Look at me.If she could see those dark eyes, she could gauge howangry he really was. Could say the right thing. Make things better.
She gave a little shake of her head. Nonsense.
Whisper-quiet footfalls came from above and she froze. Not the quick steps of Skip or the heavy ones of the giant. The chain rustled and she jumped to her feet.
“Lieutenant.”
He turned and jumped over to his cell’s door. “Thank God. Quickly, the wire.”
She began to hitch up her skirt, but the hatch opened. Silently. Her hand froze short of the wire as a boot appeared. Too late.
Christian held out his hand to stay her. “I’ll make my move when they return the buckets. Be ready,” he whispered.
Her brows pulled together while a hooded figure dropped down the staircase. Too big to be Skip. Too small to be one of the captain’s giants. The hairs on the back of her neck pricked as she eased the wire free.
With his head down, the man approached her cell and she took a step back. A lock pick appeared in his hand and she let out a little gasp.
“Who are you?” Christian’s voice broke the silence.
“Hush, lest the brutes above hear.”
Samantha’s eyes widened and her hand lifted to her throat. She’d recognize that voice anywhere.
“Griff!”
“You know him?” Christian crossed to the bars separating them as her door swung open.
“Quickly.” Griff beckoned her forward and turned back to the ladder.
Heart pounding, Samantha rushed forward. If Christian recognized Griff, he would know the truth instantly. Still, she couldn’t leave him.
“Wait.” She turned to the lieutenant’s cell.
“No. He doesn’t come with.”
“I’m not leaving him.” She reached toward his lock with the wire.
“What the hell is going on?” Christian’s eyes darted between her and Griff. “You there, show yourself.”
She jerked her head around as Griff stepped onto the first rung of the ladder. The old man’s eyes gleamed in the lantern light. He wouldn’t.
He did.
“So be it.” With a flick of his wrist, the hood slid from his head.
Samantha’s hands clenched.
“You.” Christian staggered back as he stared at Griff. “I know you.”
This wasn’t happening. Her chest constricted and she grabbed hold of one of the bars to keep herself from sliding to the ground.Breathe.
Christian snapped his gaze to her and his eyes narrowed.
He knew.
Her blood went cold.
Griff tossed her something and she caught it out of reflex. She unfolded the black leather. One of her masks.
