Knox’s eyes land on Kane, and he steps toward him, places his hand on his shoulder, and squeezes it. “If you’re thinking about going off by yourself or doing anything that can put any of us in danger, you can sit your ass back down in the car.” The warning hangs heavy in the air.
“As long as you get me my answers,” Kane replies through gritted teeth.
“Trust me to handle this.”
Kane gives the slightest nod, so Knox hands him the gun.
“Are the guns necessary?” I ask.
Knox tilts his head an inch to the side. “We always carry them on us.”
Viper and Cash get the ladder off the roof of the van, and Knox goes to Reaper’s side and whispers something to him. Reaper looks at me while they’re talking.
Reaper looks back at Knox and nods. We follow the men to the wall.
With the few lights on the property, I can see that it’s a three-level mansion, modern in shape, dark, with large, black-tinted windows.
Knox turns to me. “Stay with Reaper.” His eyes flick to Kane. “You are to go behind them. Stay with us. Don’t go anywhere by yourself and do not shoot anyone unless it’s necessary.”
Adrenaline kicks in as they place the ladder against the wall. Knox is the first one to go over. I go to step forward, but Reaper gently tugs on my arm, holding me back.
“Demon is next, then Viper, me, then you.” There is no negotiation in Reaper’s tone.
I shuffle my feet, my heart beating in my ears. Demon travels up the rungs with ease, then Viper. My breathing is out of control, short and quick. Reaper is next. Then I move and grab the sides of the ladder.
Axle holds the ladder for me as I climb on shaky legs, putting one foot above the other. As I get to the top, the house lights go off and we are plunged into darkness. At the top of the wall, the edging is wide enough that I can stand on it.
A light shines below. “Jump, I’ve got you,” Reaper’s voice rumbles. Nothing is stopping me from going inside, so I close my eyes and jump. I let out a breath of relief when I land in two arms and then my feet are placed on the ground.
I scan the yard, though I can’t see much. The stars in the sky provide little light, but enough to see objects in front of me.
When the rest of the men get over the wall, we dash to Viper and Knox. Reaper is by my side as we move in a line and hurry toward the back of the house.
Demon moves ahead to the door, and when I shuffle to the side, I can see him picking the lock. The door opens with ease, making me wonder just how many times he has done it.
Before we step inside, Knox says, “The bedrooms are on the top level.” Once in, I stay in the middle of the pack with Reaper and Kane while the others clear every room before we reach the stairs to the next level.
“We must separate. There’s too much ground to cover, and we don’t know how long the security will be disabled for. Cash, Rage, Axle, and Viper, you go through this level and let me know if there’s anyone there. Afterward, all of you get out of here,” Knox says to the group.
There’s a round of grunts, but Viper leads them away and Knox directs us up another set of stairs. The sounds of boots against the steps makes my stomach twist.
Demon heads past us to go step in stride with Knox, both with their hands on their guns, which have flashlights attached to them. As we move down the hallway, I see bedrooms to the left and right.
Knox and Demon move ahead. I step toward them, but Reaper tells me and Kane, “Us three stay here.”
Demon opens the first door wide, and Knox walks in with his gun pointed forward. “Clear,” Knox says softly. After going through another bedroom, Demon and Knox move to either side of another door. Knox whispers, “This is the main bedroom.” He looks at Demon. “You open the door,” he mouths to him. “Three. Two. One.”
Demon opens the door and they go inside. “Hands up! Hands up!” Knox booms.
I rush forward, but Reaper’s got me by the vest. He reaches out for Kane, but Kane shoves past him until he’s in the room with Knox and Demon.
There’s a high-pitched scream. “Where’s Misty?” Kane demands, his tone harsh.
“Please, please, let me go in, Reaper,” I screech as adrenaline courses through me. Desperation of knowing who’s in that room consumes me. I pull forward, but Reaper’s grip keeps me in my spot.
A slap echoes. “What was that?” I’m on edge, listening intently.
Audrey and Kane walk out of the room, Knox’s light shining on Audrey. She’s wearing a white night gown and holds one hand over her heart as she breathes out heavily, wide eyed. “Let go of me!”
