Page 98 of Betrayed

“Is that what you’re doing?”

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and said, “I can do this.” I inhaled another lung inflating breath before saying, “Your turn.”

When she finished, I put the car in park but left the engine running.

There was no turning back now.

I’d have to watch her walk away.

Please, God, don’t let me lose my temper and risk everyone’s life. Take mine if you need to, but don’t let me fuck this up.

“It’s time,” John’s voice cut through my prayer. “Everyone in place?”

Jamie and Jay checked in. Followed by Doug and Maxwell.

I closed my eyes and sent up another prayer. “Sierra Four, we’re ready.” Opening my eyes, I turned to Blake. “Blake, I’m going to get out and walk around the back. Please wait for me to open your door.” I reached over and released her seatbelt.

“I will.” She stared into my eyes. “Please be careful.”

“I will. No matter what you see, remember I love you.”

Then I flipped the switch. My expression turned to stone as I got out of the car. This was a mission, just like the hundreds I did in the Army. Get in, do the job, get out. If I could stay mission focused, I could do this.

Easier said than done.

I scanned as I circled the car. Too many bad guys for me to handle on my own. I opened Blake’s door and extended my hand to help her out. “Stay behind me.” Not that it mattered; guns pointed at us from every direction.

I stopped when one of them opened the sliding door on the van and helped Meg get out. Her hands were tied, but she looked unharmed.

“Cinderella’s okay.” I wasn’t sure I’d said it loud or clear enough until I heard Jack say, “Thank God.”

“We’ve got your back, but try not to start a gunfight. You’re grossly outnumbered,” Jaden said.

“How do we know it’s Blake?” one of them shouted at me.

“Ms. Davenport, take one step to your left,” I ordered, sensing her movement but never taking my eyes off Meg.

“See for yourself,” I shouted back.

“Blake Davenport, just the girl we wanted to see.”

Every word oozed slime, making me want to rip his tongue out and choke him with it.

His days, no, his hours, are numbered.

“Come here, girl,” he ordered.

“She doesn’t go anywhere until I have Ms. Sheppard.”

“Look around you. You don’t make the rules. I do.” He swept his arms, pointing out his gang of armed lackeys.

“You won’t risk killing Ms. Davenport in the crossfire.” I sounded so cold, so detached.Please let her remember this is just what I have to do.

“You’re right, but I see you’ve already helped me in that regard.” He nodded at her bulletproof vest.

I itched to reach for her hand. Ignoring him, I called out, “Ms. Sheppard?”

“I’m okay,” she answered. She was looking around for Jack, fear showing through her bravado.

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