Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 140965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
“It wasn’t his intention to create a virus of this type.”
He stopped dead at her defense of the man, forcing her to halt as well. “Don’t do that. Whitney deserves a bullet in his head, not your defense.”
“I’m well aware of that, Draden,” she said. “I’m not defending him. I’m stating a fact. He repeatedly ordered them to stop working on this virus when they told him a hemorrhagic one was the only type that might actually have a chance of infecting me. I knew they were working to find a virus, and that they’d ‘accidentally’ created what could be used as a biological weapon, but I lost track of the fact that this started with me.”
“He told you that or you wouldn’t say that as if you know what was said. Don’t let Whitney fool you, Shylah. You should know by now he lies. More, he would want a biological weapon. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself. That man would never pass up the chance to know if the virus would work on you. They were testing it in your blood, after all.” Draden began walking again, needing the outlet of physical activity because the anger and the desire—the need—to actively hunt Whitney down and kill him was so strong.
“I’m well aware of Whitney’s character, Draden. I’ve studied him. I know his every character flaw and his need to develop weapons.”
Draden fought back a retort. She would have taken the time to study Whitney if she considered him the enemy. He let a few moments go by, breathing deeply for calm. “Why did you report to him?”
“Your team and the Indonesian government as well as the World Health Organization will all be hunting the Williams brothers and Orucov. Probably every law enforcement agency around the world as well. While they all do that so openly, Whitney can quietly send assassins to hunt and kill Montgomery. That’s the only way to take Montgomery down. It’s even money that the moment the guy knows or even suspects that someone is after him, he’ll be in the wind.”
“Would Montgomery let the virus loose on the world? What kind of man is he?”
She pursed her lips, considering the questions for a few moments before answering. “From everything I’ve discovered about him, he’s a mean, spiteful, spoiled bully. Would he release the virus? Yes, I think he actually would, but, only if he was protected from it.”
“So, if he already has the virus, everyone’s in trouble.”
She nodded and then sighed. “I probably should have told the others, but your Joe rubbed me the wrong way.”
“He’s a good man, sweetheart. And so is Trap. I honestly believe Trap and Wyatt have a shot at figuring out how to get you out of this mess.”
“I don’t know why you keep saying that.”
Draden swept his hand down the back of her head and settled his fingers on the nape of her neck as they approached the two steps leading to the porch. His touch was possessive because he felt that way. He didn’t mind being a little primal.
“This virus was designed by the Williams brothers and Orucov. They constructed it. We have their original files. Some are password protected and I’m betting those are the files Trap needs to deconstruct the virus. Even if he can’t get into them, he’ll find a way. He’ll do it in time to save you. I know he will.”
Just as she had before, Shylah moved in front of him to examine the silky strands she’d left across the stairs and doorway. The strands looked like those of a normal spiderweb. Delicate. She turned to face him, leaning her back to the door, her hands on her hips.
“I understand that. What I meant was, why would you believe Trap can find a way to save me, but not you? Why do you keep putting it that way?”
Draden shrugged, looking at her face. He thought her face was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. That flawless skin. Her freckles. Her generous mouth and large dark eyes. He wanted to kiss her, not discuss dying with her.
“They injected me with the virus, giving me a larger dose, if you will. It’s more concentrated in me. You have a little more time.” He stepped closer to her and framed her face with his hands. “Maybe I want you saved so much I don’t let myself think of anything else happening. Whitney’s virologists were having a difficult time coming up with a virus that would infect you, so your immune system is very good.” Hopefully that would buy her a lot more time. He was counting on Trap and Wyatt.
“I want you to remember we’re in this together, Draden. I need to feel I’m in this with you, not by myself.”
“You know if you’re with me, Shylah, you’re just plain fucked. There isn’t any getting out of this for me.” He wanted her to understand that and start looking toward Trap to find a way for her to live.