“They were mercenaries,” Amanda corrected. “Now they’re protectors, bodyguards, extraction specialists. Whatever it takes to help people in tight places.”
“Like you?” Liliana smiled weakly at her friend.
Amanda’s lips turned up on the corners. “Like me.” She pointed a finger at Liliana. “And you. Based on what’s occurred on your campaign trail, it appears you need protection.”
Liliana shook her head. “I just can’t believe someone would go to all this trouble to eliminate me as competition.”
“Sweetie, believe it.” Amanda tipped her head toward the destroyed stage. “Your campaign was five feet away from ending today.” Her eyes narrowed as her focus shifted to her cell phone. “Carter, we could use some help here in Riverton.” She turned away as she filled in her fiancé on what was going on.
Liliana strained to eavesdrop but was distracted by the arrival of the ambulance as it pulled into the town square. Emergency Medical Technicians leaped out, grabbed their gear and headed toward her.
As the EMTs approached, Liliana pointed to Bill. “He needs help.”
Over the next hour, Liliana and Amanda moved around the square, helping identify those needing medical assistance. She, Amanda and others spoke with law enforcement about the explosion, giving what details they could.
Once all injured parties were evaluated, Amanda led an EMT to Liliana. “She needs you to look at her. Don’t let her tell you differently. She’s stubborn to a fault.” Amanda’s eyes narrowed at Liliana. “Don’t give them any trouble, or you’ll have to answer to me.”
Liliana chuckled and gave Amanda a salute. “I think you missed your calling. You should’ve been a drill sergeant or a prison matron.”
Amanda lifted her chin. “I’m a teen counselor. A much more difficult calling.”
“Right.” Liliana laughed. “You meet the criteria of all the above.”
Amanda propped her fists on her hips. “Damn right.”
The medical technician performed a quick evaluation, shining a light into Liliana’s eyes and checking her vital signs. “I recommend you see a doctor. We can transport you in the ambulance if you like.”
Liliana was shaking her head even before the man finished his sentence. “I feel fine.”
“Head injuries can be tricky,” the EMT said. “One minute, you might feel fine. The next, you might be comatose or dead due to a brain bleed. It’s always good to have a doctor check you out.”
Liliana smiled at the technician. “Your concern is noted. I’ll do that.”
Amanda stood next to her with her arms crossed over her chest. “When?”
“When I have time.” Liliana nodded toward the EMT. “Thank you.”
The man carried his medical bag back to the ambulance, climbed into the cab, closed the door and the truck pulled away.
Amanda checked her cell phone. “Come on. We have a plane to catch.”
Liliana blinked. “A what?”
“A plane,” Amanda said. “You know, one of those flying objects with wings?” She hooked Liliana’s arm and led her toward her parked car.
“I’m due in Casper tomorrow for the next campaign speech. It’s only a two-hour drive…max.”
“While you were playing Florence Nightingale, I called Rachel and told her what was going on. I had her call the Mayor of Cody to tell him you’d have to reschedule your visit there for another time.”
Liliana ground to a halt and tugged her arm free of Amanda’s hold. “You did what?”
“I had Rachel postpone your Cody visit until we get a handle on your safety.” Amanda’s cell phone dinged, indicating an incoming text. She glanced down. “That’s Rachel. The mayor understood and will make room on the city calendar when you’re ready to come through.”
Liliana glared at Amanda. “Don’t I have a say in all of this?”
“Of course you do. As long as you agree with me.” Amanda cocked her head to one side and lifted a single eyebrow. “Now, will you come with me willingly, or do I have to throw you over my shoulder and carry you to the car?”
Liliana laughed out loud. At five feet three inches, Amanda couldn’t throw Liliana, who was four inches taller, over her shoulder. “I’d crush you.”
Amanda’s brow rose even higher. “Try me.”
Liliana glanced around at the emptying square and sighed. “Okay. But where are we going? You said plane. Last I knew, you had to drive to Cheyenne or Denver for any decent commercial flights. And where would we be flying to?”
Amanda hooked Liliana’s arm again and led her toward the parked cars. “Carter’s boss arranged for a private plane to collect us at the Riverton Airport. They’re flying us to West Yellowstone, where their organization’s regional headquarters is located.”
“It's only a two-hour drive,” Liliana protested. “Why fly?”
Amanda stopped in front of her SUV, unlocked the door and held it for Liliana to get in. “We’re worried about you being exposed on the road without anyone to protect you.”
“Seriously?” Liliana bit her bottom lip. “You think someone would try to attack me while I’m driving?”
“After today’s explosion?” Amanda nodded. “At this point, I wouldn’t even get into your own car. Carter notified the Wyoming State Police bomb squad. They’re on their way to check it out as we speak.”
Liliana glanced toward her SUV parked a few spaces away.
A member of the tribal police was placing yellow caution tape around her black SUV.
“Until the bomb squad has checked out your vehicle, we must assume it’s not safe.” Amanda touched her arm. “If someone was desperate enough to plant explosives under your stage, they might’ve used the confusion to plant more under your car.”
An icy chill rippled down Liliana’s spine. “What have I done to make someone mad enough to want me dead?” Liliana whispered as she sank into the passenger seat of Amanda’s SUV.
“I don’t know, but I’m not trained to protect you. Fortunately, Carter’s team is. We’re going to meet with them.” Amanda closed Liliana’s door and rounded the front of her vehicle to the driver’s side.
“We?” Liliana turned to Amanda as she slid behind the wheel. “What about your work? You can’t be gone for days. Those kids need you.”
“I’ll only be gone for the rest of the day. I was off from work anyway to be here with you.” She smiled as she started the engine and backed out of the parking space. “I’ll fly back later this evening.”
“Wow.” Liliana shook her head, dizzy from everything happening around her, more so than from the bump on her head. “This is almost too much to take in. I’m running for a seat in the house, not for the presidency. Why target me?”
“Someone must think you have a chance of winning.” Amanda’s lips pressed together. “And they don’t want that to happen…at all costs.” She glanced in the mirror, hesitating to shift into drive.
Liliana glanced around. “What are you waiting for?”