an amazing woman,â Otto said fondly. âIâm glad for others to see this, as well.â
Jake cast an intimidating look at Otto. âAnd you are?â
âI am her very proud grandfather, Otto Schiffer.â Otto puffed out his chest.
âA brave man in his own right.â Cash relayed how Otto had been willing to give up his life so Cash could disarm the bomb instead of helping Otto exit the arena.
A flush colored Ottoâs face, his silvery beard now more pronounced. âIt wasnât anything that anyone else wouldnât do.â
âIf you donât mind, can we end this praise fest and move things along?â Brady tapped his foot on the concrete.
He was constantly in motion, a field of energy always buzzing around him, but he had a laid-back, carefree attitude. Cash was more deliberate. Moved slower. Thought things through and weighed the consequences. Still, as a former Marine Scout Sniper, Bradyâs past military experience made him the person Cash connected with most on the team, despite their different personalities.
âFor once I agree with your need for speed, Brady.â Jake changed his focus to Krista. âThe sooner we get your statement, the sooner we can catch our bomber.â
âWait, what?â Brady swiveled to face Jake. âWeâre staying to take her statement?â
Cash seconded the question. The FRS was needed in the moment of crisis to take care of the immediate danger. They were rarely involved in the subsequent investigation other than holding a debriefing to evaluate and improve their performance for the next incident.
âWith the gravity of this situation, the higher-ups have already decided the county will form a joint task force with the city. Skyler will take lead for County.â Jake turned to Krista. âIn addition to Skylerâs duties as a negotiator on our team, sheâs also a detective with the countyâs Special Investigation Unit. Sheâs asked us to sit in while she takes your statement.â
Darcie lifted her medical bag. âAfter I give them a quick evaluation.â
âThe restaurant looks deserted. We can meet in there.â Jake took off, his long strides carrying him swiftly down the empty corridor.
The team followed like ducklings after their mama, Krista and Otto trailing them. Cash chose to hang back for a few seconds to clear his mind. Still, he let his gaze track Krista. Heâd never admit it to anyone, but he was glad he didnât have to say goodbye to her just yet.
Brady turned back and eyed Cash.
Right. Get moving before everyone starts asking questions.
âDude.â Brady slugged Cash again. âYouâre practically drooling. Not that I blame you. Sheâs a real looker. But youâd better get your head together before Jake notices.â
Cash laughed, pretending to blow off Bradyâs comment.
Brady was rightâKrista was a real looker. But what really attracted him was the care and concern she exhibited for her grandfather. After Cashâs parents had died when he was eight and heâd been passed around from home to home, he could appreciate the obvious love they both shared.
Still, he wouldnât let this interest in her distract him. Not now. Not when his help was needed to locate this very dangerous bomber before he struck again.
FOUR
K rista helped Opa find a seat in the restaurant as the First Response Squad connected tables, allowing the group to sit together.
What a team.
Six people. Calm, efficient and quick to move. Intimidating, really. Very intimidating.
Except for the EMT, Darcie. Tall and thin with auburn hair in a ponytail, Darcieâs warm, motherly attributes shone through as she squatted in front of Krista and took her vital signs. Everything about Darcie exuded compassion and friendliness.
Maybe her kindness proved that this team was different from the detectives investigating Tobyâs murder. Would they