Page 51 of The Cinderella Secret
“The first three numbers are eighteen, six, and forty-eight.”
“And the rest?”
“I said all of the hostages,” said Aiden. “And thatdoesinclude the people of color.”
The sirens were getting closer.
“People of color,” sneered John, then stomped to the hall. “Ringo! The first numbers are eighteen, six, forty-eight. How long is this going to take?”
George came jogging out to the foyer. “We need at least six more minutes. Do you have any more of the combination?”
“I have two more,” said Aiden, with a smile. “Too bad I can’t remember them with all these people here.”
Paul flipped his gun around and rammed it into Aiden’s stomach. “Give us the numbers!” he yelled.
Aiden looked up at Paul and grinned. “Is that all of you’ve got? Because I promise that you don’t have time to break me if that’s case.”
Ella glared at him. Was he trying to get himself killed?
“You don’t need a lot of hostages,” she said. “You just need a few. Let everyone else go, and the cracker and I will stay.”
“No, she goes too,” said Aiden.
“Shut up,gwáilóu,” said Ella.
“I really don’t see the need for the use of racial slurs,” said Aiden.
“Stop being a patronizing agent of the misogynistic west then,” said Ella.
“Really?” he looked hurt, which was adorable and made Ella want to kiss him. She smiled involuntarily and shook her head.
“I’m sorry,” said John, “are we interfering with your ability to get your flirt on? Give us the fucking numbers or I shoot your girlfriend in the head.”
“Shoot her and I will rip your throat out,” said Aiden. There was something about the calmness and speed with which the comment flew out of his mouth that made it sound like a very plausible threat and the room was silent, as if shocked that Aiden—silly, soft, sweet Aiden—would say such a thing. Aiden smiled and once again Ella was aware of a mask of humor and niceness sliding into place. “You’re running out of time. You don’t want hostages. You want to get out of here. Let them go and I’ll give you the numbers.”
“This wasn’t the plan,” muttered Paul.
“Yeah, well, the plan said we would have twelve minutes before they responded. Those sirens don’t sound twelve minutes away to me,” said John. Then he looked down the line of hostages. “All right thegwáilóuwins. Everyone out.”
The remaining employees made a quick shuffle for the door and the remaining two lawyers pulled on Ella’s arm.
“Everybody but you two,” said John, grabbing Ella by the arm. She saw Aiden tense, but Paul had him well covered and he didn’t move. Aiden waited until the last person was through the door into the stairwell. “Last two numbers?”
“Thirty-six and twelve,” said Aiden.
“That’s ridiculous,” said Ella and he glared at her. “Sorry,” she said, feeling embarrassed.
“Problem?” asked John, tightening his grip.
“It’s ridiculous that we have to do this. I should shut up now.”
“Uh-huh,” said John and he walked the few steps to the hall, dragging her with him. “Thirty-six and twelve,” John yelled down the hall.
“Seriously?” said George’s faint voice.
“What?” John yelled back.
“Got it!” bellowed Ringo.
