Sharpshooter (Shadow Agents 3)

“She’ll stay safe,” Gunner vowed, and she knew he meant the words.

Good, because she wasn’t going to play the killer’s game anymore. In that instant when she’d seen Gunner’s headlights coming at her, she’d known that her chances for survival were running out.

No more games.

No more attacks.

The doctor finished up. Sydney dressed and Gunner went to stand guard outside her room. Even though she was afraid and had death stalking her, a bubble of happiness kept growing inside her.

Twins. Gunner. Marriage.

If she could just get the killer off her back, she’d have everything she’d ever wanted.

She pushed open the door.

“I’m sorry, Gunner, but you have to come with me.”

Logan’s words froze her.

“The hell I am!” Gunner snapped. He jerked away from Logan. “I’m not leaving Sydney’s side. I’m not—”

“A witness saw you tampering with her brakes.”

The words filled Sydney’s ears.

She stilled. That bubble of happiness wasn’t feeling so light anymore.

“And Sydney’s neighbor had sent a lady out to house-sit while she and her husband were out of town. The house sitter was there that night, and she reported seeing your truck, just sitting out in the street, waiting, right before the fire started at Sydney’s home.”

Sydney shook her head. That bubble burst. “Gunner?”

He spun toward her. “It’s not true. It’s a setup!”

The nearby hospital staff started to ease back.

Sydney searched Gunner’s face. Then looked at Logan. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because your life matters. I don’t know what kind of game he’s playing...” His jaw locked. “But it’s ending.”

Cale and Slade waited behind them, both watching with tense faces.

Sydney could only shake her head. “Gunner isn’t the one playing this game. He’s been saving me.”

Slade stepped forward. “That’s what he wanted you to think! He’s not a hero. He never was.”

Gunner’s face seemed to have turned to stone.

“I won’t believe this!” No, she wouldn’t. “I trust Gunner.” More than she trusted anyone else.

“Mercer wants him back at the office. Now.” Logan’s voice was grim. “I’m sorry, but I have no choice here. Gunner’s been termed a threat, and I have to take him in.”

“Then I’m coming, too.”

But Slade stepped in her path. “Why won’t you see him for what he is? He’s playing you.”

Someone was playing her, all right.

“You can’t have this much blind trust in him!” Slade’s voice rose. “You’re smarter than this!”