“I’ll look for Harry.” Chuck ran out the door.
Lance brought out his cell. “You okay, baby?”
She nodded, pressing her hand on Michael’s wound, trying to stop the bleeding.
Lance’s heart still thudded in his chest. He’d almost lost her, the woman who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, the woman he loved with all his heart.
“We need an ambulance at Michael Chamberlain’s home.” He told the dispatcher what had happened, and she promised aide would be there shortly.
“Did you find my mother, Lance?”
“We got your text before we made it to your house. We got a message off to Sheriff Champion. The sheriff, Justin, and Austin were headed to your place to see if your mother was there. Your book is safe and still with us.” Lance had left it on the table in the foyer. He picked up his phone again and called the sheriff.
“Sheriff Champion here.”
“It’s Lance.”
“Austin and I are on our way. Just got word from dispatch about the shooting,” the sheriff said. “ETA is five minutes. Was it Soto?”
“Yes. He’s dead. What about Danielle’s mother? Did you get a chance to go inside?”
“The lights were off, so Justin went around back to check things out. I was about to knock on the door when I got the call about what had happened at Michael’s. I just spoke with Justin before you called. He’s going to check inside. I should hear from him shortly.”
“I found Harry,” Chuck yelled from upstairs. “He’s awake and breathing. The bastard got him in the chest.”
Michael closed his eyes. “Oh my God. I’ve got to go to him.”
“You’re not moving, buddy.” He knew the best course of action was to keep Michael right where he was. “Not until the EMTs get here. Chuck will make sure Harry is taken care of until then.”
“Damn it, Lance. I love him. No one is stopping me. Not even you.”
Lance looked at Danielle. He understood why Michael was demanding to go to Harry. “Okay. Let me help you, though.”
“His wrist is broken, Lance.” Danielle was still a little shaken, but he could see her strength shining in her eyes. She was a survivor, after all. “He also might have a concussion. Miguel kicked him in the head.”
Michael sat up, clenching his teeth.
The guy was a tough son of a bitch. He helped his friend to his feet, and they all went up the stairs together. Danielle took one side and he took the other. Michael grimaced against the pain.
“Where are you, Chuck?” Danielle called out.
“The master bedroom.”
“The second door on the left,” Michael whispered.
“Lean against me, buddy. I got you.”
As they walked into the bedroom, sirens could be heard approaching.
Harry looked up, his eyes revealing the pain he was experiencing. Chuck compressed the wound in his chest.
Lance and Danielle helped Michael to his fiancé’s side.
“I’m here, sweetheart.” Michael grabbed Harry’s hand. “I’m here.”
Lance put his arm around Danielle, who was trembling. “Honey, you and I will go downstairs and wait for the EMTs to arrive.” He wanted to get her away from this scene to allow her a moment to catch her breath.
She nodded and they headed downstairs.