“Easy, boy.”

I stepped from behind a cluster of oaks.

Cooper’s eyes flicked to me, but he didn’t move away.

Hawfield’s neck was a centimeter from the wolfdog’s gleaming incisors.

Hold. I sent. Nothing else.

Coop growled, clearly in disagreement, but he eased back a few inches.

Hold.

The boys raced from the forest. Hi pulled the empty HK45 from the detective’s fingers. Shelton ran to my side, unsure what to do.

Ben walked directly to Hawfield and kicked him in the stomach.

“Ben.”

“Yes?” His eyes never left the detective.

“Just search him, please.”

Ben ran rough hands over Hawfield, freeing the handcuffs from his belt and the extra clip strapped to the detective’s ankle. He tossed the latter to Hiram.

Hi immediately walked both weapon and ammunition over to me. “Yours.”

I ejected the spent clip from the HK45, slammed the new one into place, then worked the slide to chamber a round. Then I held the weapon loosely at my side, barrel pointed at the ground.

“I’m terrified of you right now,” Hi said, wide-eyed. “And in love. Take me shooting with your aunt Tempe next time.”

Intensely aware of Coop’s proximity, Hawfield hadn’t moved a muscle. He seemed almost hypnotized by the wolfdog’s gaping jaws.

“Remember Coop, Detective?” Ben stroked the wolfdog’s head. “You two have met once before. I don’t think he likes you.”

Coop growled low in his throat, causing Hawfield to recoil.

Power down, I sent to the other Virals.

Ben shot me a hard look. He’s not secure.

We can’t let him see any more, I answered. Cuff him. I have the gun.

“She’s right.” Hi turned away. Shelton quickly followed suit.

SNUP.

The power fled, but I didn’t stumble.

Something had changed. With the flares. Within me.

My powers had . . . righted themselves somehow. The lines were unclogged. I can’t describe it any better.

Ben cuffed Hawfield tightly, then stepped back, his irises fading to dark brown.

I clicked my tongue for Coop to stand down.

The wolfdog snarled at Hawfield one last time, then complied, retreating a few feet and dropping down on his haunches. Coop was still favoring his injured forepaw.

I stepped forward. Placed the gun barrel against Hawfield’s cheek.

“Is Ella okay?” I asked softly.

“Yes.” Terror filled Hawfield’s eyes.

“Quickest way to her cell?”

“The stairs.” Voice anxious to please. “The GPS coordinates are in my pocket.”

Ben rifled Hawfield’s pants, found a slip of paper, and handed it to Shelton. He began punching the numbers into his iPhone.

“Let’s hurry.” Rising, I looked to Ben. “Should two of us stay and watch him?”

“No splitting up,” Ben said firmly. “Not again. We’ll drag this sack of crap with us.”

And we did.

Following Shelton’s lead, we cut through the forest, pushing and prodding the detective along with us. Daylight was fading to dusk, giving the forest a sinister, spectral aspect. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.

Hawfield didn’t resist. Answered my questions without expression.

At the cave mouth, I told the boys to wait. Ordered Coop to sit.

Alone, I hurried down the stone steps, through the crawl, and into the tunnel. Following Hawfield’s instructions, I located a hidden niche with both a key and extra lantern.

The cell was through the last opening on the left. I raced inside.

Ella was standing by the bars, having seen the light approach. Spying me, she burst into tears. “Oh thank God!” She reached a hand through the barrier. “I thought it was him again.”

I met her fingers, hugging my friend as best I could. “Told you I’d come back.”

Locating the lock, I inserted the key and opened the cell door. Ella stumbled out.

“Let’s get the hell out of here.” She was holding back sobs.

I wiped away a few tears of my own. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Hand in hand, we hurried from the chamber, ran the whole way back to the surface. Emerging in the failing light, I felt a sudden elation. A sense of fulfillment.

We’d done it!

We rescued Ella. Bagged the kidnapper. Foiled the twins’ awful scam. Even when things looked darkest, we’d kept our cool, using our brains and special skills to solve a crime the police never would have. A total Virals victory.

