Protective Custody Read Online Free PDF Page B

much upheaval in their young lives…”
    â€œI know. Just FYI, our judge is armed.”
    She stopped just on the edge of the light, her eyes scanning the darkness even as her brain processed the conversation. “Excuse me?”
    â€œHe got his gun from a safe and loaded it.”
    Carly thought about that for a minute then said slowly, “Well, he’s had the training. He knows how to use it.”
    â€œYeah, that was my take on it.”
    â€œThen, good. I think.”
    The floodlights clicked off. Her heart kicked up a notch as she froze. “Mason, did you do that?”
    A quiet beat stretched between them. Then he said in a low voice. “No. The lights went off in here, too. Call for help and get in here.”
    The other shoe had just dropped—with a bang.
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    Nick had just pointedly told Lindsey to get ready for bed. “And could you please lose the attitude? They’re here to help us.” He wouldn’t admit he wished he could throw a temper tantrum himself about the whole situation. But that wasn’t going to help anything.
    Another eye roll. “Right.”
    Frustration bit at him. Ever since her mother and aunt had been killed, Lindsey’s personality had done a one-eighty. She used to be so sweet, laughing at his silly attempts to bring a smile to her face, offering hugs with guileless spontaneity.
    Then her mother and aunt died, and the bottom had dropped out of her world. Her grandmother leaving hadn’t helped the situation, either. Nick understood why his mom felt she had to leave. There simply wasn’t anyone else to take care of his aunt. But tell that to Lindsey.
    With a sigh, he studied his niece’s mutinous expression and supposed she was coping the only way she knew how.
    Then the lights went out.
    Frustration morphed into concern, then outright fear as he realized what was happening.
    â€œLindsey, get over here.” He pressed the button on his iPhone to illuminate the room. The glow caught her startled, fearful expression.
    â€œWhy?” she demanded.
    He strode to her and grasped her wrist in a light grip. “The power just went out, and I don’t know why yet. Stay with me and head to Christopher’s room.”
    â€œI’ve got him.” Carly’s voiced reached out to him a few moments later in the dark. “Everyone stay together while we get to the safe area.”
    An area she could defend, he thought. Drawing in a calming breath, he said, “The laundry room would be best. No windows and only one way in.”
    â€œGood job. I’d already picked that place myself. We don’t have much time. The alarm wasn’t tripped, and without power it won’t be.”
    â€œYes, it will. I have a generator that kicks in for the alarm system. And the laundry room is off the kitchen.”
    â€œYou and the kids get in there.”
    â€œGet my dog, Uncle Nick,” Christopher cried suddenly. “Pepper. I don’t want the bad people to get him!”
    Carly shot him a look. “Dog?”
    â€œA stuffed animal he sleeps with.” He placed a hand on Christopher’s head. “He’s safe and sound, tucked under your bed last time I saw him, okay?” Then he looked at Carly. “What about Debbie and the Jeffersons?” No way was he going to tuck his tail and run when people he cared about were in danger.
    â€œMason has them.” She spoke into her radio. “Meet us in the kitchen.” To Nicholas, she said, “Follow me and stay away from the windows.”
    As they descended the slightly curved staircase, the sound of barking reached his ears. “The dogs aren’t happy. Someone’s on the grounds.”
    â€œOr somewhere around the fence. I wish you had some closer neighbors who’d check out all the racket.”
    The barking escalated.
    A shadow passed the bay window in the den. “They’reoutside the house,” he whispered.