Page 179 of Protecting You
I’m sorry, Callan. Dad. I’m so sorry.
She shouldn’t have given him access. But should she have let him harm Peri?
Surely Dad and Callan had disabled the drones by now. Nobody else would die.
Think!
“You might still need me.” She didn’t try to hide the fear and pleading in her voice. “You might run into trouble.”
Ghazi didn’t look at the man behind him when he asked, “Are we going to run into trouble, Spencer?”
“Too soon to tell. Give me a minute.”
Ghazi smirked, then leaned against the wall beside the computer. “I suppose I can waitoneminute.”
Time slowed. Alyssa took deep breaths of cold air.
Was this where she was going to die? In this beach house, surrounded by these men?
Not that she deserved better, but Peri had never harmed a soul. She was innocent, a victim of vengeful terrorists and Alyssa’s foolishness.
Spencer looked up at Ghazi. “I have full access.”
Ghazi raised the weapon.
The door opened, and Benson poked his head in. “Someone’s here. Looks like cops.”
Ghazi didn’t lower the gun, just held it there, aimed.
Indecision played across his face.
Murderous desire.
And then, slowly, he holstered it.
“How?”
“I don’t know, but they’re almost to the?—”
Banging startled her.
“Police,” a woman yelled. “Open up.”
The police were here? Surely, Dad and Callan hadn’t trusted the cops to rescue them.
No, this must be part of a larger plan.
To Spencer, Ghazi said, “Keep working. No matter what happens, I want those drones in the air.” He looked at Benson. “If anyone besides me tries to come in here, stop them.” He nodded to Alyssa and Peri. “If you hear shooting, don’t wait for me. Kill them both.” He walked out, closing the door behind him.
Benson’s Adam’s apple bobbed, the only indication he’d heard as he stood in front of the door, handgun aimed.
Spencer continued tapping on the keyboard.
But the police were here. Rescue must be close.
Alyssa had no idea what would happen next, but she’d be ready.
CHAPTERFORTY-FOUR
