Page 128 of Asher's Assignment
“Oh, stop trying to be charming,” Edie said. “We know you’re not.”
“You’re right”—the smile disappeared from his face—“I’m not.” He raised his gun.
It was like déjà vu for Esther. Except this time, she was saving her sister. Shoving Edie, she stepped forward. “Stop trying to shoot people I love.”
He lowered the gun barrel toward the floor. “I’m beginning to question if you’re the right mother for my daughter. What kind of person steps in front of a gun on purpose? Twice?”
Before Esther could react, he darted a hand out and grabbed hold of her arm, yanking her forward.
Fire ripped through her abdomen at the abrupt movement. She winced, but held back the cry of pain. Little more than a soft grunt escaped.
“But you’re still better than that bitch, Lindy.” He pulled Esther against him, putting his face next to her ear. “I bet you’ll make smart babies too. So long as they don’t get your penchant for chivalry.”
Esther’s stomach revolted as he nuzzled her neck.
Edie took a step forward. Lennox’s gun lifted, aiming at her chest.
“Uh-uh-uh, big sister. You better watch your step. Little sister can’t step in to save you this time.”
Fury fairly shot from Edie’s eyes, like bolts of lightning. She balled her fists at her side, and her chest heaved as she glared at him.
Lennox stepped back. “Let’s go.” He tipped his head toward the dining room.
Edie and Faye edged around him. Esther caught her sister’s gaze as she moved past. The look in her eyes said she would pounce at the first opportunity.
Saying a silent prayer her ambush would work out in their favor, Esther let him propel her forward. Edie and their mother walked ahead. She saw Edie glance down the hall, then stumble. Faye caught her, holding her for a second before letting go.
“That’s far enough.”
They’d reached the living room.
“What are you going to do to us?” Edie asked.
“My plan was to sneak in, take Esther, and leave everyone alive.”
“You still can,” Esther said. “I’ll go with you. Just leave them alone.” She didn’t really want to go with him. It was more of a ploy to stall him than anything else. Help shouldn’t be far away. Even if he took her up on her offer, they likely wouldn’t get far. There were multiple cameras Asher could access to get vehicle information. He’d find her before they ever left the area.
“Esther!” Faye’s back straightened. “That’s a horrible idea.”
“It’s fine, Mom,” Esther said through clenched teeth.
“Esther Jean, it is not fine.” Faye took a couple of steps forward, the mama bear coming out. She shook a finger in Lennox’s face. “Listen here, you pathetic waste of space.”
Esther chanced a glance at Lennox. Shock had made his mouth go a little slack. She bit back a smile.
“If you think I’m going to let you walk out of here with my baby, you’re dumber than a box of stubby crayons. Even if you kill me and Edie, where do you think you’re gonna go that Asher and his friends won’t find you? Do you know what they can do? Do you know how they found you the first time?”
His shock morphed into curiosity. Esther widened her eyes, trying to tell her mother to stop talking. They didn’t need to give away all the Wagner Brigade’s secrets.
But Faye was too wound up to notice. She took a step closer. Lennox shifted, turning slightly as he put some space between them.
“Stay back.” He aimed the gun in her direction, but Esther noticed he kept the tip pointed down.
She sent a quick look back. Was he second-guessing things?
“Go ahead. Shoot me.” Faye tapped her chest, then held her arms wide. “See how well she cooperates after you kill her mother. Do it. Do it!” She lunged forward, making him spin.
The abrupt movement was too much for Esther’s healing muscles this time, and she cried out in pain, sagging into his hold.
