“It happened so fast.” The words came out of him in a swift bulky rage. “One minute Rick thought the situation was under control, and the next minute he was on the ground. The son of a bitch wouldn’t stop shooting at Rick. I shot—” Cole shuddered and hushed, instantly.

Debbie’s arms tightened around him. Suddenly she understood. Cole was not only dealing with the fact that his partner had been shot. He was trying to deal with the fact that he’d shot and, she suspected, killed the man who’d hurt Rick.

“It’s your job, Cole. It’s what you do.”

He closed his eyes and buried his face in the curve of her neck. He knew that she was right. But he’d never killed a man before. And the man had given him no choice. Inside, the chill kept spreading.

*  *  *

“Mrs. Garza?” The doctor’s voice had the same effect on the waiting area as water hosing down a dog fight. Silence reigned. Breathing stopped as all eyes turned to the man in surgery greens.

Tina stood, and then Cole was beside her.

“Your husband is a fighter. He’s made it through surgery and is now in recovery. He’ll be in ICU for a bit, but barring any complications, which at this early day I still can’t rule out, his chances look good.”

Tina sagged with relief and Cole’s arms came around her. “Madre de Dios,” she moaned. “Thank you, God!”

“From the looks of you,” the doctor said gently, “I think someone needs to take you home.” He was referring to her obvious pregnant state. “Your husband won’t know a thing for several hours. You can come back—”

“I’ll stay,” Tina said firmly. “I’m fine now. Now that I know.”

He shrugged and nodded. “At least get off your feet,” he ordered gently. “And eat something. You may not be hungry, but I suspect your niña will be.” His hand was gentle on her shoulder as was his voice.

Cole spoke quietly but firmly. “She’ll rest. And she’ll eat. Her family will see to that.”

The doctor nodded and then walked away. Tina turned and hugged Cole tightly.

“I know what happened, Cole. And I know you. You’re blaming yourself for something that couldn’t have been prevented. The captain has already been here. He told me everything, including the fact that you probably saved Rick’s life, as well as some of the others. He said the man wouldn’t stop coming or shooting.” She bit her lips. “Sometimes, this job just stinks, es verdad?”

“Es verdad,” he agreed.

“Is someone looking after Enrique?” Debbie asked.