Текст книги "Tall, Dark and Deadly"

Автор книги: Lisa Renee Jones

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 13 (всего у книги 40 страниц)

The car screeched to a halt, and Lindsey hopped to her feet, eager to escape confinement. She walked through the subway station, refusing to give into the urge to glance over her shoulder. Pausing as she stepped onto the street, she let out a sigh of relief. The sun was bright, blinding in fact, but its warmth signaled wide open space, and her escape from below.

Determination in her steps, she walked towards Greg’s office. She wanted the truth and she intended to get it.

* * * * *

Mark ran a hand through his already-tousled hair as he approached Maggie’s desk and handed her the documents he’d edited. “I’m sorry Maggie, but I made more changes.”

Maggie smiled with her normal good nature. “Not a problem.”

Mark gave her a half smile, stress etched in his features. Being away for several days had loaded him down. But it was well worth it. “Thanks Maggie. You’re a doll.” He started to turn away.

“Mark,” Maggie said, her voice a bit hesitant.

Mark registered the oddness of her voice and turned to face her again. She was wringing her hands together, looking everywhere but in his eyes. “What is it, Maggie?” he encouraged gently. “You know you can tell me anything.”

She nodded. “I know. I just hate to get the middle of things. Lindsey—”

Mark stiffened. “Lindsey what?”

She let out a long breath. “She went out—”

“What?” Mark demanded, suddenly so tense he thought he might explode.

She gulped. “Yes, and she told me to tell you if you asked, but I didn’t think I should wait.”

“Where?”

“To see Greg.”

Mark said a choice curse word under his breath. It took him several seconds to calm down enough to think straight. Damn, he didn’t have time to chase her all over town. But she could be in danger. He cursed again and focused on Maggie, his mind made up. “Cancel my appointments.”

Maggie sighed. “I’ll do it. Sorry, Mark.”

Mark grimaced. “You did the right thing by telling me.”

Chapter Thirteen

Lindsey stood silently in Greg’s door.

Greg was sitting at his desk, head tilted down as he studied a file.

Lindsey stood silently at his door, assessing him. He was a handsome man, there was no question. His sense of style was classy, his body muscular, his shoulders broad. But there was something empty and cold about him.

Delicately she cleared her throat. His head jerked up and his eyes narrowed. She watched him closely. His expression went from calculating to welcoming. Funny how she never noticed his tactics before, yet they had to have been visible.

“Lindsey,” he said, waving her forward. “What a surprise.” He pushed to his feet and rounded the desk, his eyes making a quick perusal down her body.

He rested his hip on his desk as she moved, putting a chair between them. He was already too close for comfort.

His eyes were shrewd. He knew what she had done. “So, what do I owe the pleasure of the visit?”

Never one to mince words, Lindsey went for the jugular, just as she had in the courtroom. “I went to Vegas, Greg.” She watched for his reaction.

He didn’t even blink. “Oh?” he said. “I’m surprised you managed time for play while running the firm.”

Lindsey shook her head from side to side, disgust lacing the action. “Please don’t insult my intelligence by playing games, Greg. We both know what I found while I was in Vegas.”

If it weren’t for the muscle that jumped in his jaw, she would never have known how angry he was. The man was made for politics. “The only games I want to play with you, Lindsey, are between the sheets.”

His words were meant to rattle her. A sorry method, low down and dirty. Lindsey almost laughed, despite the flashbacks to their past. “I can only be thankful those days are over.” The words were out before she could stop them. She felt them with so much intensity they had simply spilled from her lips.

An evil smirk appeared on his lips. “I don’t believe you. You liked it, and you know it.” His eyes traveled down her legs in a slow, penetrating gaze that made her skin crawl. “I’ve always had a thing for leggy blondes, darling, and you certainly fit that bill.”

His crudeness floored her. This was a new side of Greg. She ignored his comment. “You knew the Vegas murders were connected to the local cases.”

