Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
A whimper sounds out from behind, and my fight drains. Tears spill down my cheeks as I try to drown out any further noise and focus on the door.
Three triple bolts taunt me with a familiar sense of recognition.
Images race on a loop in my mind and I know why.
That door, those bolts, the hallway on the other side.
Why are we in Darla Strauss’s condo?
The thought is my last as the room goes dark.
35
Major
“It would be a lot easier to let me bust in the door and take this fucker out,” Caleb complains through the mics.
“Agreed,” Justin grumbles.
“He’s taking a call, leaving the room now. Men on the roof, go.” Robbie gives us the signal.
I check my harness once more before positioning myself and scaling down the building. Talon, Ace, Ford, and Finn are at my side. They evacuated the residents in the building; Hayes Security ran the last sweep to ensure no one was left behind.
Having an active hostage situation with a desperate madman was enough to get people moving.
“Head’s up, he coming back,” Robbie instructs from his position in the apartment across the street with their high-tech equipment. He’s running the show as our eyes to ensure we don’t tip off Johns. He’s already unstable and carrying a loaded weapon.
First, we get the women.
Then, he goes down.
Inch by inch, we lower to the end of Darla’s balcony, silently releasing the buckles and getting into place.
Ford slithers across the ground, staying out of sight and getting to the other side of the glass door. He uses a tool to unlock the door and nods my way.
“Rowan’s activated her bank account. She’s transferring twenty-five K to an unknown account. It’s not his,” Robbie informs us. “I’ve trapped the wire, working on who the account belongs to. You got the lock?”
“The lock is amateur,” Ford replies bitterly.
“I fucking hate being on this side of the action,” Max grumbles. “Black gets all the fun.”
“Join us, and next assignment, you’ll get your shot,” Finn replies calmly.
Calm is the last thing I feel.
The scene in the living room plays out, and when the butt of the gun comes down on Jewls’ head, and Rowan is forced into the bedroom, my hand goes to my gun. It’s been six hours since Johns took them, and I’m not willing to wait another minute. “Cut the lights.”
“Remember, Finn taking him out is a lot less headache for you in the department.”
The department and paperwork are nothing to me. “Cut the FUCKING lights.”
“Lights in three, two, one.”
The building goes black, and I lower my night vision glasses, easing the balcony door open quietly.
“We’re on Rowan,” Ace utters, passing by as I go to Jewls’ side.
“Baby, can you hear me?”
“Major,” she breathes, wilting in relief.
I cut through the remaining tie and pull her to me. She shakes uncontrollably, her tears seeping into my neck. “Help Rowan. He’s raping her.”
“Not anymore.”
When the words leave my mouth, shouting fills the condo. Sounds of scuffling rush down the hall, and Talon appears, carrying Rowan our way.
“Rowan’s right here, honey.” Talon crouches next to me, and the women clutch each other, putting their weight on me.
I hold them tight, giving them a few seconds together.
“Put the gun down, man. You’re done.” Finn speaks low, trying to reason with Johns. “You’re outnumbered.”
“In brains, skill, and muscle, you stupid asshole.” Jewls’ voice is strong, her tears stopped as she hears what’s happening.
Talon snaps his face to mine, the white of his teeth showing.
“As fun as it is playing with him, disarm the motherfucker,” Robbie directs through the mics.
“Gladly,” Finn answers. “Who gets the pleasure?”
“Who are you fucking talking to?” Johns is panicked.
“I get the honors.” Ford’s cold reply is exactly what I’d expect.
There’s an unmistakable sound of bone crunching with a strangled whimper, followed by more shouting. A gun fires, jarring the women and knocking me on my ass.
“Fuck this shit. Done waiting.” The front door bursts open, men filing in with Caleb and Justin leading the pack.
Their heads swing my way, seeing me with the two women and halting.
“I can’t see anything!” Jewls complains. “Can we get light?”
“Get them out of here!” Justin orders briskly.
“Is that Justin?”
“Yeah, Sis, I’m here, too.” Caleb stoops, running his hand over her head. “You okay?”
She shudders at first, then leans into his touch. “Yes, I’m okay. Rowan needs medical attention.”
“You first,” she barely whispers.
More shouting from down the hall, another gunshot and agonizing cry.
“Seriously, can we get some light?” Jewls yells impatiently.
“Tell your woman lights are coming. Get ready, men.” There’s a hint of amusement in Robbie’s reply.
We raise our goggles, and a few seconds later, light sparks to life.
Jewls blinks a few times, and when her eyes lock with mine, the beautiful green hue settles deep inside. “Hey, gorgeous.”
Rowan moves off slowly, holding her right side.
“She needs a doctor,” Jewls repeats under her breath.