Chapter Twenty-Five

During the last few weeks, Kellan had taught Annabelle how to shoot a gun with decent accuracy, how to break the hold of someone trying to grab her, and how to defend herself in several scenarios. He did not teach her how to disarm an explosive.

When she heard a vehicle approach, she knew the cavalry had come for her. Somehow, Kellan had found her. But then Vespa held a gun to her head and forced her to don a heavy vest laden with explosives. Then the room filled with people. Ethan, Mason, Sawyer and Noah. Her eye locked on Kellan. She was so happy to see him, tears gathered. She might very well die in the next few minutes. Getting to see his face one more time was a small blessing she didn’t think she’d be afforded.

Vespa ordered her to show them the vest. Grabbing either side of the shirt the woman forced her to put on to cover the explosives, she opened it, never taking her gaze from Kellan. His eyes moved from hers to the vest and his jaw tightened. She was shocked to see the level of rage in his expression when he looked up again.

“See this?” Vespa wiggled a small black device. “It’s a dead man’s switch. I’m sure you big, strapping men know what that means, but if I let go of this button—boom! You’re all human confetti.” She spared a glance outside. “Seeing as how the shooting has stopped, I assume you’ve killed all of my men. Pity. Call your boys off. Annabelle and I are leaving now.”

“You don’t think you’re just going to walk out of here, do you,” Kellan asked, his voice a low and deadly rumble.

“As a matter of fact, I do.” She lifted her hand. “Dead man’s switch. Remember? You shoot me and—kaboom. We all die.” She nudged Annabelle forward. “Have one of your men out there bring a vehicle and leave the door open. Don’t forget to tell them about the switch.”

Annabelle knew they were all wearing comm devices, but Kellan made a show of punching numbers on his phone and pacing across the room. Vespa turned her so they could follow his movements. His coworkers were all standing with their guns at their sides, ready to spring into action. She sent them grateful smiles that they’d risked their lives to come to her aid.

Annabelle had never seen Kellan have an animated conversation, but he was having one now, gesturing and pacing. His voice was agitated as he argued with the person on the other end of the line.

“I think he’s having trouble securing our transportation, don’t you, Annabelle?” Vespa didn’t expect a response. “How about I give him some incentive.”

Before she could react, Vespa pointed the gun and fired.