“I knew no such thing,” he said, but his arms crossed in front of his body. A defensive stance.

Her tone alone accused. Her words were like knives. “It didn’t serve your political agenda, so you covered up the connection.”

He laughed, but it sounded bitter. “You’re barking up the wrong tree.” He paused and narrowed his eyes at her. “Kind of like you did with Hudson.”

Lindsey gave him a level gaze. “Nice try, but I know they’re all connected. I was right about Hudson, and you know it as well as I do.”

He pushed off the desk and took a step towards her. Lindsey automatically moved a little farther behind the chair. “You’re getting a little too cocky for your own good, Lindsey.”

She studied him, trying to read his words. “What does that mean, Greg?” she asked. “It sounds like a threat.”

He took another step, but this time she forced herself to stand still. The door was open. She was safe. The thought hit her like a punch in the stomach. Why would Greg be dangerous? But her instincts said he was. As if to confirm the truth, he said, “You don’t want to cross me.”

Lindsey refused to back off. The victims and their families deserved justice. “You cost lives with your little oversight. I think the press would be very interested.”

He moved swiftly, so swiftly that he was holding her arms before she knew what was happening. “Do it, and I can assure you the press will get an earful about Paxton. I’ll be sure your daddy is ruined.”

Shock and anger twisted in her gut. It was hard to believe she had ever been with this man. She responded in a low voice, through clenched teeth. “Get your hands off me.”

He reached up and ran a finger down her cheek. “Aw, but you like my hands, now don’t you, Lindsey?” He moved as if he might kiss her.

Lindsey turned her head to the side and tugged at her arm.

“Let her go.”

Relief washed over Lindsey at the sound of Mark’s voice. One look at his tense jaw, dark eyes, and tightly drawn body told her he was ready for a fight. Greg dropped her arm as if burned, turning to face Mark. His actions spoke of nervousness, but his voice was cool. “Well, well, the cavalry is here. Hot on her trail, are you, Mark?”

Mark’s gaze settled on Greg’s face in an unblinking stare. “What exactly were you trying to prove, or do you make a habit of manhandling ladies?” he said through clenched teeth, not showing any emotions on his carefully masked face.

Greg’s lips twitched. “I was simply renewing an old friendship.”

Lindsey wanted to say something, but it was clear this had become a battle of wills between the two men. She walked to Mark’s side, but he never took his eyes off Greg. She managed a voice that was remarkably steady. “Greg was warning me not to cross him or he would ruin Paxton.”

Mark still had Greg locked in a cold stare. “Is that so?”

“Just a conversation between friends,” he explained. “We were just saying how dangerous it could be to get into media wars. She made her point, and I demonstrated mine.” He smiled with smug satisfaction. “Quite effectively I believe.”

Mark was silent for a long moment, as if calculating his move or calming his temper. Lindsey wasn’t sure which. “We all know what has gone down, so let’s make this simple,” Mark said, a bite to his tone. “Drop the charges against Williams and make this easy on us all.”

Greg crossed his arms, back in his defensive posture. “Not gonna happen.”

Mark inclined his head. “Then we’ll see you in court.”

Mark turned to leave, followed by Lindsey, and Greg spoke to his retreating back. “The media war won’t be friendly. Keep that in mind.”

Mark turned slowly. “No, you keep that in mind. Don’t underestimate my ability to come out on top.”

Lindsey followed Mark out the door, thinking of the ease at which his arrogant exterior slipped into place. It wasn’t a show, though she knew he had a much softer side. She’d witnessed it firsthand. He really believed he was better than most, and with a sigh of resignation, Lindsey thought he probably was. Not that she would ever tell him that.

Calming now, she started to process the events that had just played out. She stopped walking. Mark stopped with her as if he had been monitoring her footsteps. He looked at her expectantly.

“Why are you here?” she demanded.

He stared at her as if she had lost her mind. “This is not the time or place for this conversation.”

