Dead End

by Lisa Phillips

  “Where are we going?”

  “I don’t know.” It was all Wyatt could say. He didn’t know what Adams was doing, but one thing was certain.

  “We’re going to die now, aren’t we?”

  Wyatt nodded. “I’m going to pray you’re wrong.”

  He’d hoped Parker would get there in time, but his partner might not. Wyatt and Nina could die right there, trapped in the container while help raced toward them.

  Not fast enough.

  Not strong enough.

  Not good enough.

  There wasn’t much in his life that Wyatt was proud of, given the way he’d ignored his father for so long. The way he hadn’t admitted to Nina how he felt about her.

  The crane shifted and they started to descend. Down into a hole? The bottom of the container hit something and the walls creaked and groaned as they settled, not flat but off-kilter.

  A machine whirred above them. Gravel and sand began to pour into the vents. Not enough to suffocate them until they ran out of air, but the container was being buried.

  With a groan, the container began to lean. Wyatt made his way back to Nina. He couldn’t let the two of them die before he told her how he really felt about her.

  Wyatt gathered her into his arms. She held hers around him, gripping him with her forearms, but not touching him with her injured hands. He stared down into her eyes. “You’re the strongest person I know, and it’s been a privilege to help you out the past week. But that’s not all that’s happened.” He took a breath. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Nina.”

  She smiled. “Me, too, Wyatt. I’m so totally in—”

  The whirring stopped and the room went totally black.

  They were buried.

  NINETEEN

  All Nina could hear was the rush of her own breath in her ears. Her legs threatened to buckle under her and send her crashing to the metal floor, but Wyatt’s arms held her up.

  “Should we try to find that air tank?”

  “It was almost empty when I broke out of the coffin. It won’t be much use now.” Wyatt gave her a comforting squeeze, and she tried to make it enough.

  They leaned together against the back wall, as the container had tipped with the force of sandy dirt hitting them. The opening was now above them and to the right, taunting. It could be above the surface, but it was locked. If it weren’t locked, they still weren’t strong enough to push it up and open so that they could get free of this metal box.

  They would be buried there forever, and no one would ever know that a container had been buried under the dirt.

  Sienna and Parker would never know what had happened to them. Their lives would go on, but without Wyatt and Nina to share in the joy of their baby’s birth. Seeing his or her first steps, or first day of school. Nina sobbed, the sound echoing in the container.

  Wyatt’s arms tightened. “Hang on, okay?”

  “For what? Death?” Her laughter sounded harsh even to her own ears. “That’s all that’s going to happen to us. He won. I don’t know why I didn’t realize all along that I was fighting a losing battle. I should have realized.”

  “So you’re going to lose faith now, when it really counts?” His voice was flat. He had to be worried; Nina didn’t believe he wasn’t. That would have been impossible. Maybe he needed the reassurance, though. Maybe he needed to see that her faith held steady, even now. But was it able to withstand this? Nina wasn’t sure she even knew.

  She squeezed him with her arms and settled closer as she began to pray out loud that Steve Adams’s plan would somehow be thwarted. That their phone call to Parker would mean the difference between life and death. She prayed for the faith to believe, even when she couldn’t see a way out. And wasn’t that what she had needed her whole life?

  Faith had kept her from going insane when life threatened to bring her to her knees. Nina hadn’t buckled yet. Was she going to allow Steve Adams to make her do it now?

  She began to end the prayer, and Wyatt started to speak. His words were tentative, as if it wasn’t quite natural yet for him to speak to his Heavenly Father. Nina’s eyes filled with hot tears as she listened to his simple prayer that they would somehow get out of there alive.

  Nina set her head on his chest and let the tears fall. Wyatt said, “Amen,” and she echoed it through the sobs. She’d never have thought they would end up here, sharing a prayer, thinking they were going to die. She wouldn’t even have imagined it was possible; she’d tried so hard to focus on catching Mr. Thomas that she hadn’t left any room for romance.

