"Yes, you do!" yelled Fernando.
"What are you talking about? We get the contract signed and we're leaving."
Fernando shook his head, near-panic in his eyes. "The boss said if he can't have The Mandeville, then no one gets it. He told me to set the final explosion to level as much as possible. If Drakos signs it over, we can't let it all burn down."
She sensed the angry tension shoot through Kendall.
Knox set his jaw and narrowed his eyes at Fernando. "Where is the bomb?"
"In . . . in the basement. Next to, um, one hundred canisters of diesel fuel."
Oh no.
Kendall muttered several obscenities about his boss. And a few more about Fernando's lack of intellect.
During his rant, Allie looked down for the first time since their standoff began. And saw blood. Kendall's left thigh was bleeding.
What? When did that happen?
Then she realized the wound was the reason he was leaning against the palm. He was trying to take pressure off his left leg. With all the foliage around them, Knox couldn't see Kendall's leg.
And he needed to know. She wasn't the field agent Knox was, but she knew Kendall's weak leg was important intel.
And she couldn't think of a better way to let him know.
So, she yelled.
"His left thigh is bleeding! He's inj—"
Kendall smacked the butt of his gun against her head. It didn't knock her out, which meant he used an ample amount of restraint, but pain spider-webbed across her skull and stars danced in her vision.
She heard Knox yelling something.
Her mind cleared enough for her to hear Kendall's response. "I won't kill her. She's my bargaining chip. But I didn't say I wouldn't hurt her. If she tries anything, or if you try anything, I will hurt her. Now, text Drakos. Get him down here. I want that contract in my hand."
Allie focused on Knox. If looks could kill, Kendall would be six feet under.
"Okay, Kendall. We're all cooperating. Don't. Hurt. Her."
"Get Drakos down here!" Kendall roared.
Knox kept a grip on Fernando with his right hand and slipped his phone from his pocket with his left. He tapped on the screen for a minute. "He's signing, Kendall. He says he's signing." He held up his phone. "We only have fifteen minutes. Let Fernando disarm the bomb."
"I want the contract in my hand first," Kendall said.
"Use your head, Kendall! If Drakos doesn't hand you the signed contract, you're not going to release Allie. I'm not gambling with her safety. Besides, if Fernando can deactivate the bomb, he can also reactivate it. Let him turn it off before he gets us all killed."
Kendall paused before he answered. "Okay, listen up. I'm taking the girl to the helipad on the roof. You access it through the stairwell by Drakos's office." He made a weird huffing noise and raised his voice. "You should remember that particular stairwell." She had no idea what he was talking about, but Knox seemed to understand.
"Don't try anything. I'm watching you. After we're inside those doors," he pointed to a set of glass doors leading into The Mandeville, "you wait thirty seconds, then take that idiot into the hotel and disarm the bomb. If I see you again in less than thirty seconds, I'll hurt her."
Restrained impatience hummed in Knox's response. "I know. I got it. I'm not taking chances with her safety. But we need to get moving. There isn't much time."
"Bring Fernando and Drakos to the roof with the contract after you disarm the bomb. Don't cross me. You'll get her back in pieces if you cross me."
"I got it! Start moving!" Knox's command was strong and clear, but Allie heard the hint of fear echoing in his voice.
Kendall pulled her to the doors of The Mandeville, with a noticeable limp. As he dragged her away, the look in Knox's eyes nearly made her heart burst. She tried to keep her eyes locked on his as long as possible. In case . . .