Who made him the almighty deciding factor? “I think it is.”

He reached for her arm but she jerked out of his grasp and pointed at him. “Don’t.”

He surprised her by moving so close their bodies were practically touching. “I will not apologize for being worried about you.”

“I can take care of myself. I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Running off alone while a killer is stalking you says different.”

She glared. “Go to hell, Mark.” She started to walk.

His hand snaked out, catching her arm, and turning her towards him. “I am not letting you walk out of here alone. Either walk with me or I swear to God I will throw you over my shoulder and carry you out of here.”

He meant to do as he said. As much as she didn’t want to go with him, she didn’t want to make a scene. Her lips thinned with barely contained fury. “Fine,” she said through clenched teeth.

Together they walked to the front of the building. Lindsey toyed with the idea of darting once she was on the street but decided against it. Immaturity and misplaced anger wasn’t going to get her anywhere. Instead, she let Mark hail a cab.

They rode in silence, both staring out the opposite windows. Her anger turned to thoughts about the case, her anger at Mark becoming secondary. “We should call Vegas.”

Mark nodded, giving her a quick look. “Yes, they have a right to know they were duped.”

She nodded. The pleasure of setting the two men free was clouded by the thought of a vicious killer still being on the prowl. “There is enough evidence to at least get Hudson a new trial, and probably free Williams.”

Mark turned and met her gaze. “Let’s think this through. We can’t alert this creep that we are onto him.”

Lindsey swallowed. As much as she hated the truth to his words, she had to agree. Hudson deserved his life back, but it was more important to ensure no one else became a victim.

“We need to call Steve,” Mark added.

Lindsey nodded. “I’ll call and see if he can come over as soon as we get to the office.”

Mark slid across the seat, his finger going to her chin. His face was so close, his expression so dark, that Lindsey’s breath caught in her throat. “Don’t,” he said in a dangerously soft voice, “pull a stunt like this one again.” Lindsey opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off. “And don’t get on your high horse,” he added. “This is not a game, or even a power play. This is life,” he paused for meaning, “and death.”

His words cut like a knife and she shivered. He was right. Death was in the air.

* * * * *

A single white posy in a simple vase sat on the reception desk. Without asking, Lindsey knew who it was for. And who it was from.

Mark’s hands settled on her shoulders and she leaned back against him, needing the source of strength he offered. Forgotten was the argument over Greg.

Judy reached for the vase. “More flowers.”

“Don’t touch that,” Mark said sharply. Judy recoiled, looking wounded by his tone. Mark turned Lindsey to look at him. “You okay?”

Lindsey nodded automatically. “I need to call Steve.” And she turned away from Mark, needing to get to her office. She mentally searched for her composure. By the time she called Steve, she was beginning to pull herself together. Her hand was remarkably steady as she hung up the receiver.

She squeezed her eyes shut, and inhaled and exhaled several times. Her head fell back on the chair, and she tried to relax her body. She jumped as Mark leaned over her, his hands on the arms of her chair. She could hardly believe she hadn’t heard his approach. “Wow,” he said in a calming voice. “It’s just me.”

“I can’t believe I didn’t hear you.”

Mark kneeled down in front of her, his hands sliding to her knees. “The mind has a strange way of sensing danger. I’m not dangerous to you. You have good instincts. I’m sure, had I been someone else, you would have been alert well before you were.”

His words didn’t support what he had said to her in the past. “But you don’t believe in instinct, remember?”

Mark gave her a reassuring smile. “Not in myself, but I’ve learned to trust yours.”

“Don’t,” she said flatly. “I’ve done nothing but get us all in trouble.”

His fingers tightened on her legs. “That’s far from the truth. You were right all along. If people would have listened to you, things might have been solved a long time ago. People like Greg, who hid the facts for personal gain, caused this hell.”

The intercom went off. “Steve is here,” Judy stated.

