After securing the two tools in the small vertical keyhole, he waited, watching Striker work on the device in his hand. Before he unlocked the door, he needed to be sure the security system was off.
Anxiety rapped against his temples. They had seconds—a minute or two tops—before the other guards came looking for Avram. Once they realized he’d been killed, the place would go into lockdown.
He wanted Laine and her daughter in his protection before that happened. Each second was like a jackhammer to his skull. “What’s the problem?”
“Nothing, I’m in. Hang on.”
Roarke gritted his teeth.
Whomp
The buzzing of electricity stopped and the ventilation system kicked out. Roarke twisted the tools and the lock snapped open. Shoving the items back in his pocket, he opened the door.
The warm air of the entryway was a contrast to the chilly breeze. One set of stairs went down, and one up. He’d get Laine while Viper and Striker eliminated the guards and made sure their exit was clear.
“Spread out,” he whispered.
Chapter
Seven
Laine inhaled an uneven breath and blinked in the darkness. Something was off. The room was pitch black. Darker than usual. Why?
Unease curled around her ribs. She looked at the clock on the nightstand. The digital numbers were gone.
Her mouth went dry. Their bedroom was oddly silent. No hum of electricity, no air blowing from the vents. Even Emmy lay stiller than usual.
Anticipation rushed through her.
Roarke.
Her heart pounded. Regret filled her. If something went wrong, Cameron would kill her, and Emmy could be hurt in the process. Hell, Roarke could even be killed. Maybe she’d been too selfish to ask for his help. She’d never forgive herself if either of them was harmed.
Emmy sighed and huddled closer, softening some of Laine’s fear.
She had to do this. Had to summon her courage for her daughter’s sake. Neither of them was safe with Cameron. Gently, she stroked Emmy’s cheek. “Honey, you need to wake up,” she whispered, next to her ear.
If the power was out, any wireless audio bugs in their room would be inactive. Hopefully.
Emmy groaned. With the room as dark as it was, she couldn’t make out her daughter’s face. She gave her shoulder a slight shake. Emmy jumped and Laine winced, hating that she’d startled her.
“Shhh, baby.”
“M-Mommy?” she asked groggily, her little body stiffening. “What’s wrong?”
She kept her lips close to Emmy’s ear, praying Cameron couldn’t hear them. “Don’t scream, okay? I have a friend coming here. He’s going to help us go home.”
Emmy lifted her head from the pillow but didn’t say a word.
Laine shimmied into a sitting position and pulled her daughter into a tight hug. “Everything will be okay,” she said, once again speaking next to Emmy’s ear. “I promise.” Laine closed her eyes, hoping to God she wasn’t lying.
“A few men are going to come and help us leave,” she continued. “Don’t run from them and try not to make any noise.”
“What about Daddy?” Her tiny voice pierced the room.
Laine’s gut twisted. “He’s not coming, and he won’t be happy that we’re leaving.” Laine would always be honest with Emmy, no matter how hard it was to do so.
Emmy whimpered. “I’m scared.”
