“I’m familiar with RFID,” Heath said, his chest compressing. “We’ll need to increase the sensitivity of Denver’s antenna to pick up the frequency, if there is one.” The killer usually stayed close to the abduction town, so it might actually be possible. “You guys work the problem from your end as well. Please send Denver all the data you have on those chips, especially frequency.”
Shane sat next to Matt, their faces taking up the entire screen. “I’m on it right now.”
Heath clicked off and ran through the old kitchen to the living room, quickly explaining everything to his brothers and Zara.
Denver scratched his head. “I need supplies to increase the sensitivity, and the storm ain’t gonna help the antenna any.” He stood and grabbed his jacket. “I’ll be right back.”
Heath dropped into a chair. His mind kept going to what was happening to Anya right that second as he sat on his ass. He curled his hands into fists, and his lungs seized.
“We’ll get her back, brother.” Ryker reached over and clasped his good shoulder. “I promise we’ll get to her in time.”
Heath nodded, knowing full well his brother couldn’t make that promise.
Zara kept making notations. “Some of the smartest people in the world are trying to find her, including us. We’ll get her.” A fine tremor threaded through her voice.
“I can’t lose her now,” Heath whispered, dark clouds falling through him. The idea of a life without Anya cut deep and festered. He stood. There had to be something to do. As he looked around the dismal room with the storm billowing outside, he realized there was nothing to do until Denver got back.
God. Where was Anya?
Sheriff Cobb hitched up his jeans and waited until his one true love exited her office and barreled right into him. He grasped her shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “Where are you going, sweetheart?”
Isobel pushed her dark hair away from her face. “On a mission, love. It concerns the lab and not you.”
He pivoted and put her back to the wall. His chest burned, and his gut ached. “I can’t let you go alone. It’s a dangerous world.” How far would she take the charade?
Her stunning blue eyes narrowed. “I can take care of myself. Thank you, though.”
Oh, she was a damn good liar. Of course, that was one of the many traits he loved about her. Why did he have to hurt her to fully gain her love? There was only one way to do it, which was to finally kill those boys. Then she’d respect him. She’d have no choice. “I saw the news, Isobel.” Heath and Denver were being treated at a hospital in Snowville, which meant they were weak. Vulnerable.
She sighed. “I want to bring them home before you kill them. Is that really too much to ask?” She slid her hands up his chest and leaned closer to bite his chin. “Just think how much fun you could have with them here, in secluded cells, if you got the chance to take your time.”
He looked down at her smooth face even as his blood started to pump harder. “I could make them watch me torture their brothers. Maybe their women.” The idea did have merit. “What do you want from them?”
“Genetic material.” Her smile brightened even the dark night outside.
He grimaced at the idea of their sperm. “I don’t think I can keep from at least one kill.” He’d waited so long to avenge his brother. Maybe he could kill just one of them and cooperate with her.
Her pretty blue eyes filled with what almost looked like understanding. “How about you kill the redhead, if Daniel hasn’t already done so? She’s under Heath’s protection, and he yelled her name as he was loaded into an ambulance. There are feelings there from him, and that would certainly make an impression.”
Cobb frowned. “Why would Daniel kill Anya Best?”
Isobel rolled her eyes. “Oh, sweetheart. Think about it. The explosion and the damage to Heath and Denver? Only one of my soldiers could’ve done that. The second I saw the news, I put things together.”
Cobb took a step away from her, his mind working furiously to catch up. Realization smacked him on the forehead. “Daniel is that serial killer?”
“I’m afraid so.” Isobel shook her head. “It’s so sad.”
Cobb threw back his head and laughed, all but basking in the delicious humor. “I knew he was a psycho. I just knew it.” What a fucking relief. “We need to take him out.”
She sighed. “Yes. He’s too much of a liability.”
It would be a pleasure to cut off that asshole’s head. “I will take care of him for you.”
“I know.” Faith in him lit her beautiful eyes.
His back straightened, and his newly sculpted chest puffed up. “I need to find him.”
“No. I have a tracker. In fact, we need to get going to fetch him.” She grasped Cobb’s hand and started to lead him outside the building.
“What about the girl?” Cobb asked, already knowing the answer. Isobel paused. “I already said you could have her.”
“Maybe I’ll put her dead body in the same cell with Heath.” He smiled.
“I do like how you think.” Isobel chuckled. “But it’s imperative you gut her like a fish with Daniel watching—right when we arrive. It’s the only way to catch him off guard.”
“No problem.” Cobb opened the door for her. “I’ll get my hunting knife.”