“Send him in,” Mark said, and then returned his focus to Lindsey. “Don’t start doubting yourself. We need your instincts more than ever.”

Lindsey smiled but didn’t say anything. Mark straightened to his full height and with his normal grace moved to the office door and opened it. Steve stood there about to knock. Mark offered him his hand. “Glad you’re here.”

Steve stepped into the room, his eyes on Lindsey “You can’t seem to get rid of this particular case, can you?”

Garth walked through the door directly behind Steve, and shook Mark’s hand. He gave Lindsey a quick nod. She tried to smile, but couldn’t. “What do you think, Steve?” she said, wanting to get on with finding answers.

“I have the flower being taken to the lab right now,” he said walking towards her and sitting down in a chair.

“We won’t find anything though,” Garth added. “You know that. No florist tag, and Judy said the delivery person wasn’t more than fifteen or sixteen. Probably grabbed off the street and paid to bring it up.” Garth sat in the chair next to Steve.

“Did you read the card?” Steve asked.

Lindsey swallowed back the queasiness that was lifting to her throat. She could feel the eyes of the room watching her. Steve pulled a piece of paper and slid it on the desk in front of her. “I wrote down what it said. The lab will, of course, need the actual card.”

She read it in silence, Mark walking behind her to lean over her shoulder.

Ring around the rosy

Pocket full of posies

Ashes, ashes they all fall down.

I knew you would come back. Tonight we celebrate.

Lindsey pressed her palms on the desk, trying to hide the way they shook. Mark squeezed her shoulder in silent support.

Steve reached for the piece of paper as if he was afraid Lindsey would read it again. “His fixation on you is confirmed.”

Lindsey’s hand closed down on the paper. “No. Do you understand what he is saying . . .” She looked around the room. “Tonight we celebrate. He plans to kill another woman.”

“Tonight,” Mark said.

“But not you,” Garth said quietly.

Lindsey focused on Garth. “How do you know?”

“Instincts,” he said. “You’re not the only one who follows them. It’s not you. He’s toying with you.”

Steve looked at Lindsey. “The words ‘ashes to ashes’ and the choice of the posy are both symbolic of death.”

“What are the chances he will harm Lindsey?” Mark asked.

Garth responded again, “I don’t think she’s in immediate danger. Right now he appears to be enjoying the game.”

“But,” Steve interjected, “we can’t take chances.” He jabbed a finger at the note. “He could be talking about Lindsey.”

“Either way,” Lindsey said, “he plans to kill again tonight.”

“Any evidence found at the apartment?” Mark asked.

Steve looked at Mark. “Nothing helpful, I’m afraid.”

Lindsey’s mind was racing. “He’ll go to the Pink Panther to choose his victim. I’m sure of it.”

“It fits,” Steve said. “The question is, will he expect us to be there?”

Steve looked from Mark to Lindsey. “Will he, Lindsey?”

Lindsey thought a minute. “If he’s been watching me, which we have to assume he has, then yes. He knows I have been there and that I know it’s his place.” She paused. “He knows I know.”

Mark shook his head. “It’s going to be impossible to catch the guy. He probably picked the victim weeks ago. I can’t believe he will grab her at the Pink Panther.”

Steve replied, “He might. These guys get bolder and bolder.”

Lindsey tapped her fingers on the desk. “We need to throw him a curve ball.”

The room fell silent while everyone fell seemed to consider her words. “Me,” Lindsey said, unable to think of anything else. “I’m the curve ball. The last thing he will expect is for me to come walking into the Pink Panther. His attention will turn.”

“Oh, no, forget it!” Mark declared, his face etched with tension. “You are not going to be the lure for some psychotic killer.”

Lindsey bit back the nasty retort that formed on her lips. He was just worried. “Mark,” she said. “We’re talking about stopping this guy once and for all. I’m trained to deal with this kind of thing. That other woman he plans to kill isn’t.”

