Excitement fluttered in her chest. “Because between your contacts and mine, we could make a real difference.”
“Let’s do it.”
Holding hands, they headed downstairs in the elevator and toward Dana’s condo lobby. It was all Dana could do not to skip the entire way. She’d never been so eager to put a plan into action before and couldn’t stop smiling.
One of Alex’s drivers was waiting out front to take them to Vice.
As they made their way to the door, Alex stopped in his tracks. “Damn. I forgot my wallet upstairs. You go ahead and wait in the car. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.” Dana patted him on the butt. “Don’t be long, Zeus.”
Winking, Alex disappeared back into the elevator.
Still grinning to herself, Dana rummaged through her purse to make sure she had her own wallet and approached the Vice Escalade.
“Dana Hamill?”
“Yes?” She looked up.
A man stood at the Escalade, aiming a gun at her. Next to him, Alex’s driver lay on the ground, unconscious.
“Oh, my God.”
“Get in the car,” said the man. “Now.”
“Is he…”
“Dead? No. I didn’t shoot him, but I’ll have no problem shooting you.” Using the gun, he waved toward the SUV. “Get in.”
Alex. She looked toward the lobby, but of course he wouldn’t have arrived yet. The elevator in her building was notoriously slow. As for the security guard, he was nowhere to be seen, and was likely on his rounds.
She couldn’t get in the car. No one would know where she was.
Hell, she didn’t even know who this person was.
The man took a step. “Ms. Hamill, I haven’t really decided if I want to hurt you or not. Please don’t make that decision for me.”
“Who are you? At least tell me who I’m getting in the car with.”
“I’m Gordon Dean.”
“Gordon, please. You don’t have to do this.”
“Get in. Don’t make me say it again.”
As much as she wanted to stall for time so Alex would find them, she also didn’t want him to confront a man with a gun. Alex might be strong, but he was no match for a firearm, and Gordon’s sad face was lined with desperation.
He was at the end of his rope.
“You’ve suffered a great loss. I’ve lost people too. Maybe we could talk.”
“I’m done talking.”
From down the walkway, a couple approached the condo. They were far enough away to be oblivious to Dana’s situation, but it would only be a matter of seconds before they became aware.
“Where are we going?”
Gordon grunted. “For fuck’s sakes, lady. Get in the car!”
