Page 130 of Things I Read About

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“Sorryyyyyy!” Sam calls as she, Emerson, and one of Nate’s coworkers step off the elevator. We all exhale with relief. Dean tilts his head for them to lead the way out to the cars. Sadie and Shep follow, then Dean herds me and Kat forward. Which leaves me behind Nate, able to stare at his broad shoulders below his thick, tattooed neck. My chest starts to ache, so I look away.

We’re met with a humid breeze after we get through the rotating doors. Two men, who must also work with Fergus, are at the curb in matching utility clothing and boots, watching the valet staff bring our cars around.

Dean and the others herd the six of us into a tight line. That leaves two big guards at the curb, us, and Dean, Nate, and another guardspread out behind us, facing the hotel.

“Dean.”

“I see them.”

I look over my shoulder and the guy from the lobby is coming out of a side door. It’s definitely him, and behind him, still inside the hotel, is the woman.

I finally see her face.

I know her.

I’ve actually seen her a few times in recent weeks but didn’t get a good look, couldn't connect the dots.

The man hasn’t pulled a gun yet, but he will.

To shoot Sam.

If that woman is here, the target has to be Sam!

And at the angle he’s marching, the guard in the middle, directly between the angry man and Samantha, is Nate.

“Nate!” I scream and male voices bombard me on all sides.

“Red One!”

“Confirmed! Red One! Weapons Free! Canton Five!”

“Canton Five, Confirmed!”

“DROP YOUR WEAPON!”

Canton Five.

That’s me.

But I’m not the target.

No! They have the wrong sister. It’s not me. It’s not me!

“Not me! Nate!” I scream again and I just run and jump, without thinking.

I hear the gunshot.

I feel Nate’s arms.

I hear him grunt in what sounds like agony.

Nate?

Na—

Wha—

Ow

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