Garth’s eyes were alert but he kept quiet. Steve exchanged a glance with him and then gave Mark a level stare. “Look, I know how worried you are, but Lindsey is a trained professional.”

Mark started to protest, but Steve held his hands up stop-sign fashion. “Wait,” he said. “Hear me out.” Mark exhaled, his eyes hot with anger. Steve continued, “Lindsey is more to me than a job. She’s a friend. I don’t like this one bit, but it makes sense. We need to save lives.”

Mark practically yelled his response. “She’s a damn target for a serial killer.” He walked to the window, giving them all his back. As if he needed distance to calm himself.

Lindsey and Steve stared at one another. “Why don’t I go back to my office and give you two time to talk.” Steve pushed to his feet, followed by Garth. “Call me when you make a decision, but we don’t have much time.”

Lindsey nodded. “We’ll call you soon.”

The two men left without another word, pulling the door shut behind them. Mark kept his back to the room. Lindsey approached him and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his back. “Thanks for worrying about me.”

Mark turned to face her, his hands on her waist. “Please don’t do this.”

She cupped his face with her palm and he rubbed his jaw against her hand. “Mark—”

“You’re going to, aren’t you,” he said, taking her hand in his.

She gave him an understanding look. “I have to. Other people could die if I don’t.”

“There has to be another way.”

She tried to make him feel better. “I’m a trained professional, and if it will make you feel better, I will tell them if you aren’t in the observation van I won’t do it.”

He nodded. “I definitely want to be with you.”

Lindsey gave him an understanding smile. “We better go to Steve’s office.”

Mark cursed. “I have to be in court in an hour. It won’t take long, but nevertheless, I have to go.” He paused. “I don’t like the idea of you going anywhere alone right now.”

“Mark—”

He raised a staying hand. “I know,” he said. “You can protect yourself. You’re a trained professional.”

“I’ll meet you at Steve’s. Call me when you get out of court.”

* * * * *

As soon as Mark was gone, Lindsey grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

She needed to go by her apartment and grab a few things. It had been days since she had restocked. She needed clothes desperately. Digging her cell out of her purse, she dialed Steve’s desk, figuring he was already back in his office. “Bryant here.”

“Oh, Garth, hey. Is Steve around?”

“I’m not sure where he went. He was just here.”

“Oh,” she said. “Then will you tell him I am stopping by my apartment and then I’ll be there. Mark is in court, so he may or may not join us.”

“Not a problem. I’ll pass things along. Be careful out there on your own.”

Lindsey grunted. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m a trained professional, remember?”

He laughed. “Yeah, I know. We all know, but this guy is good at what he does too,” he reminded her. “Just keep that in mind.”

Seconds later she ended the call and the coddling which seemed to be coming at her from all directions. Deciding against a cab, she took off walking. It would clear her head and give her time to think. Mulling over the investigation made the walk go by quickly. Before she knew it, she was hitting the elevator button to her floor. A few minutes later she entered her apartment, tossed her purse on the entrance table, and headed to the refrigerator. No way was she going to think about him being here. She refused to be intimidated. A cool drink was in order after her brisk walk. Grabbing a bottle of water, she tipped her head back, letting the cool liquid soothe her throat and body.

Stepping into her bedroom, she began pulling items out of her drawer, her eyes avoiding the bed. Suddenly, this didn’t seem like such a great idea. She wanted to get out of there and fast. She started to turn, eager to grab a suitcase and go.

All the sudden she was off balance, pulled backwards as a large hand closed over her mouth. This was it, here and now; she was the next chosen victim. The note had been about her. Panic seized her, as she felt something slip over her head, covering her face, a sweater cap perhaps. She didn’t want to die. She didn’t. Willing herself to calm, to remember her training, she forced herself to take even breaths but the cloth over her face took all the air. The hot breath of her attacker was on her face, his mouth so near, his hands on her body.

