EVERYTHING WENT SILENT.

George’s smile froze as his eyes fixed on something over Ellie’s shoulder. Puzzled, she started to turn, but an arm looping around her neck stopped her midmotion. Something pressed against her temple, and she could feel the metal, hard and cold, even through her knit hat.

“You move, and she’s dead,” a voice rasped in her ear.

George’s hands raised to shoulder level. His gaze was fixed on the gun, and his expression was so cold that he didn’t even look like himself.

“Don’t you try anything, either, pretty girl.” The man’s voice changed when he talked to her, syrupy and sickening. “If you don’t make a fuss, then no one gets hurt. And if you do…”

He didn’t need to finish the rest.