Page 88 of The Secret's Out

“So lucky.” She sighed giddily.

“I know.”

“Not for long,” a new voice snarled.

Nary and I jumped and turned to the entrance of the car park of the compound.

No.

Not today.

Not any day.

“You come with me now or I start shooting,” Cameron ordered and raised his gun high, pointing it right at Nary.

“Don’t,” I pleaded and stepped in front of Nary. My heart pounded in my ears, my hands shook as I held them out in front of me.

“Then come with me.” He held out his other hand toward me.

“Why? Why do this, Cameron? Do you know what today was for me? Do you even care?”

“No, I don’t care that your dad died. Perfect opportunity for me. You are all I have ever wanted and I get what I want...one way or another.” He sneered. “Now walk toward me and I won’t have to hurt anyone.”

“Why did you kill your dad and Caden’s mum?”

Please, please someone walk back out the front. Please.

“We’ll talk about that later,” he snapped.

“No. I-I can’t go with a person who’s willing to kill people.” I gulped and stepped back into Nary more.

“Don’t you see? I had to do it. They were worthless, disgusting people. Now come.” He shook his hand in front of him.

“Can I, please, can I just say goodbye to people?”

“No!” he snarled and then caught himself. “You will not go to those men again. They’re nothing, Jo-Jo. I’m more than them. I can provide for you. You’ll be happy with me.”

“But—”

“Josie,” he growled. “Come now or your friend won’t be the only one I shoot today. I’ll walk out the back and open fire on everyone even if I get shot in the process.”

No, God, no, the kids. Mum, my family. My men.

“Don’t, Josie,” Nary pleaded and grabbed my arm. She knew I wouldn’t risk anyone else.

Turning to her with tears in my eyes, I smiled sadly and said, “I have to.”

“No, no, you don’t. Please, don’t do this.” She leaned in and whispered, “I’ll scream. The men will come, they will.”

I cupped her cheek and wiped her tears with my thumb. “But not before you get hurt. I can’t let that happen. Not when I can stop it. Seek help after I’m gone—”

“Josie, now,” Cameron barked behind me.

“My men will hunt him down. They will find me,” I whispered to Nary. Turning, I stepped up to Cameron. He took my hand and started for the entrance.

“No,” I heard Nary whisper behind me. “No!” she screamed.

“Nary, don’t,” I yelled, but it was too late. She grabbed at Cameron and they struggled. I tried to get in and help her, but I was knocked backward, my bottom hitting the ground hard. “Nary,” I screamed before the gun was fired.

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