  And now here it was.

  Despite her plans, despite her intentions. Nina had gained so much in Wyatt, and yet she hadn’t achieved the thing she’d thought she needed so badly.

  Catching Steve Adams.

  It was a long shot that Parker would find them before they suffocated, even after the nearly-empty oxygen tank ran out. It was a long shot that—even if he did get here in time—Steve Adams wasn’t still here and waiting. His surveillance had to be down, but he might be hanging around until he was sure they were gone. Parker might be walking into a trap.

  “He’ll come,” Wyatt said. “I know he’ll come.”

  How he had so much faith in his partner, Nina didn’t know. Wyatt did kind of sound like he was trying to convince himself. She didn’t blame him. After all, what hope did they have left except what they’d expended in that prayer?

  And yet it didn’t feel as if it had been exhausted. It almost felt like, through saying that prayer, it had strengthened the little faith Nina had. Maybe even given her more.

  Nina smiled at him in the dark, even though he wouldn’t be able to see her. “I didn’t get to say it earlier. But I think, even though I didn’t want to need you, I do. I didn’t want to need anyone. I thought I could do this by myself. But I’m really glad that you’re here, Wyatt. Because I’ve fallen in love with you.” Nina took a second to bask in the fact that was completely true. “And if I’m going to die here, there’s no one I’d rather spend my last few minutes with.”

  The air was getting thin. It was getting harder to pull in enough air to talk. Eventually they’d have to sit. They would get sleepy. Nina didn’t want to suffocate, buried alive. “I’m glad you’re here with me so I don’t have to be alone.”

  “I’m glad about that, too.” He squeezed her again and then pulled her down so that they sat side by side on the hard floor with her still in his arms. “The worst thing about waking up in that box was being alone and not knowing what was going to happen.”

  The muffled sound of machinery starting up broke the silence once again. Nina cut off what she’d been about to say. “What was that?”

  She felt Wyatt shake his head. “I don’t know.”

  A steady thump, like rain on the roof, began. Something was coming down on top of them. Nina stiffened. “He’s burying us. He wasn’t done. Steve Adams is still here, and he’s covering the container so no one will ever find us!”

  Wyatt’s arms loosened. He shifted and they both listened to what was happening above them. It sounded like dirt coming down on the roof and pouring across the top to the lowest corners, where they were sitting directly underneath.

  The feeling of being trapped, present since she’d woken up, came back to swallow Nina. She tried to suck in more air, but the oxygen was hot and made her feel like she was going to burn up.

  Wyatt tugged on her arm. “Calm down, Nina. You’re having a panic attack. Breathe, just breathe, or you’re going to pass out and leave me alone in here to face this by myself.”

  His words cut through the sheer terror in her mind so that what he said penetrated. Nina found the will to fight this drowning feeling. But would it be enough? She didn’t want to die feeling nothing but fear.

  Metal scraped against the container
. Nina cried out. “What is he doing?”

  “I don’t know.” Wyatt’s words sounded far away.

  The machinery cut off and someone was yelling. Nina couldn’t make out the words, but it sounded like more than one person. Did Steve Adams have help?

  The door clanged and then creaked. Nina slapped her hands over her ears to shut out some of the noise. It was unbearably loud, so loud it felt like her ears were going to split open. And then it was over.

  “Wyatt?”

  Nina glanced up. Flashlight beams shone in their faces. Nina shielded her eyes and Wyatt said, “Parker?”

  “You guys okay?”

  Nina didn’t even know what the answer to that question was. She didn’t think she would ever be okay again, not after what had happened. Was it really over? “Where is Steve Adams? He might be there. You might be in danger. Everyone needs to watch out!”

  Parker said, “We are, Nina. It’s okay. We’re going to get you out.”

  “He might be out there.” Did she want to come out if it wasn’t safe? She didn’t want to stay in this death box, but what choice was there? He could blow their heads off.