“Let’s head back to town.” My voice carried a distinct twinge of satisfaction. “I’m sure Detective Hawfield is anxious for a chat with his coworkers.”

My reference to police seemed to snap Hawfield from his funk.

“Release me,” he demanded calmly. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

Ben shoved Hawfield in the back, propelling the detective down a short incline. “We’re dealing with a criminal. Nothing more.”

I followed a pace behind, gun in hand, Coop by my side. Taking no chances.

At the bottom of the slope, Hawfield made his move.

The detective spun, catching Ben with a shoulder that knocked him sideways. His hands were suddenly free. I saw the glint of a second key as it fell to the dirt.

Coop charged. Leaped for the detective’s throat.

Hawfield caught the wolfdog, then crushed his injured paw with one meaty hand. Coop yowled in pain as Hawfield tossed him to the ground.

I gaped like a simpleton. Hawfield moved impossibly quick for a big man.

Shoot him.

But I hesitated for a split second, unprepared in the moment to actually take a life. Hawfield charged me. Slapped the HK45 from my grip.

The weapon flew backward, landing in an uneven pile of leaves.

Shoving me aside, Hawfield ran to the gun. Picked it up. Turned with a smile.

“Amateurs.”

He raised the weapon. Took aim right at me.

My heart stopped beating.

Creeeeeak!

Hawfield glanced down at his feet as the ground beneath him sagged.

A look of horror spread across his face.

CRACK.

Hawfield danced left, but his movement only increased the ripping and snapping sounds.

CRACK. CRACK.

Hawfield’s mouth formed an O.

SNAP.

With a ponderous groan, the ground gave way completely.

The detective disappeared in a whoosh of swirling leaves.

“Nooooooo!”

His scream lasted a three count, then ended with a sickening thud.

Hi crept to the edge of a black, gaping hole where Hawfield had been standing.

He looked down. Whistled.

“That’s pretty deep.” Hi cleared his throat. “I . . . uh . . . don’t think anyone could’ve survived that.”

“What just happened?” Shelton’s voice had risen ten octaves. “Did the earth open up?”

Shaken, I looked at Ella. She nodded grimly.

“It’s an old well,” I said. “Capped by rotting boards. Hawfield must’ve walked right on top of them, and he wasn’t a small man.”

I used the past tense. Knew the detective was dead.

Ben glanced nervously at the forest floor. “Are there any more of those?”

“I don’t think so.” Gently tugging Hiram back from the edge. “The cell Hawfield used is at the bottom of this shaft. The bastard just landed in his own cage.”

• • •

It took forty minutes to get back to the parking lot. The sun set as we walked, forcing us to rely on Hawfield’s lantern.

Hi and Shelton helped Ella along, offering encouragement when her steps faltered.

Reaching pavement, we stopped, somewhat at a loss.

“Soooo.” Shelton scratched his head. “What now?”

Against all odds, I snorted in amusement. “Honestly, I have no idea.”

“We just solved a quadruple kidnapping.” Hi shrugged. “That’s a good day, right?”

I nodded, but felt empty inside. A man had died.

An awful, evil man—one who’d fully intended to kill me. But it felt wrong to celebrate. A part of me was actually upset.

Ella read my mood. “I don’t feel sorry for that maniac. He was going to kill us both. Hawfield got what he deserved.”

“Truth.” But Ben’s eyes gave him away. He was troubled, too.

I was about to respond—with what, I have no idea—when flashing lights appeared in the distance.

“Crap, cops!” Then Hi did a double-take. “Wait, cops! That’s good this time!”

“Why are they out here?” Shelton asked. “Did anyone call them?”

Everyone shook their head.

“The gunshots?” Hi ventured. “Maybe some old lady lives in a shoe around here.”

My mind cleared. The police’s unexpected arrival clarified what to do.

“You three need to leave, right now.” I whistled for Coop, then snagged his collar when he approached. “Take the SUV and go. I’ll stay with Ella and handle the fallout.”

