When Cade's phone rang he knew instantly something was very wrong. The ring was that of a strange number, and he'd only given his card to one stranger in recent weeks.

Elaine was in trouble.

Cade's heart raced into fight mode as he touched the switch on his receiver. He liked using the wireless earpiece, except when he was expecting a fight. Then it would get in the way.

"Are you all right?"

"Cade! The fireman came back and set fire to my apartment. He was waiting for me at the bottom of the fire escape." She was sobbing for breath, trying to keep her voice down, but Cade could hear her feet pounding the pavement in the background. He realized she was running for her life. He ran for the door, keys already in hand.

"Where are you?"

"I'm just passing Pine Avenue. I got lucky and knocked him out, but I don't know for how long."

"What street are you on?" Cade was already on his motorcycle, pulling out into traffic.

"Pullman. I'm heading north."

"I'm close. I'll meet you coming down. Stay on Pullman if you can and keep the phone connection open. Don't talk. Conserve your energy. I'll be there in two minutes. Look for a motorcycle. You'll probably hear me before you see me."

Precious moments sped away as his wheels turned, bringing him closer. He'd resisted every temptation to call her or go by her apartment, just to see her face again. He'd held strong, but fate seemed to have other ideas.

"I hear a motorcycle." Her feet continued to run, though he could hear her pace slowing as she tired.

"That's me. Hang on, baby. I'm almost there."

He saw her a moment later jogging down the road, her tabby cat pa...