Take that, zip ties!
I scan the warehouse for an exit and head for the main door, but it is locked from the outside. High on the back wall, though, there’s a window that looks old, grimy, and possibly loose. If I can break it open, I might be able to escape… or at least make enough noise to attract attention if anyone’s searching for me.
I drag a crate beneath it and climb up. The window is stuck, painted shut years ago. I grab a metal rod from the workbench and jam it into the frame, trying to pry it open.
The wood splinters. The window cracks.
And then there are footsteps outside the door.
I drop from the crate and scramble back to where I fell, positioning myself with my hands behind my back, trying to look helpless. I keep my breathing shallow and close my eyes, pretending I’m unconscious again.
The door opens. Trent enters and stops when he sees me on the floor.
“What happened here?” He approaches slowly and crouches beside me, checking my pulse. His fingers press against my throat.
I explode into motion. My hand shoots up, grabbing his wrist. I twist, using his momentum against him. He crashes forward, and I bring my knee up into his gut.
He gasps. I roll away, scrambling to my feet, but I’m weak, and my vision swims.
Trent recovers fast. He lunges, catching my ankle. I go down hard.
“You little—” He’s on top of me, hands around my throat.
I claw at his face, raking my nails across his eyes. He screams, releasing me.
I crawl toward the door. But a hand closes around my hair, yanking me back.
Through the ringing in my ears, I hear voices outside. Footsteps. Multiple people.
Trent hears them, too. His face goes white. “No. That’s impossible!”
“They’re coming for me,” I gasp.
I struggle, but his grip is iron. My vision darkens.
The warehouse doors crash open. Ansel and Enzo pour through, FBI agents and security behind them.
“REMY!” Enzo bellows, his voice tearing through the space.
An FBI agent moves forward, weapon drawn. “Stanley Trent, you’re under arrest for kidnapping, assault, and violating the terms of your bail.”
Trent lets me go and raises his hands. Two other agents move in, forcing him to the ground and cuffing him.
Enzo crosses to me, helping me sit up. “I’ve got you. You’re safe.”
Ansel drops to his knees beside me, his hands cupping my face. “Did he hurt you?”
“I handled it.” I meet his gaze. “I got myself out of the restraints.”
“Of course you did.” Ansel’s thumb brushes my cheekbone. “You brilliant, terrifying woman.”
Terrifying? Hardly, but I’ll take the compliment.
“How did you find me?”
“Damon gave us the location.” Enzo’s jaw tightens. “After we made him understand the consequences.”
My chest constricts. “He helped Trent get information on me.”
