Boom, ta da, boom, ta da, boom, ta da, boom.
The constancy of its rhythm spurred me on, yet at the same time, it reminded me of my inherent vulnerability—that I was only one man, and without the use of my hands, I was even less capable.
Pushing the niggling self-doubt away, I inched behind Baron, offering the two motionless men left in the cell another cursory glance.Both were sprawled and still, suggesting neither of them was getting up any time soon, but paranoia lingered.What if they were only feigning unconsciousness the way I had?What if, at any moment, one of them jumped up and attacked me?
Stop it.
My jaw tightened as I mentally scolded myself.We’d got that far based on our strategy and experience, and with Baron armed with a weapon, we were going to be all right.I just wished I could say the same for Erin.
Tension knotted in my stomach as I considered what fate might have waited for her since I’d been locked away, my mind landing on the inevitable conclusion: if Hawkins had doneanythingto harm her, his would be the next unresponsive form.
“He said he was keeping her in his office.”
My voice was hushed as I peered anxiously around the hallway.It was currently empty, but we had no way of knowing how long it would remain that way.Hawkins was bound to have a collection of mindless goons working for him, and any of them could have been just around the corner.
Normally, that would have amounted to little more than just ‘another day in the office’ for the likes of Baron and me, but with my wrists still cuffed behind my back, the energy coursing around my system was less determination and more trepidation.
How would I cope with whatever impending onslaught awaited?Sure, I could kick out and headbutt anyone looking for trouble, but without my hands, my efficacy would be limited.The sense of impotency swelling inside me wasn’t something I was used to.
I have to find a key to unlock the cuffs.Turning toward Baron, I followed him along the wall.The sooner, the better.
“Do you know where his office is?”Baron risked a glance in my direction, his voice as low as mine had been.“I realize that’s a long shot, but…”
“No.”Though, for the life of me, I wished I did.“But my guess is it’s as far away from our cell as possible.Hawkins never did like to get his hands dirty.”
“Agreed.”Baron turned away, his focus on the corridor ahead.“The good news is, this gun is fully loaded.That could help us out.”
“Excellent,” I breathed from behind him.
We could use more good news.
“Why is it so bloody hot in here?”
Stretching my neck, I wished I could open the buttons of my damn shirt, but naturally, Hawkins’ cuffs prevented that simple deed.I hadn’t noticed the absurd temperature while we’d been locked in our pen, but as soon as we’d made it to the corridor, the malaise had hit me.
“It really is.”Blowing out a breath, Baron shook his head.“Perhaps he keeps the heat high because the temperature outside is so low.Do you recall if it was still frozen outside when you arrived?I was bundled in so fast that I can’t remember.”
“Not really.”I strained my mind to try and recall “I was being dragged by the neck for most of it, so the temperature wasn’t really on my mind…”
“Understood.”Baron sighed.“I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we find your woman and get out of here.”
Your woman.
I straightened at the way Baron made that sound.I had no way of knowing if Erin wasmy woman, but once we made it out of the current hell storm, I’d have loved the opportunity to explore how we both felt about the idea.Before Hawkins’ men had landed, we’d seemed on the brink of being honest with one another, but whatever burgeoning intimacy we’d been creating had been splintered by his arrival.
“The flight they brought us here on wasn’t long, though,” I added, recollecting the uncomfortable journey.“So, it’s possible that wherever we are, it’s still snow-laden out there.”
Shoved to the floor, bound and cuffed, the helicopter trip hadn’t been my finest hour, but it had been the last time I’d known for sure that Erin was okay.I swore I’d sensed her touch my ankle as we’d flown, and a pang of regret about her situation echoed in my chest at the memory.
“If only I hadn’t sent that message to you.”Anxiety clawed at my chest.It wasn’t like me to suffer with remorse or self-doubt, but the more time I’d spent apart from Erin, the more obvious it was becoming that she had changed me.For the first time, I cared about someone other than myself, but with Erin in Hawkins’ hands, my growing feelings for her had become something of a weakness.“Hawkins would never have been able to intercept it, and none of this would have happened.”
“I get why you’re saying that, Rosen, but I’m not sorry you got in touch.”Baron shrugged.“I’d still be tied to that damn chair without your help.”
“Yeah.”I managed a small smile at his wry tone.“I understand.I’m just worried about Erin…”
My voice cracked with emotion as, yet again, I attempted not to dwell on what she might have had to contend with.Hawkins was the worst kind of vermin.
“We’re going to find her.”Baron had no way of knowing that, so as he peered around the upcoming corner, I appreciated the certainty in his tone.“Don’t give up.”