Her skin crawled with his touch, her stomach twisting. He hadn’t spoken . . . she wanted to hear his voice, to know if she knew this person. He tugged her against his body with such force, she grunted from the impact. A second later, she felt her back hit the mattress.

No! She squirmed, not wanting to be trapped, kicking and punching. But then he was on her, one of his long legs wrapped around her left leg, his hands holding her hands over her head. Before he could trap her second leg, she brought her knee up and rammed it into his groin. He gasped, and for a split second he let her hands go, and that was all the time she needed. She reached for the nightstand, grabbing the phone and smashing it into his head. He hollered out and she rolled off the bed, frantically yanking the cap off her head.

Her only thought was to get to her gun, no looking back, no worry about his identity. She needed her gun. She made it to the bedroom door before her feet came out from under her. His grip on her ankle so tight it made her cry out. But then she hit the floor, palms flat, her body feeling the jolt from head to toe. Twisting around, she intended to kick him in the face, but she momentarily froze.

It was Garth.

He laughed, clearly enjoying her shock, his hand inching up her leg. The pure evil in his eyes brought her back to reality. She kicked him in the face as hard as she could, high heels and all. “Bitch,” he yelled, blood gushing from his forehead. He reached for her free foot, trying to get it before she kicked him again.

She reached for a corner lamp and pulled it on top of him, kicking at the same time. His hand slipped off her leg, and she scrambled forward in a crawl. But he was fast. He shoved the lamp aside, and grabbed hold of her shoulders. “I like it when you fight, Lindsey.” She felt his body press into hers, his hips against her backside. She wanted to throw up. “We’re going to have fun, you and I.”

She shook her head, fighting her emotions, her fear. “Why? Why are you doing this?” she whispered through trembling lips.

“Because I want you,” he said in a taunt, his lips by her ear. “And I am going to have you. I’ve waited forever for you. I even tried to replace you, but those other woman just weren’t good enough.” He licked the side of her face. She was trembling, and she tried to stop. Something told her he got off on her fear.

“You’re sick,” she whispered.

“No, I’m smart. I kept you guessing. Admit it.” His words were filled with pride so sickening Lindsey felt her head spinning. “You connected the murders, but never to me.”

She wanted to know the truth.. “Vegas? How did you manage those killings when you were here?”

He smiled. “Ah, but I wasn’t. I took a leave of absence to care for my poor, sick grandma in Texas.”

Lindsey shut her eyes tightly. “And Hudson, you planted the DNA evidence.”

“Yep, nice inside track I have, don’t you think?”

Her palms pressed into the floor. She had to get away. “You’ll never get away with this.”

“I have so far.” He moved, rising to his feet, and she thanked the good lord to have him off her. He yanked her to her feet and pushed her back against the wall, hands over her head.

“I hope you burn in hell,” she spat as she struggled against his legs, trying to keep hers free.

He laughed. “You wound me, Lindsey. I think you should kiss me and make me feel better.”

No matter how hard she tried to fight the panic that was welling up inside, or the nausea at the thought of his lips on hers, she couldn’t. She twisted her head to the side and he moved his hand into her hair and yanked her head backwards. “Uh-uh, I want my kiss.”

Tears welled in her eyes as his mouth came towards her. She wanted to sink into the ground and disappear. Why hadn’t she listened to Mark when he warned her about going out alone? And then his mouth was on hers, and her fighting instincts kicked in. The instant his tongue passed her teeth, she bit down as hard as she could.

“Ah!” he yelled, pulling back in shock as his hand went to his mouth. He backhanded her. “I’m bleeding, you bitch.”

Taking advantage of one free hand, Lindsey hit him in the face and twisted to try and get away. He pulled her by the hair and then slapped her again. This time harder. “Stop fighting and make this easy on yourself.”

