Texas Takedown Read Online Free PDF Page B

of there.
    â€œYou’re going to be fine.”
    â€œThey shot you.” The disbelief in Samantha’s voice indicated she hadn’t had time to process everything that had just happened. It was a lot for a civilian to take in, and she was doing better than expected.
    â€œI’m good. See.” Dylan used his right hand to pull up his shirt enough for her to see his thin Kevlar vest. His left gripped the steering wheel as he wound through the residential area and away from the shrieking sirens. His focus had to be on the road as he assessed everyone they passed for potential threat. “I’ll end up with a nasty bruise. That’s all.”
    â€œOkay.” That one word was spoken soft and small, almost without air. Her vulnerability pierced a different set of his armor.
    He dropped his shirt and returned his hand to the steering wheel, checking the rearview to see if they had any company. So far, so good. One wrong turn and the story could change drastically. “We need to find the closest police station.”
    â€œNo, please. He’ll find my father if I involve the law.” The desperation in her voice had him thinking twice.
    â€œSamantha, we were just shot at. You’re scared beyond belief. I believe you when you say you aren’t involved in anything illegal. So let’s go to the police and get protection.”
    â€œAs soon as this car slows, I’ll jump out. You shouldn’t be part of this.” She gripped the door handle. “Promise you won’t go to the cops.”
    â€œTell me why not.” That was the second time she’d specifically insisted he shouldn’t be involved. What the hell was that all about?
    â€œI already did. He’s going to kill my father.”
    â€œWho is?”
    â€œThomas Kramer, the Mason Ridge Abductor.”
    â€œHe’s dead, Samantha. He can’t hurt you.”
    â€œYou asked about the phone calls before.” Her voice sounded resigned.
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œI was walking home from work last Tuesday. It was late. I stayed to finish up a project and was the last one to leave the office. Someone jumped me. I was shocked, scared, but I fought. I somehow managed to get away.”
    â€œDid you report it?”
    â€œOf course. The police said it was most likely an attempted robbery. At first I thought the whole incident was random, too. When I told my father, he started freaking out. Made me promise not to leave my condo. Begged me not to get the police or anyone else involved. Said he’d make everything right. Told me to give him a little time and that he’d done a bad thing. I didn’t know what to think or do. I panicked. Took a few vacation days and didn’t leave my condo. Then the phone calls started. Someone saying he was the real Thomas Kramer said he wanted to meet. Said he had something of mine. He said if I involved the police, he’d kill me and my father. I stopped answering. When a stranger knocked on my door, I panicked again. I gathered a few of my things, waited for the guy to leave and then took off.”
    â€œSounds as if someone is hiding behind Kramer’s name. There’s a cell phone in my duffel. I need you to take it out,” he said.
    â€œPlease, no. Don’t call the police.”
    â€œI won’t. Not until we figure this out.”
    â€œNot ‘we.’ I need to lie low until I find a way to reach my father.”
    â€œI’m not going anywhere, Samantha.”
    â€œYou can’t be here.”
    â€œWhy not? Whoever is doing this can’t hurt you or me. We’ll get to the bottom of it. I’m not leaving until we figure this out. I need to make a call to arrange a place for us to stay. Will you get me the phone?”
    She blew out a sharp breath but didn’t immediately move.
    â€œI’m your only chance, Samantha. You need to decide.”
    â€œOkay. Fine. Where is it? Here?” She pointed to one of