Emergency Response by Susan Sleeman

me.”
    Archer pondered her request for a moment. “Wish I could help with that, but I don’t have enough to go on.”
    â€œWhat about the fact that it’s seeming like he’s a gang member?”
    â€œWell...” Archer lifted his face in thought. “Assuming we’re correct in his gang affiliation—which we have no concrete evidence of, at this point—it would be unusual for a gangster to try to strangle you. They’re more apt to shoot you right off the bat.”
    â€œWow, thanks.”
    â€œHey.” He laughed. “I didn’t mean you, per se. I meant when a typical gangster takes a life it’s often an emotionally driven decision to retaliate against a perceived insult from another gang, and he’d use whatever was at hand to get the job done. Which usually means guns and knives. Or he’d even run you down with his car.”
    Darcie frowned. “Why the strangling then?”
    â€œI’d have to say it’s extremely personal. Maybe to him or to the gang. Someone who thinks you’ve wronged him in some way, has a vendetta against you, and wants to see you die right before his eyes.”
    His ominous tone sent a shiver running through her. “I don’t even know any gangsters much less harmed one of them.”
    â€œExcept the perceived harm to Oleda.”
    â€œRight, except that.”
    Archer stared ahead, perhaps watching Noah pass by the doorway as he paced up and down the hallway, his phone to his ear. “You sure Noah’s on the right track and your attack wasn’t random? Maybe an attempted rape?”
    Darcie had asked to keep the hit list on a need-to-know basis and until now, Archer hadn’t needed to know so she shared it with him. She glanced at the doorway and waited for Noah to move past the opening. When he did, she removed the scarf from around her neck. “Besides. Does this look like he wanted to sexually assault me or kill me?”
    â€œMan, Darcie, I’m sorry. He really did a number on you.” Archer’s gaze held concern, but not the pity she endured after Haley died.
    â€œI think it would be helpful if you talked to someone about this,” he continued.
    â€œI am talking to someone. You.”
    â€œI mean a professional who’s trained to deal with trauma.”
    She forced a laugh. “That’s your go-to, isn’t it? Suggesting a shrink for every problem.”
    â€œCounseling got me through some rough times in my life and made me believe in its effectiveness.”
    â€œWould you like to talk about it?” she asked, mimicking his soothing tone.
    â€œHa!” He shook his head and grinned. “Nice try, kiddo. Nice try. Maybe when you open up about your past, I’ll tell you about mine.”
    She shrugged.
    â€œRight. Just as I suspected.” He got up and stared down at her, his gaze probing, encouraging her to speak.
    She’d never felt the urge to tell anyone about Tom or Haley because she didn’t want their pity. But after seeing Archer’s response a moment ago, maybe she could share a bit more with her teammates. Be less guarded. Perhaps.
    â€œSo hold it in, but don’t be surprised if it all blows up in your face.” After another long look, he left the room, leaving Darcie alone in her confusion.
    Noah suddenly stopped moving near the doorway, drawing her attention. His face was familiar. Like an old friend. His jaw slightly crooked. A light wave to his hair. Eyes that held secrets, if his earlier comment about losing a child was to be believed. She had a sudden desire to unearth those secrets he’d hinted at. To find out what he was keeping from her.
    A desire that turned to unease when he stowed his phone and stepped into the room. His gaze sought her out. The urge to ask about his past was so strong she was already forming the question in her mind.
    Could she talk to Noah without losing it? Maybe be less guarded