Inescapable

“No, of course not, but…”

“Good, now can you help me out here?”

“Of course.” The true nature of the situation was beginning to sink in. Her mouth was dry, shock making her shaky. “Anything I can do to help.”

“I’m okay,” Adrian said rising to his feet with their assistance. He winced when he tried to put weight on his right leg. “I’ll just have to limp.”

“Lean on us,” the policeman instructed.

The policeman had a Welsh accent, Lily realised. Something about his voice had struck her, and that was it. Between them, they got Adrian to the elevator. When a couple of other people appeared in the corridor, the policeman warned them off, shouting at them to go back into their offices while he held out his ID in explanation.

Once they were inside the elevator, Adrian staggered into the corner and propped himself up. Lily checked his pupils again. “If you feel any nausea or dizziness, I want you to tell me immediately.”

Adrian nodded, and then rested his head back against the wall and looked at her with curiosity. Heat rose in her face. He’d figured it out; he knew she was his date. She glanced away, confusion making her feel twitchy.

The policeman had reached into his pocket and pulled out a phone. Flicking it open, he called out. When she went to speak to him, he shook his head. “We’ve had an attempt. Our witness is injured, not fatal.” There was bitter edge to his tone. “Yes, already, apparently good news travels fast.”

Not fatal? Lily swallowed. The way he was talking, it was so…cold, and removed. The other bloke, Adrian, didn’t seem surprised. He was staring ahead, his eyes thoughtful and his mouth tense.

“I need you to bring the vehicle right up against the front door, then get out and give the witness cover. The shooter may still be around.”

He pushed the phone into his pocket and pulled out the gun, training it on the door just as they reached the ground floor.

His words echoed through Lily’s mind. He may still be around. The shooter. A shudder went through her.

The other man, the policeman—as she now realised—fixed her with a demanding stare. “Ready?”

She nodded, and then wedged her shoulder firmly against the man she was holding up, securing his arm around her shoulders. Seconds later they were through the lobby, and out the door. A large four wheel drive vehicle was screeching to a halt on the pavement.

This can’t be happening to me.

“Get out of the car,” the policeman shouted to the driver. “Leave the key in the ignition and give me cover while I get the witness in.” He snatched at the rear door, opening it for Adrian.

Lily caught a muffled query from the interior, and a moment later the driver emerged.

“I’m taking him out of the city. Tell the chief I have a good reason for what I am doing and I’ll be in touch,” shouted the policeman. Then he nodded at her and between them they got Adrian into the seat.

“You next. Get in.” He had his hand on her shoulder.

“Excuse me?”

He glanced quickly around them as he responded. “You’re com

ing with us to a safe house. It’s for your own safety.”

She shrugged him off. “No way. This has nothing to do with me.”

“Sorry, sweetheart, but the moment you saw that man in the corridor it had everything to do with you. You are in danger and you are under my protection. Now get in.”

Lily tried to walk away, but he grabbed her and jammed her up against the side of the car, using the full weight of his body to pin her there. From the base of her skull to the back of her knees she felt the cold, hard surface of the vehicle. Against her front, from breast to knee, his body crushed hers—warm, muscular, and overwhelmingly male.

His face was millimetres from hers, and he spoke between gritted teeth. “Get in the car.”

She shook her head emphatically. “I’ve helped you with Adrian, now let me go.”

“No.” He had locked her in place, his hands either side of her on the car roof.

The man was a brute. She tried to wriggle free, unsuccessfully. Trapped there, she glared up at him. “This is intimidation.”