Page 81 of Fierce Hope
Sarah’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Absolutely. You know a good deal when you hear one.”
She turned back to Chad. “Well? Tick tock ...” She lifted her slim arm, jabbing a finger at the bright pink watch around her wrist.
Chad’s jaw tightened. “Get off my back. I said I’ll handle it.”
Sarah stepped closer to him, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “If you mess this up, you’re the one who’ll be going to prison for murder. Your choice.”
The color drained from Chad’s face. His earlier cockiness had evaporated completely, replaced by the desperate look of a trapped animal. He went from bullying to placating in an instant.
“Hey, babe, don’t stress. I’m just wiped out. I need a shot of protein or something. I’ll finish the job,” he said, his voice softer. “Right now.”
Sarah nodded curtly. “Good.”
Chad retrieved a flashlight from the SUV and hurried out again, the door slamming behind him. The sound echoed through the empty mill like a gunshot.
Jade’s desperation grew with each passing moment. Sarah and Chad would move them before the killing. They wouldn’t want to leave evidence in the mill, and they certainly wouldn’t want to drag two bodies any distance.
They would force Jade and DJ to walk to their own graves.
Nausea swirled in Jade’s stomach. She blinked hard, forcing it away.
The ropes binding her wrists had loosened slightly with her subtle, persistent movements. Not enough to free herself, but enough to give her hope. Her mind raced, considering and discarding plans in rapid succession.
Most scenarios ended with both her and DJ dead.
Not. Gonna. Happen.
“DJ,” she whispered, watching Sarah pace near the SUV, temporarily distracted by something on her phone. “I have a plan.”
DJ leaned closer, his breath warm against her cold cheek.
“You got your hands free, right?”
“Yup. I’m ready to start on yours.”
She watched Sarah. They couldn’t chance it. If the woman saw DJ working on Jade’s bindings …
“Not a good idea right now. If they catch us …”
“I hear you.”
“They’re going to take us outside soon.”
“I figured.”
The way his voice trembled even though he was trying so hard to sound brave brought stinging tears to her eyes.
She cleared her throat, needing to sound steady. In control. Gaze locked onto Sarah, she sidled closer to DJ and whispered. “Quick. Get the keys out of my pocket.”
She barely felt his hands digging for them. “Got ‘em.”
“Great. When they march us outside, I’m going to create a distraction. When I do, you run. Don’t look back, don’t hesitate. Just run. Have you driven a car?”
“A little. Before it snowed hard, Dad took me to the store parking lot. But?—”
“Good.” She interrupted. “Get in my car and drive back to town. Don’t stop for anything.”
“What? No,” DJ whispered back fiercely. “I’m not leaving you.”