“Out of your mind,” Ben said immediately.

“I’m serious! You especially. There’s no reason for the cops to know you were here.”

“But how?” Hi waved at the driveway. “That cruiser is coming down the only road.”

“There’s a back way off the grounds,” Shelton said quickly. “Farther down this access road. We could drive away without anybody knowing.”

“I’m not leaving Tory to face this alone,” Ben insisted. “Get serious!”

The flashing lights grew closer, red and blue beams reflecting off the forest canopy overhead. A single police car was creeping down the driveway. Would reach the lot in moments.

“She’s right.” Hi stepped to Ben. “You can’t afford more bad publicity. Not again. Not right after the Gamemaster thing. And if you’re going, Shelton and I might as well bolt, too.” He turned. “No offense, Tor, but it makes the most sense for you to stay with Ella.”

“None taken. I completely agree.”

“I won’t tell anyone you guys were here,” Ella promised. “Not one word.”

Ben wagged his head in disbelief. “You’re all nuts.”

I turned to Ella. “Can you give us a minute alone?”

She nodded, strode a dozen yards across the parking lot. Arm-wrapping her body, she watched the cruiser’s cautious approach.

Shelton and Hi began to fidget, no doubt counting down the seconds.

I spoke softly. “The cops will eat you alive, Benjamin Blue. You have to go.”

Ben tensed, ready to argue.

“Detective Hawfield died. This is going to get serious. It’s way too much heat for you. Please be sensible.”

Ben hesitated. Then his shoulders slumped.

“Maybe you’re right.” Deep breath. “But you’re taking away the other possibility, too.”

“I don’t understand.” I glanced over my shoulder at the approaching vehicle. “What other possibility?”

He smiled wanly. “Ben Blue, The Hero. That kinda would’ve been nice.”

I paused, at a loss for words. My heart broke for him.

“But that’s okay.” Ben dug keys from his pocket. “After all, we’re Virals, not heroes. And that’s fine. Plus, I’m not really the hero type.”

He turned to leave.

Impulsively, I grabbed Ben’s arm. Pulled him close.

Smashed my lips against his.

The kiss only lasted a second, but also an eternity.

Then I stepped back and shoved Ben toward the Explorer.

“Of course you’re the type.” I was grateful the darkness hid my blushes. “Now go.”

Ben stared, stricken, thunderstruck. Hi and Shelton watched, wide-eyed with shock.

“Weirdest birthday ever,” Hi whispered.

“Go!” I shooed them with both hands. “Hurry!”

Their paralysis broke. United in purpose, the boys piled into the SUV. I pushed Cooper in after them, ignoring his whines of protest.

Ben cranked the engine. Wearing a goofy grin, he spun the tires, then raced down the access road with his headlights off. The Explorer quickly vanished from sight.

Ella hurried back to my side. “What’d you say to convince him?”

My lips quirked. “I opted for surprise instead.”

Ella looked at me curiously, but let the comment slide.

I took a deep breath. “You ready for this?”

Ella flashed a shaky smile. “Absolutely not. Stay close.”

So we waited, holding hands, as the cruiser finally pulled into the lot.

The car rolled to a stop. The door opened. A familiar figure heaved himself out.

“Great day in the morning! It’s true!”

I almost smiled.

Inside, my wheels were spinning.

Maybe.

I strode to the car. “Hello, Captain Corcoran. How’d you end up at Drayton Hall?”

“Expert police work,” he shot back. “What in the world are you doing here? Not being kidnapped, I see.”

“Saving my life!” Ella said hotly. “No thanks to you!”

Recognizing her, Corcoran started. “Aren’t you supposed to be kidnapped?”

“Everyone relax.” I squeezed Ella’s shoulder, then turned my full attention on Corcoran.

“Let’s talk, Captain. We have a lot to tell you. Most of which you aren’t going to like.”

Corcoran frowned. “I’ve got enough problems already.”

“Sorry, but things are about to get worse.” I forced a smile. “But I’ve got a proposal that might interest you.”