  “We’re okay.” Wyatt’s touch was as reassuring as his voice. “He can’t get to us. We’ll be protected.”

  “Parker needs to find him.” Nina couldn’t do it anymore. She was giving up the fight. She had to, or she wouldn’t be able to stay sane.

  “Okay.” Wyatt nodded. “Parker will find him, and I’ll help.”

  She wanted to tell him to stay with her and be safe, but that would be selfish. He needed to help his partner, and a man like him wouldn’t allow another to take the risk when it could be shared.

  Steve Adams didn’t have a chance.

  * * *

  Wyatt grasped Parker’s hand and let him haul him out of the basket he’d been lifted from the container in. The fresh night air filled his lungs, so much better than the air he’d been choking on. Parker was covered in dirt, his clothes and arms and hands. As though he’d tried to dig them out himself.

  Wyatt grabbed his partner and hugged him tight.

  Parker slapped his back so hard Wyatt winced. “Love you, too, brother.”

  Wyatt laughed. “You wish. I’m just glad to be alive, and your ugly face is the first thing I saw. Don’t take it personally.”

  Parker laughed as well as what they left unsaid floated between them. Neither of them believed for one second what Wyatt had said was the truth, but it wasn’t like he was actually going to say, “I love you” out loud. Nina, yeah. Parker...no way. They’d been partners for long enough now that Wyatt would miss the former SEAL. That was enough.

  “Where’s Nina?”

  Parker motioned to the side with his head. Wyatt turned and saw Nina and Sienna in an embrace like the one he’d just shared with Parker, only without the manly slapping. Wyatt smiled. Sienna caught it and mouthed, Thank you. He nodded to her and then turned back to his partner. “So where’s Steve Adams?”

  Parker frowned. “He was long gone when we got here. We found a security guard passed out, but we’re hoping when the EMTs get him to come around he’ll at least be able to give us something. We’ve also got someone going over the footage. It’s motion activated, so when he used the crane we’re hoping it was caught on camera.”

  “I’ll be praying for a car make and model and license plate, not a shot of Adams playing construction worker.”

  Parker lifted his chin. “Oh yeah? You’ll be praying.”

  “Don’t look so smug, okay? I catch on eventually.”

  Parker slapped him on the shoulder. “Good for you.” He gave Wyatt a gentle shove toward Sienna and Nina. “Let’s talk.”

  They reached the women, and Nina frowned. But she was looking at Parker. Wyatt glanced at his friend and said, “What is it? What happened?”

  Parker gave a short nod. “Mason Pierce is in the hospital. Last word was he’ll have some recovery to do, but he’ll be okay long-term.”

  “That’s good, at least.” Wyatt didn’t think that was the end of it.

  “What about Jonah?” Nina said.

  “He’s okay. We were only banged up, no permanent damage.” He paused and studied Nina’s face. “I’m guessing Adams texted you—that’s why you stole my truck and left Jonah and me on the sidewalk?”

  Nina nodded.

  “She was trying to save me,” Wyatt said.

  “I’m not saying it was the wrong thing to do, not when it led us to the two of you. Although I’m not sure why Nina felt the need to put herself in harm’s way in the process. But we were fine. It just wasn’t the smart thing to do.”

  “It worked out, didn’t it?” Parker shot him a look. Wyatt put his arm around Nina both to comfort her and to show his partner that he needed to back off. Nina didn’t need any more grief today. All of them had been through so much.

  “Fair enough. We can unpack the whole thing later.” Parker sighed. “So Adams decided you’ve been enough hassle he was going to get the two of you out of his way. But now what? You know him best, Nina. Where would he have gone?”

  Nina glanced aside. They were silent while she thought about it. Eventually, she said, “I don’t know. Emily and Theresa are safe, right? I can’t think of anyone else. He’s probably long gone, moving on with his life. What he wanted to do here is done. I didn’t think there was anything else when he thinks we’re dead.” She looked at Parker. “You’re sure Theresa and Emily are okay?”

