“Interrupted? That’s what you’re calling it?”
“Do you want me to apologize or something? Cause it won’t get us out of here.”
“Of course not. We’re probably getting out of here in a body bag,” he states offhandedly.
I almost choke.
“Please tell me that’s a joke. They’re just kidnappers, right? They’ll want a ransom or something….”
He sighs.
“Why would you run out there like that?”
“Why did you follow me?” I retort.
He gives me an exhausted expression before closing his eyes and leaning back against the wall.
“It was a gut reaction. I couldn’t just stand by and watch while they did that to her. She sounded so scared.”
“She wasn’t yours to save,” the man says.
“I know, but I didn’t think. I heard all the shouting, and I just acted. I’ve been told it’s a bad personality trait.”
“Truer words have never been spoken,” he says with a snort.
He seems like a bit of a jerk.
“What’s your name? You’re American, too, right?” I ask him.
He looks at me warily, like he’s considering the implications of revealing his identity.
“Who taught you how to use a gun?” he questions.
Sheesh, it’s not easy getting anything out of him.
“Actually, I’m a detective. NYPD.”
“Really? That’s actually not bad. No wonder you ran into the line of fire like that,” he says.
There’s an appreciative glint in his eyes that wasn’t there before.
“Your turn.”
“My name’s Ethan Boyne. Special agent in the USSOU.”
My eyes widen.
“Special agent? What does USSOU even mean? I’ve never heard of the organization before.”
“We’re off the books. Legit. It means United States Special Operations unit. And now I’m praying they didn’t bug this place. If they did, they’re really going to kill us,” he says, looking around the bunker or basement like he just realized the magnitude of his admission.
“As opposed to how sure you were that they would kill us before?” I question.
“Before, I hoped they would think we’re just dumb civilians. Now, there’s a slight chance they’ll know we’re American law enforcement.”
He looks really worried.
“I’m sure they didn’t bug this place. It’s disgusting.”
