Shotgun Bride

She raised her brow in skepticism.

“That’s my guess.”

Too many feelings were bouncing around inside for her to know what she felt. Hawk wouldn’t marry her because he loved her, but he would marry her to protect her? Somehow she didn’t buy it.

“Renee, why don’t we go and get a marriage license? If you can think of a better way to address the problems that are sure to crop up, then we can consider it. But if we have the license, then we’ll have that option.”

A sick feeling settled in her stomach. “I don’t think things are as dark as you paint them. Besides, the problem will be solved if I just tell everyone I don’t want Emory’s company.”

“Don’t be foolish.”

Anger raced through her. She stood. “I’ve done that before, haven’t I, Hawk? I guess my actions will be consistent.”

As she walked away from him, she heard him mutter a curse.

Renee pulled the High Point file from the accounts receivable filing cabinet. Emory had called the office late in the day and asked to see the account. She glanced around the empty office, peering into the shadows. The normally busy room took on a sinister feel. She tucked the file under her arm and walked into the hall. Although a few people were still in the building, a chill settled over her. She raced back to her office, grabbed her purse and headed toward the elevator. She hugged the file to her chest as she waited for the elevator. When it arrived, she breathed a sigh of relief.

When the elevator doors opened on the parking garage level, a car stopped before her, making her heart race. Hawk jumped out. “Why are you here this late?” he barked.

Relief made her light-headed. “Emory wanted to see this account.”

He continued to glare at her.

Irritation replaced the relief she’d felt. “I wasn’t aware it was in my job description to check in with you.”

He ran his fingers through his hair. “Renee, something could’ve happened.”

She wanted to tell him he was imagining things, but she recalled her uneasiness in the accounting office. “How did you know I was here?”

“I went back to your apartment to talk to you about us getting married.”

“You’re not going to let this idea drop, are you?”

“No.” There wasn’t any room for argument. When Hawk got that look in his eye, it was a sure sign that not even the Marines would be able to move him. “You ready?”

“I’m going to take this file to Emory tonight.”

Hawk nodded. “I’ll follow you.”

Too bad he wasn’t as diligent two months ago, when she’d walked out of his life, she thought as she headed for her car.

“Get down,” Hawk suddenly shouted.

His yelled command stunned her. He lunged for her at the same instant she heard a shot echo through the empty garage. A second shot immediately followed. She felt the sting in the side of her head, then staggered, falling against the closest car. A warm stream of blood ran down her neck.

Panic raced through her as she crouched with her back to the door.

Hawk crouched beside her. He examined her head. “We need to get you to the hospital.”

“Is the shooter still out there?” Her eyes scanned the darkness of the parking garage. She felt a trickle of moisture run down the side of her face. She touched it and came away with blood on her fingers.

“Just keep down, and I’ll get you out of here.”

She latched on to his words. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and supported her as they ran toward his vehicle. She noticed the blood on his sleeve. He helped her slide into the front seat, then climbed over her, started the car and floored it.

“Your arm,” she murmured.

He glanced at her. “Don’t worry about me.”

She felt dizzy. She leaned back against the seat. She could’ve died or worse, her baby could’ve been hurt or she might miscarry. Secure in the knowledge that Hawk would take care of her, Renee relaxed. It was her last conscious thought.

When Hawk pulled into the emergency entrance of Herman Hospital, he breathed a sigh of relief. He had called ahead on his cell phone, and people were outside waiting for them. His tension shot up 100 percent when he glanced at her and saw that she was still unconscious. Leaping out of his car, he raced around and helped the attendants pull Renee out and place her on a gurney.

“What happened?” asked one of the nurses.

“Someone shot at her,” Hawk answered.

“From the looks of your arm, it appears you were in the way.”

“It’s minor.” Hawk tried to follow Renee but was stopped by the nurse.

“Let’s take a look at your arm,” the nurse commented.

Hawk wasn’t interested in getting the wound tended, but the nurse had a determined look in her eye that told him she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. He thought about flashing his badge, but knew he wouldn’t be any help to Renee in the E.R.

He nodded. “Afterward, you’ll check on the woman I brought in.” When she hesitated, he added, “I’m a cop.”

She didn’t look convinced until he produced his badge.

“You got a deal, Lieutenant.”

After his arm was cleaned and wrapped, the nurse went to check on Renee. Hawk couldn’t sit still. Adrenaline still raced through his veins.

Someone had tried to kill Renee. There was a slight possibility that what happened tonight was a random crime, but he didn’t buy that scenario. He had a feeling the crime had been directed at her. Emory’s fears were well-founded, and he was going to have to stick closer to Renee than her skin.

Needing to report the incident to the police, he went back to his car, grabbed his phone and dialed Houston PD and told the operator what had occurred, then asked for his ex-partner, Tony Ashcroft, who was now a homicide detective. In minutes Hawk would have to answer a lot of questions.

But then again, the police weren’t the only ones who wanted answers.

“I don’t know anything else, Detective Ashcroft,” Renee said to the HPD detective. Her head pounded.

The tall, athletically built man closed his notebook and slipped it into his pocket. He was thirty-five, with a youthful appearance that probably fooled a lot of people into believing that Tony Ashcroft was younger than his years. Yet, from the looks he exchanged with Hawk, Renee had the feeling that the detective wasn’t easily fooled.

“If you remember anything more, please contact me, Ms. Girouard.” He handed her his business card.

She nodded.

Ashcroft looked at Hawk. “I’ll call you later and let you know what we’ve uncovered.”