Damn, even he believed that terrified tone.
“Stay back,” the young man yelped. “Just listen.” He swiped a shaking arm across his forehead, while his other hand clutched a small detonator attached to a cord. “I have to read something.” He fumbled in his pocket.
“Please.” Hadley did a stellar impression of pure terror. “I don’t want to die.”
She moved closer, and Bennett moved in behind her.
The bomber looked up and met Bennett’s gaze. He blanched. “M-Mr. Knightley, you aren’t supposed to be here.”
No, it had been a last-minute decision to attend, when he’d heard Killian and Hadley would be here. Bennett realized two concerning things. One, the bomber was wearing a Secura tactical vest. And two, Bennett recognized the young man.
“Archie, put the detonator down,” Bennett said calmly. “Let’s talk—”
“I can’t. They’ll hurt her.” He let out a sob. “I can’t. It’s too late.”
Bennett studied the detonator. Thankfully, it didn’t have a dead man switch.
Hadley moved closer, without looking like she meant to. He needed to keep Archie’s attention off her.
“It’s going to be fine.” Bennett held up a placating hand. “Now, just let me—”
Hadley struck.
She threw the knife, which slammed into the joint between Archie’s shoulder and neck.
The young man cried out, dropping the detonator, leaving it swinging by the cord attached to the vest.
Whirling around, Hadley kicked him in the head. Then, Bennett dove, tackling Archie to the floor.
He kept the man pinned as Hadley opened his jacket.
“It’s a fake.” She shook her head, and met Bennett’s gaze, relief in her eyes. “It’s not real.”
“Security!” Bennett bellowed. “It’s a fake, but let’s not take any chances. Clear the party out.”
Everyone seemed frozen.
“Everyone out, now!” he shouted.
There was a flurry of activity.
Killian appeared beside them, looking unperturbed. “Have you got this under control?”
Hadley nodded.
“I’ll deal with security, and call the police.”
Bennett lifted his head. His and Hadley’s faces were only inches apart.
“You sure know how to liven up the party, Ms. Lockwood,” he said. “Nice takedown.”
“Thanks. You weren’t too bad yourself.” She arched a brow at him. “You know this guy?”
Archie was sobbing hard, incoherent.
Bennett blew out a breath. “Yes, unfortunately, I do. He works for Secura.”
CHAPTERTWO