Page 31 of Unplanned Target

Maybe it wasn’t as bad as I’m making it out to be. I did end up cradled against the chest of an insanely sexy man who carried me like I weighed nothing. So it’s possible I’m being a little dramatic.

We’re another half hour down the road when I notice a black SUV creeping up behind us in the far right lane. It’s moving strangely, and I sit a little taller, watching the side mirror in my peripheral.

“I think someone’s following us again.” I swallow hard as the SUV gets closer. “You might want to drive a little faster.”

Owen’s eyes snap to the mirror. “Where?”

“On the right. About five cars back.” My butt cheeks clench as the number of cars between us and them goes down by one. “Four cars back now.”

Owen’s eyes narrow. “Black Jeep? Tinted windows?”

“That’s the one.” I grip the door handle as they close the gap between us by another car. “They’re getting closer.”

Owen breathes out a sigh and his shoulders drop dramatically. “Good. That’s half our escort.”

I lean to look into the mirror on Owen’s side. “Where’s the other half?”

A matching black SUV suddenly swerves into the lane in front of us, making me jump.

Owen grins. “Right there.”

In short order, the other SUV is directly behind us, and we’re sandwiched between what I’m guessing—hoping—are two armored vehicles. Hopefully they can keep us blocked in enough I don’t have to worry about dodging any bullets. Especially since I won’t get the perk of Owen holding me close.

I breathe a little easier as the Nashville skyline comes into view. It’s still relatively early in the day so I don’t get the full impact of it all lit up, but it’s still pretty. I’d imagine there’s worse places to call home. I hate having to leave my stuff behind, but I’m not upset about getting out of Memphis. I can’t say I’m attached to the place for any reason beyond my brother and mom living there.

And now that Tony’s working for Alaskan Security, one of those reasons might be gone. The other will sadly only be relevant for a little while longer. And then what? Do I stay in a city I have no ties to simply because it’s where I’ve always lived? At some point Allie will grow up and go out on her own. Then I’m stuck in a city I don’t really care about all by myself.

Doesn’t sound fantastic, that’s for sure.

I stare out the window, taking it all in as we circle to the other side of downtown. Owen finally takes an exit, leading us into a pretty derelict part of town. The buildings are old and abandoned and mostly industrial, making me a little concerned about what sort of place we’re going to.

Right up until we pull through a heavy gate. Then I’m way less worried.

Because this place is nice.

It’s still industrial, for sure. But what was once likely a factory of some sort, has been transformed into a sleek, modern looking trio of connected structures. The windows are large and the angles are sharp. The walls are constructed using cement block and painted a dark gray shade. The trim surrounding every window and door is glossy silver and gleams in the sunlight. It’s almost futuristic-looking and I love it.

Owen pulls right up to what must be the front, and parks Mrs. Landis’s car in one of the lined spots. The SUVs that joined us do the same, and I watch as two men get out of each one. They’re all tall and terrifying-looking, wearing head-to-toe black, just like Owen is, with weapons of all sorts strapped to their hips and thighs.

“Oh shit.” Allie’s been pretty quiet the whole trip and she breaks her silent streak with a bang. She leans between the seats, voice low as she asks the man who once again saved us, “Do you know those guys?”

Owen nods. “I do.” He steps out of the car, rounding the front to open my door. Holding out a hand, he helps me up from my seat, then leads me straight to the fearsome foursome. “This is Miranda. Butch’s sister.”

The men greet me with silent nods.

“Thanks for coming to help us.” I give them as much of a smile as I can manage, given how freaking tired I am. “I really appreciate it.”

“Holy crap.” My daughter’s voice is filled with awe. “This place is crazy.”

I turn to watch as Allie gapes up at the structure in front of us. She comes to stand at my side, jaw slack. “Is this where you work, Owen?”

“Technically I work all over the place.” Owen passes the car keys to one of the men. “This needs to go back to Memphis.”

The man nods. “I’ll give it a once over before I take it back.”

“Appreciate it.” Owen turns to where Allie and I stand. “Are you ladies ready to go inside?”

“Heckin’ yes.” Allie bounds past us, looking excited as hell to be here. “Is this where we’re staying?”