“Before we step inside, I will tell the others where we are going,” Nicholas said. “Go, I shall catch up.”
Warwick moved into what he believed was a vault, or crypt of some sort, and held up a hand for the others to stop. He listened. “I hear water and I think footsteps. It’s hard to tell as they seem muffled or as if whoever it is, is walking softly.”
Dev moved around him and onto the first step. “I’ll go first now. Listen well, little brother.”
He fell in behind the eldest Sinclair as they began to descend.
The sound of footsteps increased and Warwick grabbed Dev’s shoulder.
“I see him,” Dev whispered. “Move right.”
They pressed to the wall and waited. The space was not large, and anyone walking would not see them in this light but would feel them if they brushed the wall.
“He is alone,” Dev whispered. “I’ll tell you when to step out with your gun raised.”
Warwick relayed the words into Max’s ear and then gripped his gun in both hands. The footsteps were nearly on them. Dev would be able to read the man’s expression.
“Now.”
Warwick, Dev, and Max stepped into the man’s path with their guns raised.
“Halt or we shoot,” Warwick ordered.
“No!” The man turned and tried to run. Warwick fired and got him in the leg, dropping him to the floor. The thud of running feet grew louder, and suddenly, the tunnel was full of Sinclairs and Ravens.
“Go, I’ll see to him,” Dev said.
Harry and Warwick left at a sprint.
“Samantha!” he yelled while Harry called his wife’s name.
It was cold, and their breath sent white plumes into the air.
“I hear them!” Warwick said. “Faster!”
Harry’s pace increased and Warwick with him.
“I see them!” his cousin called.
Seconds later, he found her huddled beside her sister on the ground. A man lay dead before them and a woman over him.
Warwick fell to his knees and grabbed Samantha. Beside him, Harry did the same. Relief coursed through him.She was here, she was safe.
“Samantha. Christ, I love you,” he whispered for her ears alone. “I-I can’t live without you. Don’t leave me again.”
She pressed her icy face into his neck. “I had no choice in leaving you.”
He snorted out a laugh and eased back to untie her hands and feet.
“Are you hurt?”
“No. Just cold.”
“Th-these knots are devilishly hard to und-do,” Maddie said. “We’ve been trying to work them loose.”
“I have it now, love,” Harry said, pulling out his knife. “I have you.”
Warwick used his knife to free Samantha, then he rose and lifted her to her feet. Taking off his coat, he wrapped it around her.
