Out to Protect by Amber Skyze Read Free Book Online Page B

Had he already figured it out? What if he knew they discovered the card and his involvement? He’d be looking for Grant’s blood.
    Curiosity got the best of him, and he answered the call.
    “Hello.”
    “You’re next.”
    The phone went dead in his ear. Grant looked at it in disbelief. His body shook. A cold dread consumed him. Grant was now a target. Ralph wanted him dead. He’d assumed that Ralph wouldn’t be foolish enough to try anything stupid, but obviously he’d been wrong. Ralph had murder on his mind, and Grant was the target.
    He closed the phone and replaced it in the holster. He stood and moved quickly from the spot. He had to get back to the safety of his car. He was a moving target.
    Grant looked over his shoulder a few times as he moved through the brush. Every step he took, he swore he heard someone behind him. Every glance proved him wrong. His heart pounded as he came out to the clearing. Dogs ran rampant at the park. Owners chatted while their canine pals played. Life appeared normal.
    Grant scanned the area one last time before heading to his car. His breathing grew heavy the faster he walked. Had someone called his name? He froze and glanced around. He didn’t see anyone. Fuck, his imagination was playing tricks on him. He had to get a grip on reality. Yes, Ralph had threatened him, but he wouldn’t go as far as to take him out on the street where there were a ton of witnesses.
    “Who am I kidding?” He had no clue what Ralph was capable of. He’d warned Grant that he was next, so he might be crazy enough to do it out in public. Shit, Grant never imagined Ralph capable of murdering anyone.
    He reached his car and climbed in, locking the doors behind him. He leaned back, resting his head on the leather headrest. He closed his eyes and tried to catch his breath. He had to get ahold of himself. Ralph wasn’t lurking in the corners, watching his every move.
    His phone rang, startling him.
    “Fuck. I can’t live my life in fear.” He pulled the phone and checked the number. It wasn’t Ralph, but it looked like it was the precinct.
    “Hello.”
    “Get your ass in here fast,” Chief Heslin barked. “We need to talk now.”
    “Yes, sir.” Grant was once again summoned to the principal’s office.
    A million thoughts went through his mind as he drove to the station. Did they have Ralph in custody? Did he know they were on to him? Would he be waiting for Grant to arrive so he could kill him?
    Grant slammed his palm on the steering wheel. “This is fucking ridiculous.”
    He couldn’t continue this what-if game. He pulled out his phone, ignoring the fact that it was illegal to use his phone while driving. Who would arrest him? He punched in the numbers to Parker’s cell.
    He answered, and Grant knew immediately he was pissed. “Hello.”
    “I need to know if Ralph has been arrested.”
    “No, if you were here like the chief asked, you’d know what was going on.”
    “Have you heard or seen Ralph?”
    “No, Grant, why?”
    “He called and told me I’m next.”
    Parker whistled. “That’s not good.”
    “No, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder. I can’t stand this paranoia.”
    “I don’t think it’s going to end soon. Just hurry and get here. If you see Ralph, try to ignore him.”
    “Ha, easier said than done.” Grant ended the call as he neared the station. He searched the parking lot for signs of Ralph’s car. He didn’t see it anywhere. That was a positive. The pounding in his chest grew louder the closer he came to a parking spot. The thunderous sound filled his ears. If the sun weren’t shining, he’d question whether it was his heart or a thunderstorm.
    Grant made it to the chief’s office without incident. Ralph was nowhere in sight, and others in the office seemed unfazed by his presence.
    Parker sat in the chief’s office, waiting patiently for Grant’s arrival.
    “It’s about time, Matteson. As you know we have a larger issue than originally