My hands are going numb. “There’s no game. I promise. I have the guy you want right here.”
The voice is colder now. “Careful, boy. I’ll give you one more chance to answer. Whatever you tell me will determine exactly how you die. The more you lie, the more painful I’ll make it.”
My knees buckle. Stones and twigs are beneath them now, biting into my skin. I pay them no heed. “We had a deal.”
Strong legs appear before me. Ones I’ve become familiar with.
I reach out to grab one. I let it anchor me before my fear swallows me whole.
“You promised to let me live,” I whisper, my hands trembling. “You said if I did this, we’d be even.”
There’s a hiss above me. I should care that Brad can hear me, but I don’t. What’s the point? I may as well let him kill me. Maybe he’ll make it less painful.
“That was true before you reneged on your end of the deal,” the icy voice says. “You haven’t kidnapped Brad.”
“I have. I’m not crazy. He’s right here.”
Brad touches my head lightly, and I feel comfort pulse through me. “Want me to talk to him?”
I shake my head, sending tear droplets flying. Shit. I’m crying and I didn’t even realize. All this time, I’ve been strong. I’ve had to be, just to make it through. I knew there was no way of coming back from this. I’m a kidnapper now. A bad person. No longer ethical. I’m just someone who puts his needs above everyone else.
I sold my soul, and it’s not enough to save me.
There’s a long pause on the other end of the phone. “There’s someone there with you.”
“Yes. I told you there was. Brad is here. You’ve made a mistake.”
“Send me a photo. You have five minutes, Ansel.”
He hangs up. I look up numbly to see Brad staring down at me, his dagger hanging loose in one hand.
When did he find that?
My mouth is so dry, but I manage to force out one question. “Is your name Brad Miller?”
His jaw tightens. I swear I see remorse shining in his eyes. “No, butterfly, it’s not.”
Everything shuts down.
Oh my god.
I kidnapped the wrong person.
This was all for nothing.
They’re going to kill me.
Noise is roaring in my ears, which is funny because it was so quiet a moment ago. My body feels odd, too. Like I’ve been wrapped in cotton wool, not quite able to feel the world around me.
There’s a tug on my hair as not-Brad says something. I don’t hear him. I’m too far away, wondering how I’m going to die.
More words are spoken, then I’m being scooped off the ground. I think I’m being carried.
I blink against the shadows. The cabin is so dark after being out in the sun.
I wonder how many more times I’ll get to see it.
The man I kidnapped sits me on the bed and crouches in front of me. His lips move. I see it happen. But there’s no sound. Well, none that I can hear over the roaring in my ears.
