a hired gun. Had the X-Kings hired a hit man to find Savannah and exact revenge?
The news of a hit man had gotten Reid Garrison’s attention in a big way. He hadn’t believed the other things that had happened to Savannah, including the fire, had anything to do with the X-Kings, saying that the gang would have been much more direct and brutal if they had wanted to kill Savannah. But hiring a killer to take Savannah out was right up their alley. Reid was now in the process of rounding up the gang members for questioning.
After talking with Savannah’s boss, he’d given the Alabama FBI a call. Having used every avenue he had available to him to identify the shooter and coming up empty, he’d hoped, with their resources, they could help. Turned out they’d helped a lot. The shooter was Bobby Tom Benson, former Walker County resident, wanted in several states for a multitude of crimes, including murder. Apparently he was skilled in various areas but his number one occupation was assassin.
There was no doubt that the bastard had targeted Savannah. Zach had been about fifteen feet from the bedroom when he’d heard Savannah walk out. He’d been about to say something when he’d noticed a shadowy movement ahead of her. Thinking it was one of her sisters, he’d waited. When the shadow had walked into a small pocket of light, he’d realized it was a man. He’d known immediately it wasn’t Brody or Logan. Not only because the guy had been shorter and more slender than either of them, but Zach had managed to catch a glimpse of his face. The deadly intent had been clear. His eyes had briefly met Zach’s before they’d focused solely on Savannah. The gun he’d raised had been pointed directly at her.
The instant Zach learned the shooter’s identity, he’d sent the information to Reid Garrison. Armed with that knowledge, if the X-Kings were responsible, hopefully the DA’s office could link the gang and Benson together.
But what if the X-Kings had nothing to do with this? Savannah still believed it was related to her parents’ murders. If so, why go after her specifically? It made no sense. And if he didn’t figure out the truth, it could well cost Savannah her life.
What she had revealed last night still cut into his mind and heart like a dull, rusty saw, tearing and ripping at him. The guilt in knowing how he had let her and their baby daughter down would be something he’d live with for the rest of his life. He’d never have a chance to make it up to Maggie Rose, but he could and would do everything in his power to make it up to her mother. If she would give him the chance.
After all they’d been through, how ludicrous was it that last night was the first time he’d told her he loved her? And she had said she loved him. They finally had a chance to be together the way he’d always wanted. Damned if some sleazebag, murdering son of a bitch would stop them.
Slamming his fist on his desk, he pulled Benson’s file toward him again. The FBI had faxed all they had, which actually was fairly extensive. Still, it didn’t tell him who had hired him.
It’d been a long shot, but he had even briefly visited with Inez Peebles. When she had informed him of Harlan Mosby’s passing, the elderly woman had hinted that she might know something about Beckett’s and Maggie Wilde’s deaths. He was definitely willing to listen if she had any information. Turned out it had been merely suspicion.
In her garlic-scented words, “I suspected that no-account Mosby of being involved, but nobody paid me no mind.”
Zach didn’t bother to tell her that it was probably a good thing no one had listened to her. Mosby wouldn’t have been above eliminating Inez to protect himself.
The knock on his door was an irritant, but the moment he lifted his head and saw Savannah at the entrance, the distraction was not only welcome but much appreciated.
“Thought we could have lunch together.”
Zach strode toward her and grabbed her for a quick kiss. “Want me to order something from Faye’s?”
“Not necessary.” She held up a small picnic basket. “Let’s go to the park.”
“No, let’s stay here.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want you out in the open until we identify this bastard.”
Figuring she would argue, he was surprised when she smiled instead and said, “Then clear off your desk, mister. I’m