,” she said as she spun around to glare at her grandfather.

“You’re not thinking this through,” Crystal said.

“Not you too,” Aurora turned to her friend. “You can’t be on their side.”

“Hell no, I’m not on their side. I’m always on your side, Girlfriend. What are you going to accomplish?”

“I want to check out the horses and see if they’re all right.”

“Like your granddad and uncles aren’t going to be doing that. All that you’re going to do is slow them down while making them stop every half hour because you need to pee.”

Aurora felt herself blush. It was true. She turned to Dalton. “What’s your plan?” she demanded.

“It’s simple,” Gunnar answered. “We’re there to look over some stallions to mate with some of our mares. We’re bringing some friends from San Diego to look over Windsor to see if they want to use their facilities for their horses.”

“I still don’t understand why Freddy would be out after me,” Aurora complained.

“Neither do we,” Dalton answered truthfully. “But this is the only thing that has made sense so far.” He raked his fingers through his black hair and gave her a frustrated glare. “I want you off the firing line.”

“Amen.” Gunnar said.

“Hunter will stay back with you, so that you’re protected.”

“You’re willing to split up the Scooby Gang?” Aurora knew there was a bite to her tone, but she was still pissed about the fact that she was being left out.

“Who are you calling the Scooby Gang?” Dex asked.

“I think that’s us,” Hunter said easily.

“Please don’t ever say that in front of Kenna. I’m begging you,” Dex placed his hands together in prayer.

Aurora gave a reluctant giggle, then she sighed.

“We have Rhys, Luke and Erwin here, isn’t that enough?” Aurora asked.

“No,” Dalton said emphatically. “They’re going to be out caring for the animals. I want someone in the house with you.”

“Well I’m staying here. I’m pretty sure the LAPD can take care of this, aren’t you?” Lindy said.

Aurora saw Dalton squirm in his seat.

“For God’s sake, she’s a member of the SWAT team,” Crystal all but yelled.

Hunter laughed. “I think we’re leaving your woman in good hands, Dalton.”

“Anyway, I don’t want to be part of the Scooby Gang,” Lindy said with a grin. “Crystal, Aurora and I haven’t been together in years.”

“Yeah, we used to do a lot of damage in high school,” Crystal said.

Zebadiah groaned, and Gunnar laughed.