We don’t have much time left, do we?
I remove the rubbery tip from my bobby pin with my nails, then insert one end halfway into the lock. I bend it to a ninety degree angle. Doing the same on the opposite side, I feel the shape of the pin, envisioning it in my mind’s eye, until I have the desired, sharp S-shape.
“Cut it here,” Brendan instructs his goons, and they get to work cutting away the chain-link safety fencing on one sideof the bridge. Without it in place, only a short metal railing prevents a person from falling into the rushing current below.
Realizing what he’s going to do, I face my captor. “Please. You can’t?—”
“I can and I will.” He speaks up so everyone can hear him. “I’ve thought long and hard about an appropriate ending for you, O’Rourke. I considered all the usuals—gun, knife, strangulation, etc. Then it hit me. I want you to suffer like Fiona did. Suffocating, while you’re completely helpless.”
While he talks, I devote my attention to picking the handcuff lock. I only need one hand free. Just one.
The pin slips between my freezing fingers. I still. For a second, I think I’ve lost it, but it’s stuck in the cuff of Gin’s fur coat.
Deeply inhaling to steady my trembling hands, I patiently maneuver the pin until I apply just the right amount of pressure. Doing this behind my back messes with my head. Everything is upside down and backwards. I should have practiced this more.
“See you in hell, you fuck,” Cian snarls at him.
“You can bet on it.” Brendan grabs my arm and pulls me into his side, the jerky motion releases the locking mechanism. I’m free. “Now we’re going to watch O’Rourke drown. I can’t think of a worse way to go. The pain as your body fights for oxygen must be excruciating. To know that there’s no way to save yourself must be even worse. Say goodbye.”
“Cian—” I start, but one of Brendan’s goons shoves my husband over the short railing. His hands are still cuffed behind his back. He’ll drown. “No!”
Punching Brendan in the balls, I free myself from his hold. He curses and doubles over.
So he does have a weak spot. I wish I’d tried that earlier.
As I sprint away from him, he reaches out and grabs my coat. I let the oversized garment peel away from my shoulders and down my arms.
One of the goons makes a grab for me, but I’m already mid-swan dive over the railing. Then I’m falling, falling, falling. The rushing water rises up to swallow me whole, knocking the air from my lungs.
CHAPTER 60
Cian
My life flashes before my eyes, but the images that linger aren’t those of my brutal past. Instead, I see Ravenna’s smiling face, hear her sweet laughter, feel her touch against my skin. It’s not only the past that drifts through my mind, but the future too. A future we’ll never have together. I see sunshine illuminating a field of flowers where Ravenna playfully chases two little red haired girls.
At that moment, I’m completely content. I know true happiness.
With a contented sigh, I let it all go. I found my peace. Now where the fuck is that white light that’s supposed to usher you into the afterlife? And why does my chest hurt so much?
The pain grows more acute.
Searing agony splits me wide open. Sound assaults my senses. I’m so fucking cold.
Then I’m coughing, emptying water from my lungs. I drag in one breath after another, the oxygen stings, burns, and causes my body to convulse in another coughing fit.
“Y-you’re a-a-alive.”
My gaze snaps up to find a drenched Ravenna beside me. She’s shaking, her teeth clattering so loudly I clearly hear them.
She’s alive.
“Broc meala.” Sitting up, I pull her into my chest, wrapping my entire body around her small frame and hold her tight. I never want to let go of her again.
Clinging to each other, we shiver on a frozen river bank. The last thing I remember is being pushed into the water. Did they throw her in too?
“How did we survive?” I ask.
“I j-j-j—” Her teeth violently rattle. We need to get someplace warm.
