Damon (The Protectors Series) Book #1 by Teresa Gabelman Read Free Book Online Page A

eyes.
    Nicole heard the cursing behind her, but ignored it. If she could get him to let the nurse go, then these
    guys were going to have to give something up and getting rid of all these cops was going to be the key
    to ending this standoff. “One thing you need to know about me Steve is that I don't bullshit.” Nicole
    stood firm, staring at the boy, willing him to believe that she was trying to save his life. “I want
    answers to what happened tonight so I can help you. I think I know what might have happened, but
    we need to talk. We can't do that with you holding that nurse.”
    “Why would you want to help me?” His eyes nervously flicking around to the guns. “You're human,
    right? So what do you care about me for? Huh?”
    “It's my job to help you, plus I understand more than you know.” Nicole felt nervous beads of sweat
    popping out on her forehead. God, this could turn ugly so fast.
    “Are you kidding me?” He screamed, jerking the woman closer to him. “Are you like that other social
    worker?”
    “Who was your social worker?” Nicole knew exactly who it was, but didn't want him to know she
    knew. When he didn't answer she sighed. “Is his name Chad?”
    “Yeah and he never would call me back. Told me to hang in there and that I wasn't trying hard enough
    to fit in. I needed to try harder and now look where I am.”
    Bitter bile rose up her throat threatening to choke her. Knowing Chad had indeed arrived because she
    heard his pansy ass voice, she turned to glare at him. “Look Steve.” Nicole said loudly turning her
    attention back to the boy. “I'm sorry you got stuck with him.”
    “You're a social worker?” He snorted and rolled his eyes to the ceiling dropping his head back. “God,
    just kill me now.”
    “Everyone get out.” She turned to Mitch. “Get everyone out.”
    “Nicole.” Mitch warned, shaking his head.
    Turning back to Steve she took a step forward. “If I get everyone out of here will you let her go and
    talk to me?”
    Steve leveled his gaze back to her. “Why should I trust you?”
    “Because I just became your new hostage.” Nicole heard Damon cursing behind her, but ignored it. “I
    really want to hear your story. I'm not saying you're not in trouble for what you did, but at least
    everyone will know the real reason behind it and we can work on getting you a good defense team
    together. My boss has a lot of connections.”
    “You like AC/DC?” He asked eyeing her shirt.
    “Seen them every year they came to Cincinnati.” Nicole grinned, then shot an I told you so look at
    Damon.
    “Yeah they kick ass.” He nodded seeming more at ease. “I'll let her go if you get them out.”
    “Done.” Nicole turned to Mitch. “Keep someone ready around the corner if this goes bad.” she
    whispered so only those close to her could hear.
    “What the hell are you doing Nicole?” Mitch demanded as the chief of police came barreling toward
    them.
    “Can someone tell me who put this woman in charge?” The chief was looking at her as if she was a
    piece of crap on the bottom of his finely polished shoe.
    “No one did, Sir.” Nicole turned back to see how Steve was taking all of this commotion. His eyes
    stayed steady on her, still holding his arm around the poor nurse's throat. “I can talk him down, but not
    with guns pointing at him from all directions. I can also get the nurse released, but I have to gain his
    trust and the trust I have gained so far, which isn't much, is trickling away the more we stand here
    trying to figure out who's in charge.”
    The chief eyed the situation with a stern frown. “If this goes bad it's on your head.”
    Nicole nodded, figuring as much and knew because of that fact she wasn't backing down. She never
    did before so why start now? She watched as the chief gave the orders and the officers started backing
    away slowly. Mitch and the others followed suit, until everyone was evacuated but Damon. “You need
    to leave Damon.”
    “I