Bodyguard Under Fire. Elle James

      “Good question.”

      “Holy hell.” Cara Jo shoved her hand through her hair. “Two attacks in as many days. I don’t get it.”

      “Me, either. But tomorrow, this handyman is putting in some additional security measures.”

      “Glad to hear it. I’m sure the boss won’t mind footing that bill. Especially when his employees are being mauled.” Cara Jo laid a hand on Chuck’s arm. “PJ and Charlie are okay, aren’t they?”

      “Yes. I was with them when Alicia showed up at the door. Alicia and PJ are upstairs now, if you want to check on them. The deputy will want to speak with the one who found Danny. Maybe you could bring Alicia down as soon as the EMTs get him loaded into the ambulance.”

      “I’ll do that.” Cara Jo waited while the EMTs checked vitals and carefully maneuvered the injured man onto the backboard, stabilized his neck and lifted him onto a gurney.

      Once the stairway was cleared, the diner owner sprinted up the stairs.

      Chuck and the deputy followed the injured man as he was rolled across the rough pavement. Danny’s eyes blinked open as they neared the ambulance.

      “Wait.” The deputy touched the arm of one of the medical technicians. The gurney came to a smooth halt, and the officer leaned over the gurney. “Son, can you describe the man who attacked you?”

      The young man blinked again, and then his eyes rolled upward and he slipped into unconsciousness.

      The emergency personnel loaded Danny into the back of the ambulance and climbed in beside him.

      Cara Jo was leading a distraught Alicia down the steps.

      When Alicia reached the bottom, she ran toward the ambulance. “Is he going to be okay? Can I ride with him?”

      “Are you a member of his family, ma’am?” the attendant asked.

      She shook her head, wringing her hands. “No, but he’s my boyfriend.”

      “I’m sorry, only family members.” The technician closed the door.

      Cara Jo slipped an arm around Alicia’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. I’ll give you a ride to the hospital.”

      The deputy shook his head. “I’ll need to ask her a few questions first.”

      The ambulance pulled away, and tears fell anew from Alicia’s eyes.

      “I’m Deputy Farnam. I’m sorry about your boyfriend,” the policeman offered. “He’s in good hands. Can you tell me what happened here?”