And Willy’s promises along with it. Soon, she’d be gone from the island and?—
Thump
Was she hearing things? Losing her mind? It sounded as if someone had fallen, but she’d been unconscious twice in the last few hours and her head beat like a drum.
There was no rescue happening. Just her own fate knocking on the door.
She curled tighter into a ball. Her feet throbbed. They were probably raw from running across rocks.
Shifting on the bed like a tied pig, she grunted beneath the tape sealing her lips and flopped onto her side to face the window. A slash of moonlight touched the bed. Jiggling her hands, she checked for any slack. All four of her limbs were tied. If she could just get one free, she’d create more space.
She wriggled her arms, twisting her wrists against the rough ropes. Hot and heavy breaths came through her nose, and sweat moistened her brow. After struggling for several minutes, she let her arms go lax.
Despair pushed down on her.
Metal tinkled at her door. She jumped and swiveled her head just as the door opened. Terror tickled the tender spot on her neck. New shivers racked her body.
The figure shut the door and locked it then moved across the room. He didn’t speak, nor did he try to be quiet. He rounded the foot of her bed and stepped into the moonlight. Willy wore linen pants and a black polo shirt.
The acrid taste of fear burned her mouth. He placed a hand on the large knot tying her wrists to her ankles. A knife glistened.
Paralysis took over her muscles and any coherent thought. She blinked, praying that he’d disappear. That she was seeing things.
The bedside lamp clicked on. Willy brought the blade to the knot and cut it. Instantly, she pulled away, no longer hog-tied.
His grip bit into her elbow. “Sit up and don’t say a word.”
Atlas’s muscles vibrated. Adrenaline thick in his veins. He dropped Chris’s body to the ground and pivoted toward the hill the guards had just descended. With Havoc and Rogue coming around the other side, they’d successfully clear the perimeter before entering.
Viper moved beside him. They quickly ascended the steps. His boots scuffed over the concrete and his breath whooshed easily through his nose. In seconds, he’d be inside. He’d find Molly.
Had to.
Nearing the corner of the house, he stopped and then pressed his back to the stone. Peeking around the corner, he spotted a long, double-wide driveway. Palm trees flanked the laneway and a fountain sprayed water near the front door.
Creatures hissed and croaked, but there was no sign of hostiles.
Static crackled in his ear. “What’s your 20?” Rogue asked.
“Northeast corner of the house. Ready to move on your go.”
“We’re coming up the side. Removed two enemies.”
The exterior of the house dug into his back. He held the rifle against his chest, his finger near the trigger. Water trickled from his hair down his spine.
Viper stayed at his side, ready to move.
“Go,” Rogue said.
Atlas pushed away from the wall. Huddling down, he ran toward the front door. Rogue and Havoc came from the opposite side. Atlas paused on the stoop and Rogue motioned with two fingers for Atlas to kick it down.
Halle-fucking-lujah.
Adrenaline soaked his skin with fire. He faced the door and jammed his boot into the spot next to the handle. It held fast.
He pounded again. This time the metal jumped on its hinges. The door flew open. Atlas rushed inside, sweeping his rifle from left to right. A set of stairs stretched to the basement. Rogue jerked his head at Havoc and they descended.
Enemy fire flew up the stairs, but Atlas didn’t stick around. Rogue’s return shots assured him they had it covered. He raced over the marble floors of the main area.
