Page 50 of Reclaiming Chaos
“You’re a liar,” Carlee spat out as she struggled to get out of his hold.
Russell’s hold on her tightened, the knife digging into her neck. Her eyes misted and a tear slipped free. She had to have known this was going to happen. She had to know what happens next.
“She doesn’t have it. I do,” I said, holding it up for Russell to see. “Let her go and take me instead.”
“No,” Carlee said, shaking her head as if forgetting the knife at her throat. The movement caused a small cut, and blood bubbled and slid down her neck.
“Stay still, Carlee.” I tried to reassure her. “Let me handle this.”
“You can’t bargain with him, Ridge, and don’t you dare give him that drive.”
“If it means saving your—”
“I’m not afraid to die.” She bent Russell’s hand to point the gun at herself, and she pulled the trigger. The shot threw them both off their feet. The bullet pierced straight through her body and into Russell. They both collapsed to the floor. The gun fell from his hands.
I kicked the gun out of his reach. The knife in Russell’s hold fell to the ground. His gaze was unblinking as he stared at the ceiling.
I dropped to Carlee’s side and ripped off my rental jacket and held it to her wound to stop the bleeding. Her face was pale, and her breathing labored.
“Stay with me.”
“I wish I could.” She coughed. Her lips stained red. “Meeting you was worth it.”
Her head lolled back, and her eyes closed. I leaned over her as tears formed in my eyes. “You aren’t dying on me. You hear me?”
Police and fire personnel stormed the building, several coming to his aid. They moved him away from her to look her over while others did the same to Russell.
The female officer working on Russell met his gaze. “I’m sorry. He’s gone.”
I watched as they tried to start Carlee’s heart again. They were still performing compressions when the gurney arrived and they rushed her out of sight.
I tried to follow, but the police stopped me. “We’re going to need a statement.”
By the time I produced my badge and ran out, the ambulance was pulling out of the gate. I caught it just in time to see the lights vanish.
