Page 88 of Falcon

“The paramedics took her. She’ll be fine,” I replied.

“Rawson did the shooting. I saw him,” Mrs Maple muttered. “What has it come to when those wicked men shoot a police officer?”

“And in the streets, too. We don’t want those gangs appearing here!” Mrs Bunton added.

“Okay, ladies, thanks, but I’m going to head to the hospital and see what’s happening,” I said, feeling somewhat responsible.

“This isn’t your fault,” Mrs Bunton insisted, laying a hand on my arm.

“They were aiming for me and hit Cates. It kind of is,” I replied. Both old ladies smiled sadly and patted my arm.

“We need more like you around, Falcon. Just be careful; the Beauregards are out of control. Wanda-Faye has riled them up. They’re people not even we can restrain,” Mrs Maple said with a shake of her head.

“Be safe, ladies,” I said and jogged for my bike. I called Calamity once I reached it.

“The Beauregards were in town. They shot at me, but Cates was hit.”

“You injured?”

“No. Cates took two. She’s heading to the hospital,” I replied. I’m going there too.”

“Stay there; I’m sending backup,” Calamity ordered and cut the call.

I rode out as Farell remained on site, organising the scene. The Beauregards needed dealing with.

Farell arrived as I sat by Cates’s bed. A deputy and a prospect stood guard. Farell sent two, but he needed every deputy searching for Rawson and Dawson. Having a prospect here meant one more Deputy was looking for them.

“How is she?” he asked.

“She’ll be okay. They stitched the shoulder wound; the bullet had passed completely through. They repaired the damaged artery in her leg and stitched it. Cates will be fine.”

“She needs to be. Cates is a damn good sheriff, and crime has fallen around here,” Farell replied.

“Ain’t arguing that. Any leads on Rawson and Dawson?”

“The truck they were driving was found and set on fire. I’m ready to gather a hunting party,” Farell stated.

“Sign me up. These fuckers need putting down,” I ground out.

Farell held my gaze. “There are lines we don’t cross…”

“Yup. But exterminating vermin isn’t one.”

“Behave. Both of you. You can’t take the law into your own hands,” Cates said weakly.

Farell held her eyes. “Says who?”

“Exactly,” I agreed.

Farell’s radio crackled.

“Chief Deputy Farell, this is Deputy Glass. We have found the suspects.”

Farell and I both straightened. “Send me the address,” Farell ordered. He cocked his head at me. “You coming?”

“Of course.” I didn’t hesitate and followed Farell out. My woman’s safety demanded I end this threat.

Chapter Nineteen.