“Yes, ma’am.” Dani slipped on the vest that the officer ran up and gave her.
“Good. We evacuated most of the building, but he’s in the corridor, blocking the top floor. Refuses to talk or negotiate. We can’t get to those units. The goal is to talk him into letting us clear the building. Understood? The sooner, the better, before the media show up and make a circus out of this.”
Dani nodded and took the phone Captain Ree held out to her.
Oh, Lord, please guide my words.
Seventeen
At least they weren’t sending Dani into the building. Michael couldn’t fathom the pressure she must be feeling as she brought the phone up to her ear. The first sign of Colter McCord since he’d tried to kill them, and she had to talk him off a ledge. Literally.
“Colter? It’s Dani.”
“Put it on speaker,” Captain Ree whispered.
Dani pressed the speaker icon.
“Dani? Is that really you?”
“Yeah, it’s me. What are you doing up there? Do you need anything?”
A shaky breath came through on the line. “See, I knew you would hear me out. I knew you would, but I don’t know who else to trust.” His voice cracked.
“I’m here. I’m listening.”
“Are the cops listening too?” Heavy footsteps sounded, like he was pacing back and forth while talking.
“They are.”
“No! I only want to talk to you, Dani. I can’t trust anyone else.”
“Colter, why don’t you let them evacuate the top floor and we can tal?—”
“I said no!” The pacing accelerated. “How do I know they won’t shoot me on sight? I need you to hear me.”
“I’m listening. You can trust me. You called me here, remember.”
She was amazing. Her voice stayed calm and smooth, even with Colter growing more agitated.
“But you’re with them. I can’t trust them. There were other cops involved.” Colter’s voice sounded panicked. High and squeaky. “I need to see you, Dani.” He sniffed. “Come up here so I can see you.”
Michael shook his head. No way.
Captain Ree’s lips thinned into a tight line. Finn brought a fist to his mouth and bit down on his thumbnail.
But Dani’s eyes locked in on Michael. They pleaded with him. I’ll be fine, she mouthed.
He got right in her ear and whispered, “You’re not going up there without me. I won’t leave you alone.” And frankly, he didn’t care how overprotective he sounded.
She nodded at him and spoke into the speaker. “I’ll come up on two conditions.”
“What are they?” Colter asked.
“You release the top floor and let me bring my friend Michael.”
“Are you kidding? I’m not going to lose what little leverage I have. You don’t understand what these people will do to me. I can’t let them go.”
“Then let me come up with Michael.”
