Page 109 of Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad World

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Noah called. “The bullet will just ricochet, and you’ll end up dead.”

Eddie spun toward him, firing as he did so. Noah and Rochelle ducked back through the stairwell door.

“Well, at least we don’t have to worry about him getting hit by a ricochet,” she said drolly.

“Give it up, Eddie,” Noah shouted. “You’ve got nowhere to go, and you’re outgunned.”

“Fuck that,” Eddie shouted back.

On the first floor of the building, a door slammed open.

“Cops are here,” Katrina said.

Rochelle put a hand on his arm. “We let them deal with him.”

“That could take forever.”

“He’s one guy with limited firepower, Noah.”

“Yeah.” He stared at her, willing her to understand. “Annabelle’s outside, Rochelle.”

“And Logan’s on his way to help her.”

“We don’t know what state she’s in.”

“She’ll be okay until we’ve dealt with this situation.”

Noah swallowed hard and decided to lay it all on the line. “I love her, Rochelle. I can’t lose her.”

“You won’t,” she said firmly. “Leave Eddie to the cops. I don’t want another member of my team getting shot.”

“Your team?” Noah said.

“Shut up.” She rolled her eyes. “We wait for the cops.”

“I’ve got Annabelle,” Logan said in Noah’s ear. His knees almost gave way.

“Is she okay?” He barely managed to get the words out.

“Bit banged up and a little loopy,” Logan said. “She says she’s not leaving the crack until you get here.”

Against the odds, Noah laughed. It was short and dry, but it still counted. Rochelle shook her head and smiled.

“Tell her I’m coming, and I love her,” he said, not giving a damn who heard or knew how he felt.

“I’m not telling her that.” Logan sounded outraged.

Abasi came up beside them, grinning. “I have another suggestion for dealing with Hanson.” He held up one of the flash-bangs they’d used in the drug house.

“The police are literally on their way up,” Rochelle said.

“Yeah.” Abasi grinned. “But you heard the man—he’s in love.”

“Fine.” Rochelle heaved an exasperated sigh. “Have at it.” She holstered her gun. “I’m going to make coffee while you guys get all macho with one pathetic criminal.”

Noah grinned at Abasi, who handed over the flash-bang.

“You’re okay now,” Logan said to Annabelle.