Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop — Rumi
RCMP Swat Team
I've had some martial arts training but I'm not the macho type. I have to admit I feel the same terror as Clare when I even consider confronting Jim Barnes. He'd win hands down in physical combat and has elite sniper skills that make him lethal from up to 2 miles away.
Even the other RCMP officers are wary of Jim and try to avoid crossing him. But I honestly couldn't think of anything I might have done that could have caused him grief.
Of course, Clare had to mention the elephant in the room―my prior relationship with Robyn. Sure, we hung out at work events but nothing that could even be considered as dating.
But if Robyn is resentful of me it can only be because I chose Sarah. And if Robyn persuaded Jim to kill her, then she is just as dangerous.
And then it hit me―Clare is in real danger!
The sniper could have easily killed me but didn't, so obviously Robyn's jealousy has been transformed into anger at whatever woman I'm dating.
Embarrassing as it may be, I have to warn Clare in case she ends up the next victim. And staying with her at the farm might result in putting a target on her back.
But, here's the problem―Clare's gone home for the night and is alone on the farm with only Maggie, her golden retriever.
What if she decides to take Maggie for a walk? She'd be an easy kill shot.
I fumble for my cell but my hands are shaking so much I waste precious seconds even attempting to speed dial her. But thankfully, I get through and she picks up.
"Don't tell me you're not coming," she says.
I ignore her remark. "Where are you right now?"
"I'm in the den before the fire. Why?"
"I figured out you're the next target. Lock all the doors and shut all the drapes and keep your gun with you. I'll be there in twenty minutes."
"You're scaring me, Cam."
"That's because I'm scared. I'll explain in detail when I get there. In the meantime, hunker down and stay away from windows."
The drive out to the farm seems to take forever but I actually make it in fifteen minutes. I park the SUV close to the side door and text Clare to unlock it and stay back.
I then make a mad dash and soon as I'm inside, Clare quickly shuts it.
"What are we going to do?" she asks.
"We're going to have to call Cyril and request back-up. We can't do this alone because I figured out you were right. Robyn is behind all this and she's using Barnes to take revenge on her rivals."
"Meaning any woman you're with?"
I nod. "Sorry I didn't see it earlier. I let my embarrassment colour my logic. Now it's put you in danger."
She shook her head. "It comes with the territory, Cam―you know that. Now stop beating yourself up and call in the cavalry."
Her droll humour broke the tension a bit. After all, the RCMP are mounted police and I couldn't wait to see reinforcements arrive.
The one thing I dreaded though was dealing with Cyril's displeasure. He'd be hopping mad we didn't call in the tactical response team earlier.
Oh, and keep him informed every step of the way...
Uh yeah, It will be brutal.
To be continued…
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