Dragging her by her hair, he yanked her back to the bed. Lindsey cried out, feeling as if her hair was coming out by the roots. She kicked him, and he hit her again. Pain lashed through her cheek and eye, making her shake from head to foot. Or maybe it was from a combination of fear and adrenaline. Darkness threatened to take over as spots appeared in front of her eyes.

In her head, she yelled. No!

She wasn’t ready to die.

* * * * *

Standing in front of the courthouse, sticky with perspiration, Mark dialed Lindsey’s cell phone, trying to remain calm.

This was his third attempt with no answer. Pacing the sidewalk he felt tense, agitated, afraid. Where was she? Something was wrong, really wrong. He felt it in every inch of his body. Maggie had confirmed Lindsey had gone to Steve’s but Steve hadn’t seen her.

He dialed Steve again. “She’s not answering her phone, home or cell. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

Steve cursed into the phone. “I’m going to head to her apartment since it’s only a few blocks from where I’m at. But then—”

“Just go, and I’ll meet you there. Just be careful. I’ll be about ten minutes behind you.”

Mark hung up and started to run down the street, feeling his pulse pounding in his temple. Wherever Lindsey was, she needed him, he could feel it. It felt like forever, though it was only minutes, before he arrived at her apartment. He took the stairs two at a time, not bothering with the elevator.

Standing in front of her door, he raised his hand to knock, but then dropped it. Instead, he tested the doorknob. When it turned, he knew it wasn’t good. He fought the urge to run through the door, and yell Lindsey’s name. Pushing the door open, he tried to see what he could hear.

Then Lindsey screamed.

Mark took off running, headed towards her voice, desperate to get to her. Red-hot rage exploded inside when he saw the man on top of her. Lunging forward, he reached for the man’s shirt, yanking him off of her body. “You son of a bitch!” he screamed as he flung him to the ground.

Mark’s breathing was erratic as he took in Lindsey’s bruised face, pain wrenching at his heart.

A low growl from the attacker drew his attention. Realization hit with a bitter sting. “Garth?”

The other man let out a burst of harsh laughter, pushing to his feet and lunging at Mark all in one move. His arms wrapped around Mark’s waist, as he sent him stumbling backwards. Mark managed to get his arms under the other man’s, and pry him off. Garth countered by throwing a punch, but Mark managed to block it.

* * * * *

Pure adrenaline powered Lindsey now. Her mind went back to her options. Gun. In purse by door. Had to get to her gun. She kept repeating her objective in her head, afraid the fog would take over. Stumbling, fighting dizziness, she managed to make it through the room and into the hall. She stumbled, falling to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks. Crawling the rest of the way, she found her purse and dumped it.

The front door burst open, and then Steve was there, squatting down beside her. “Oh, God,” he said. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, swallowing a sob as she grabbed his arm. “Help Mark. It’s Garth, Steve. It’s Garth.”

Steve frowned, but he acted without haste as his training dictated, pulling his gun and rounding the corner with stealth-like speed. Steve holstered his gun as he took in the two men going hand to hand. He might shoot Mark. He had no option but to do this the physical way.

He moved forward, yanking Garth from behind just as Mark jabbed him with a right hook to the face. Garth toppled over on Steve, knocking him to the ground. In a split second, Garth flipped around and yanked Steve’s gun from his holster.

Pointing the gun at Steve, he laughed, “Too slow,” he spat. “Get up.” Cutting a sideways glance at Mark, he added, “One wrong move and he’s dead.”

“Drop the gun, Garth,” Lindsey said from the doorway, her gun pointed at him.

She felt Mark’s eyes. “Lindsey—”

“I’m fine Mark.” But she wasn’t and she knew it.

Garth sneered at her. “No you’re not, darling. You’re bleeding. Why don’t you just hand over that gun and sit your pretty little ass down. Poppa will be right over to kiss it all better.”

Mark took a step towards Garth. “You son of—”

“Call off your dog, Lindsey,” Garth warned. “Or Steve’s a dead man.” He jabbed the gun to Steve’s temple.