Page 16 of Innocent Target

“Don’t worry, I’m going to protect both of you.”

The easy banter that had lifted her spirit was short-lived when her followers turned as she turned, accelerated when she did, and as expected the bikers behind them also took the interstate.

“Guys, we’re officially being followed.”

Nick grunted on the line. “Okay, you’re five minutes from us. We’ll hop behind you as you pass by.”

There was less traffic southbound, which put the two men in plain view. Mercy accelerated and hoped to stretch the distance between them as much as possible, but less than a minute later, it was clear their tails wanted to make a move.

“Guys, they’re accelerating. I think they want a showdown sooner rather than later. I don’t have a choice but to test the engine.”

As she spoke, she stomped the gas, and the car pushed forward. Immediately, she knew their vehicle didn’t stand a chance. At least the exit was within sight. Weaving through the light traffic, Mercy made sure to keep a few cars between them and their pursuers until she could get off the interstate.

“I’m heading toward the Speedway on 92.”

“We see you. Hang in there.”

There was more traffic here thanks to morning workers in transit, which helped put more distance between them. Mercy knew she could take more chances, being encased in metal whereas the bikers had to evade potential risks.

She ran a red light and horns and shouts filled her ears but she ignored them.

“Take a left on Daytona Boulevard, it will give us a few options, and we won’t end up caught by the ocean.”

Following James’s suggestion, Mercy took the turn at full speed, the drift smooth and controlled and rushed forward, hoping to increase their lead.

“We have a visual on the bikers. They’re turning onto Daytona Boulevard. We’re waiting for a clear shot.”

She knew the team would have their back, but the risk was still there. They were about to hit a shopping area and Mercy knew she had to find a way to level the odds and protect Abbie.

“James, prepare to get out with Abbie.”

“What?”

“There’s no time to argue. We need to take those guys down, and it’s impossible with you and Abbie on board. I’ll take a hard left and stop. Take Abbie and hide.”

James opened his mouth reply, but Nick started talking at the same time, telling them that the bikers were closing in on them.

As she spoke, Mercy took a hard left as James unhooked his niece from the carrier and cradled her close to his chest, one hand bracing for the deceleration, the car coming to a momentary stop.

James dashed out and closed the door, hiding between trash containers as Mercy sped up, putting distance between them. Now that Abbie was safe, she could have some fun and make sure the bikers tailing would remember their ride for years to come.

The bikes were going full throttle. Nick was close by, but not close enough to have a clear shot. They’d soon be back on the busy boulevard, with a lot more people around, so if she was going to act, it was now or never.

“Nick! Keep back and stay away from my trajectory.”

“What?”

Before she could explain, she let one of their attackers reach the side of her car and as he whipped out a weapon, rammed him hard.

Mercy didn’t look at what happened to him and aimed for the second motorcycle. The guy had slowed down as a protective stance, but that would be his downfall. Mercy applied the brakes so fast the man couldn’t react. His bike hit the back of the car, and he flew over it like Superman before hitting the pavement hard.

Mercy slammed the car to a stop, got out, gun ready, just as Nick and the others did the same, surrounding the two men.

As Caitlin and Knight went for the first man, who was scrambling up, Nick came by her side to examine the second attacker. One quick look confirmed he had cracked his skull on the street, and there was nothing more to be done for him.

Nick clapped her shoulder. “Quick thinking, Mercy. Perfect timing. You saved Abbie.”

And James, she thought with silent relief. “It will be a mess to explain to the authorities.”