There’s a slight twinge of pain in my shoulder, but it’s bearable.
The graze of a bullet. I’ve had worse—it barely touched my skin.
A mixture of smells fills the air, combining with the sound of heavy breathing.
My hands are tied behind my back and I almost snicker in disbelief.
They tied me up in rope.Rope.
My fucking legs aren't even bound.
I crack one eye open and take in my surroundings, making a mental tally of at least fifteen people all around me.
I can't see behind me, but I clock two men posted at every corner of what looks like an abandoned warehouse.
All armed.
Three tables line the walls with what looks like various drugs, which are being packaged by young women.
Maniac.
These women can’t be more than twenty years old.
They are unarmed and obviously terrified.
I hear a muffled sound, feeling her before I see her.
I stumble to my knees and look over my shoulder, only to find Ria bound and gagged on a wicker chair. She’s staring straight at me with relief in her eyes, ignoring CJ, who’s sitting right beside her with his legs crossed in front of him and a gun resting between his knees.
He's staring at me too, a malevolent smirk on his face. His hand hovers over his weapon.
The coward won't do shit unless ordered. That much is obvious.
I turn my focus back to my wife.
Her black hair is in disarray and plastered to her face. Dirt and blood streak her face, caking her arms. Her clothes are torn in various places and there's blood splatter and grime all over her.
I know, without a doubt, my girl put up a fight.
Are you okay?I mouth the words to her, wishing I could just toss her over my shoulder and run.
Her eyes are rimmed with red and she nods faintly to me, flinching when her attention is caught by something over my shoulder.
I straighten and turn my eyes upward. I spot Director Villegas, followed by the elusive man himself.
Vincent Santos.
They’re making the descent down through a spiral staircase in the middle of the room.
I let my eyes wander behind them to quickly take in a possible escape route, and I see the door they left open.A way out.
Through there is another door. I can just make out what looks to be a parking lot, right next to a body of water.
I tear my eyes away as their footsteps near the last stair. The last thing I need is them knowing I’ve scoped out a point of escape.
As they come around the bend of the staircase, they sport identical smug expressions .
Santos pauses as his eyes flicker behind me to Ria.