  Sienna pulled out her phone. “I’ll call and make sure.” She stepped away.

  Nina didn’t say anything while Sienna made the call.

  “Okay. Thank you.” Sienna looked up, her face dark. “You were right, Nina.”

  She froze under Wyatt’s arm. “He took her.”

  “Jonah tried to contact the marshals on her protection detail, but no one is answering their phones. He’s going over there now himself, and he’s sending police units, too. He’s going to call back as soon as he finds out why no one is answering.”

  Nina pulled out of his grip. “No, no, no. This is my fault.”

  Wyatt turned her so she could see his eyes. “You don’t know what has happened, and whatever it is isn’t your fault. He thinks you and I are dead. Emily found the picture of Steve Adams—maybe he feels she needs silencing, too. But we aren’t going to let that happen.”

  Her gaze darted around. They were surrounded by people, but Nina was deep inside her own head, where Steve Adams’s reign of terror continued. “He’s got her, I know it. She’s just a kid.” Nina sucked in a breath, looking green enough she might be sick. “She’s just a kid.”

  Wyatt gathered her up in his arms. “You don’t know yet that anything’s happened. It could be a technical glitch that’s put them out of contact.”

  “You seriously believe that?” She screamed the words at him.

  Wyatt winced.

  “She’s as good as dead, just like we were. You don’t know what he’s like, what he said to me in that motel, Wyatt. She’s twelve. He’s going to destroy her.”

  Wyatt set his hands on her shoulders. “I thought I was going to die, but I didn’t. I know we prayed, and Parker found us. That’s what I know. This is scarier than you can imagine, Nina, but you have to breathe. If he took her, then we’ll find him.”

  “We will,” Parker said. “You think we won’t hunt him to the ends of the earth to get that girl back? We would do that just for what he did to you, Nina. What do you think we’ll do if he really does have Emily?”

  Nina sucked in a breath, but she nodded. She had to. They were practically willing her to accept what they were saying, leaving her no choice but to agree. Wyatt loved her even more for her compassion for the girl, even though it was fear right now. Nina felt so deeply he could hardly stand to see the light
of it, blazing from her.

  Sienna’s phone rang. Nina gasped and spun to her friend, but Wyatt kept his hold on her. He leaned down and spoke in her ear. “Even if she’s gone, if Steve Adams took her, we’re going to find her. We won’t let him touch her. We won’t let him hurt her. Okay? I need you to believe we’ll do everything possible.”

  “But it’s like your father’s case,” she moaned. “The one we couldn’t save.”

  “And I’m exactly like my father.” Wyatt felt the release of admitting it out loud. “I knew I would be as cut up as he was if that had been my case. But Emily isn’t that little girl who was killed. She’s still alive, and we’re not going to let her be Steve Adams’s last victim. He’s done, Nina. I’m telling you right now. He’s done.”

  TWENTY

  They strode as a group to the office, a portable building that didn’t look like much on the outside. The place where Steve Adams had tried to bury them alive had turned out to be a gravel pit. Nina couldn’t stop shaking. Emily had been taken by Steve Adams.

  She tried to think—if she’d known that in the motel, would she have made a different choice? The motel. Why did Nina want to think about that some more?

  But the thought of having gone with him, and maybe trying to escape later, only made her sick. He’d never have let her go, and no one would have ever found her. Wyatt might have died. As selfish as it was, Nina needed to believe this was the best option because at least now they could pull all their collective experience together and have the best and fastest hope of finding Emily before Steve Adams hurt her.

  Emily had been through enough, and this would only add to the trauma. They had to get to her before he did any kind of permanent damage, the kind from which she would never recover.

  The office was a bank of computers on desks littered with papers. A uniformed employee sat running his hands through his hair and muttering under his breath. The goose egg on his forehead probably didn’t feel too good.

  The motel.

  Nina sat at a computer by herself and pulled up an internet search engine. The others were scanning surveillance footage for sight of...