An ear-piercing scream wedged in her throat. Weak-kneed, she leaned against the wall outside the bar, her pulse erratic. Montana sank down, her limbs loose, uncoordinated. She hugged her knees and drew a ragged breath. Beside her lay two bullets. Her mind replayed the moments before her nerves exploded. Concealed behind the dumpster, she’d been admiring Lawson’s tight butt and sexy swagger. Until a rat appeared. With the toe of her boot, she’d meant only to kick the rodent away, but instead she’d kicked the dumpster. Metal clanged and echoed. She’d stayed low, easing toward the door. The rat scurried onto a woodpile, squealing in delight. A board had slid and created a mini avalanche. Wincing, Montana had reached for the knob. Pop pop went the gun. Above her head, two objects had ricocheted off the building, followed by a sprinkling of neon green. “Montana Lee. What the hell?” A second scream stuck in her throat. She burst to her feet, hands pressed into the wall for balance.
