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The gunmen had returned to search for them.

He pulled his weapon and silently shifted his position so that he faced the door while keeping most of himself covered behind the heavy metal desk. Fiona hadn’t moved a muscle. He reached out to lightly shake her shoulder.

“Hmm?” She sounded half asleep.

“Shh.” He tightened his grip. “Don’t talk. I think someone is upstairs inside the church.”

She sucked in a harsh breath, but to her credit, she didn’t say anything more.

“Stay here with your head down behind the desk, understand?” He kept his voice low. “I’m watching the door.”

“I understand.” Her faint voice betrayed her fear.

Doc stared at the closed office door, waiting and listening. Maybe he should have gotten her the rideshare, but when he’d pulled up the app on his phone, the closest ride was over thirty minutes away. Too long in his estimation, especially if the gunmen were patrolling the highway searching for them.

Which was exactly what they’d done. After not seeing any sign of them on the road, they had probably decided to search the nearby buildings.

Drawing in a deep breath, he continued to listen. When he heard a creaking sound, he tensed and tightened his grip on his weapon.

They were coming down the stairs.

Doc knew he would have only one chance to protect Fiona. He listened and watched the doorway, imagining the moment when the handle would turn. He’d use the element of surprise to his advantage.

The seconds ticked by slowly. He could feel the tension radiating off Fiona but did his best to ignore it. Her life depended on his ability to neutralize the threat.

A sliver of light gleamed from beneath the door. He braced himself, imagining the gunman easing toward the office. The handle slowly turned, and the door opened a crack.

Doc didn’t move, waiting for the gunman to show himself. It didn’t take long. The door opened wider. He saw the barrel of a gun and then the figure of a man dressed in black.

Just as Doc aimed at center mass and was about to fire, he heard a guttural voice from a second man. “We gotta go!”

Abruptly, the gunman turned and left. Doc didn’t move, listening intently as footsteps thundered back up the stairs to the main level. Then he lowered his weapon and took a deep breath.

That had been a close one. Too close.

He turned to Fiona, who stared up at him with wide, frightened eyes. Their reprieve wouldn’t last. It was time to find a new hideout.

These guys were clearly playing for keeps.

3

Fiona pushed herself upright and tossed the linen tablecloth aside, unable to stop trembling. She’d heard the footsteps creaking on the stairs and had known the threat was near. Watching Doc handle his weapon, she knew without a doubt he would shoot to kill if necessary. She’d braced herself for the worst, only to sag in relief when she heard a low voice say something about needing to go.

She was thankful Doc hadn’t been forced to take a life on her behalf.

“Stay here for a minute.” Doc’s voice was low and steady. He wasn’t shaking the way she was. He acted as if he faced gunmen every day. “I want to make sure they’re really gone.”

A trap? Her stomach clenched. “Okay.”

Staying behind the desk wasn’t easy. Doc moved silently except for the couple of basement stairs that creaked loudly as he ascended. She closed her eyes and lowered her chin to her chest, silently thanking God for keeping them safe.

Long minutes ticked by. She lifted her head and clasped her hands together to stop them from shaking, but it was no use. She couldn’t stop.

What if the gunmen killed Doc and then came back for her?

No, Doc was smart enough to avoid being caught. Besides, she’d hear a struggle. Wouldn’t she?

Doc’s low voice penetrated her wild thoughts. “Fiona? We’re clear.”