Raking my eyes over the room, I notice the cameras pointing at Dutch and Cruz. Gritting my teeth, I inwardly rail at the inconvenience. I need to find out how Dutch got here. Was it voluntary or not? Does she still have her tracker? Are the others coming?
Vincenzo grabs Dutch by the hair, yanking her head back and forcing a brutal kiss on her. I swallow back the rising bile, and my heart breaks for Cruz, who fights against his restraints, roaring, desperate to get to her.
Vincenzo chuckles, backing away, and Dutch spits, grimacing. The fucker finally leaves, the door slamming at the top of the stairs. This is my chance before he can turn the cameras on.
I race into the room, putting a finger to my lips. Dutch’s eyes widen, then she masks her face. “Did Vincenzo bring you here?” She shakes her head ever so slightly. “You brought yourself here?” Nod. “Are the others coming?” Her lip curls up at the side. “Soon?” Nod. “Will we know they’re coming?” Her eyes hood and the smile becomes one I wouldn’t want directed at me. My own smile grows, excitement stirring in my belly. The red light flashes on one of the cameras, and I back away. “I can’t do anything now to help you. We’re outnumbered. But when it starts tomorrow, I’ll come up and release you. Be strong and get through this.”
Dutch glances at the cameras, then back at me, giving me the barest smile to let me know she heard me.
Then an insidious noise hums through the room, and Dutch’s back arches as electricity courses through her.
Chapter 64
Dutch
Thecamerasclickon,one by one, the little red lights staring down at me mockingly. Glancing to my left, my eyes soften at the man I’ve come to love more than anything else in this world as he rages against his restraints.
Letting out a breath, I lean my head back, staring up at the ceiling.How did I get here?A ridiculous question to ask. I was always going to end up here—fate wrote it in the stars the day I came screaming into this world. Hopefully, my sacrifice is enough to please the gods.
Pain begins at my feet, ripping up my calves, then thighs. It rushes over my belly and tits, up my neck, and emerges from my mouth in a scream so terrifying and primal it threatens to shut my brain down.
The pain lessens, my shoulders slumping in relief as my muscles contract—tightening and loosening in blessed relief.
He’ll pay for this.
My army will come for us, freeing us from this fortress of pain and death. Then I will hunt my father down like the dog he is. I will destroy his kingdom, burn it to the ground, and dance upon the ashes. And when he’s at my feet, begging for forgiveness and mercy—I will slice the flesh from him, piece by piece, wallowing in the symphony of his wails and pleas.
Raising my eyes to the cameras, I let him see the promise within them.
I’m coming for you, Daddy. And vengeance will be mine.
The metal grate thrums under me again, and I nearly bite my tongue in two trying to stay quiet. But I can only hold on for so long before once more, the screams rip from my throat, echoing eerily in the room that has become my prison.
Chapter 65
Special Agent Susannah Gerhardt
Ikeepmyeyesclosed until I hear the door close with a soft snick. I count to one hundred and twenty, then jump out of bed. After going to the bathroom and brushing my teeth, I throw on a pair of cargo pants, thick socks, and combat boots.
Those fuckers think I’m staying behind, like some fucking damsel in distress.You have to stay behind in case something goes wrong.I roll my eyes.You’re the one that can call Harris in if he’s needed.I gnash my teeth.
I am a highly trained FBI agent, for fuck’s sake. Not some princess in a tower with no life experience. I need to be a part of this, for my sister’s sake. After all these years, she deserves retribution for what was done to her, her husband, and her daughter.
Fuck them all if they think I’m staying here and missing out.
Throwing on a long-sleeved gray shirt, I clip on my bulletproof vest, then tie my hair back in a bun. Pulling the lockbox out of the closet, I flip it open, stuffing every available pocket with guns, knives, and ammo. Going back to the closet, I pull out my rifle and swing it over my back.
Striding to the kitchen, I down a quick cup of coffee and a protein bar, then make my way to the lobby and up the stairs. I bypass the Charon Group’s floor and keep climbing until I’m pressing through the doors to the roof.
The sky is still a deep gray, the darkness of night slowly giving way to the brightness of morning. Ahead of me, still basking in the shadows, sit two helicopters, one of which is an Apache Guardian. Yeah. The kind the military uses. Ryan called in a few favors to borrow it for this mission. It’s a scary-looking fucker, with its massive guns and bombs attached to it.
Luckily, Vincenzo chose a property with several acres of land between him and his neighbors. Still, I placed a call to Harris the other day, informing him about the bombs. He’ll smooth it over with the local law enforcement. I’m not sure what lies he’ll make up, but I’m glad it’s not me that has to.
Unfortunately, the Apache is only a two-seater, so I make my way to the other one, owned by the Charon Group. It was loaded last night, which I’m grateful for. I’ll be able to hide amongst the bags and weapons, no one the wiser until we get to Greenwich. Tucking myself away, I make sure I’m well hidden, then wait for the others.
Ryan and Kian will be taking the Apache, while Trey, Rebecca, Theo, and Justin will be riding in this one. Nate, Eric, Tessa, and Jase are driving and should be leaving about now. They plan to arrive first and send drones up to get a better lay of the land and get an accurate count of the guards outside.
While they do that, the helicopters will make their journey, which should take around thirty minutes or so. And then, all hell will break loose. Apprehension runs through me. I hope Dutch is okay. And I hope all of us get through this alive.
