Page 49 of Rascal

“Jane hit my arm; let’s go,” Jonas replied. He held his wound tightly, but blood was trickling out.

A minute later we burst into the fresh air and saw people in the parking lot. Two fire engines were pulling in, along with several cop cars. Staff were rushing about, and the manager stood with a tablet.

“Please, can you check in? I need to confirm everyone escaped,” he called.

“Paramedic; we’ve an injured man here,” I yelled. Two police officers turned and rushed over.

“Contact Grimes, tell him Lieutenant Richards is hurt. Inform him we saw Jane, and she set the fire and attacked us. I got four rounds off but don’t know if I hit her. Jane got me too,” Jonas said, holding up his arm. His legs gave out under him as I rushed forward and caught him. One of the uniforms grabbed Richards’s other side while the other made a phone call.

Paramedics ran over as I coughed, and soon the three of us were bundled into an ambulance and on our way to the hospital.

Hallie

Jonas had created enough trouble that we were placed in the same room. Grimes came to take statements, shaking his head.

“This woman needs catching. The captain has put out an APB. I couldn’t stop it,” he said. His tone showed he agreed with the decision.

“Well, if you expect me to stay under lock and key, forget it. Your department had best get ready,” I drawled. I was hovering over Jonas, making sure the nurse stitched him up correctly.

“Guess asking you to remain indoor…”

“Nope, not happening, Grimes. I spent enough time locked up and unable to make my own decisions. Nobody’s taking that from me again,” I retorted. The nurse finished up and began bandaging Jonas’s arm.

“We’re flying home to South Dakota. Jane is now unpredictable; I fully expected her to have fled back there. Instead, the psychotic bitch hung around to strike at Hallie. That behaviour can’t be predicted,” Jonas acknowledged.

“I’ll fetch some painkillers,” the nurse offered.

“Thanks.”

“No offence, but get the hell out of my town before this Jane burns everything down,” Grimes said. Jonas grinned.

“Frightened of hard work?” Jonas taunted, but nodded. “There’re more places and people to protect Hallie, back in Spearfish. Keep me updated.” Jonas replied as the nurse appeared with a small bottle.

“I can defend myself,” I chipped in.

“Yeah, we know. You’re a big, strong, independent woman. Even Hercules needed sidekicks,” Jonas countered, and Shane laughed.

Thanks for the support, douchebag.

“I’ve got people bringing your cars here. I’m afraid whatever you left at the hotel is probably toast by now.”

“Just a change of clothes,” Jonas said, and Shane and I stated the same.

“No offence, leave,” Grimes retorted, and we nodded. We felt the same.

Shane was complaining. He’d had to buy a tee at the hospital, and was now sporting a baby blue one with a teddy bear and a rainbow on it. As much as Shane tried to hide it under his cut, he failed. I could see people smirking as we headed to the airport’s gift shop.

“I look fuckin’ ridiculous,” Shane griped.

“No more than usual,” Jonas snapped, and I laughed. Wow, the cop was lightening up. Shane glared and ignored him.

“Did you book us on one flight?” I asked.

“Yes.” Jonas eyed two cops who were approaching. “Oh, here we fuckin’ go.”

Minutes later, we were in a secure room while Jonas phoned Grimes. Half an hour later, they released us, and we were back on our way.

“How many more times will that happen before we get home?” I drawled.