CHAPTER
39
Dinner had taken several hours with many different courses, including an apple pie. Anya was seated again on the sofa, this time with her hands and feet free. Daniel whistled from the kitchen as he cleaned up the dinner mess.
“I said I’d be happy to clean up,” she said, her gaze on the fire. If she somehow could shove him into the fire, could she keep him there long enough for him to weaken? Probably not.
“I invited you to dinner, thus I clean up.” His back was to her as he finished drying the plates.
She eyed the door. It was as if he wanted her to make a move. Most women at this point would run for the door. She measured the distance between Daniel and the exit. If she could get it open, she might have a chance. But he was fast and trained, and he had taken her shoes. He’d reach her within seconds, and she had no clue what waited outside.
Her mind would get her out of this, and she had to bide her time.
He set the towel on the counter and took out two thick glasses. She couldn’t see what he poured, but he turned and walked gracefully toward her. The liquid was a deep copper. He handed one over. “After dinner drink?”
She took it and sniffed. Smelled strong. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” He sat next to her and sighed. “This is nice.”
“How long do you think we’ll stay in this cabin?” she asked, swirling the liquid around in the glass.
He slid an arm around her shoulders. “Until I know you’re committed to me.”
Her skin crawled, but she forced herself to remain still. “Which would take what?”
He squeezed her. “You’re a smart girl. You’ll figure it out.”
Where was that knife he’d used at dinner? She swallowed. “I don’t know what you want from me.” Was there any way to reason with the guy?
He set his head back on the sofa and shut his eyes as if relaxing at home after a hard day’s work. “My lungs are still irritated from that gas. I can’t imagine what yours feel like.”
“They hurt.” That was true, but she’d thought it was terror. His touch on her shoulder made her want to smash the glass into his face and run like hell. Could she manipulate him into telling her if there were guns in the house? She didn’t think so. Skirting the line with honesty had been working so far.
“I figured you’d try and run,” he said almost absently. “Why haven’t you?”
She couldn’t think of an answer.
“It’s okay, Anya. I know it’ll take time.” His body tensed. “I hope I don’t have to hurt you too badly to get you to understand. I love you. You’re mine.”
She tried not to stiffen.
“Dr
ink your drink.”
The guy hadn’t poisoned her so far, so she took a sip. The alcohol burned her tongue, and she coughed. “Wow. That’s strong.”
“It’s a good liqueur.” He emitted a pleased hum. “Finish yours.”
She shivered.
“It’ll warm you up before I do.”
She took a deep breath and swallowed the shot. Heat did explode in her stomach.
“Good girl.” He opened his eyes and took her glass, placing it with his on a side table. “I think the date is going well. Don’t you?”
She nodded but couldn’t find the right words.
He sat up a little and faced her, his gaze dropping to her sweater. “Maybe we should get more comfortable.” His fingers started playing with her ear.
Her stomach heaved. “I am comfortable.”
He laughed. “You’re smart and funny. I like that.”
She bit her lip to keep from screaming. “We should go slow in getting to know each other.”
He leaned in, his breath too strong against her face. “I’ve been trained by the best in pleasing a woman. Don’t you want to see what I’ve learned? Isn’t that what you all want? That’s what she told me.”
Anya swallowed, her legs shaking. “I’d rather talk to you. Find out what makes you tick, you know?” Her voice trembled. “I don’t care about other women or what they told you.”
“You should.” He pulled on her hair. Hard.
Pain jerked through her scalp. She gasped but refrained from crying out. “That wasn’t nice.” Tears filled her eyes.
“Oh, we both know you don’t like ‘nice.’ No woman likes ‘nice.’” He pulled again, this time even harder. Then he released her. “I’ll pretend for a while, if that’s what you want.”
What she wanted was for him to have a heart attack and die right then and there. She couldn’t do this. Unease filtered through her stomach and turned to an ache. Survival was what mattered. She had to survive and get back to Heath. “I like to watch television after dinner.” Were the news stations running her picture? Could there be a report on Heath and Denver? “I don’t suppose you have a television here.”
Daniel shook his head. “We can entertain ourselves.”
Anya tried to breathe normally and not show the panic spiraling through her entire body. Her legs twitched. The door was so close. God, she couldn’t do this.
He smoothed the hair away from her face. “The color is so vibrant, and it’s genuine. I can tell it’s real.” He clasped her nape. “Only one to two percent of the population has true red hair.”
“Oh,” she said, her body stiffening.
“Yes. Also, did you know that redheads feel pain stronger than other people?”
She gulped. “No. I didn’t know that.”
“It’s true. Scientifically proven.” He leaned closer. “I’ve conducted my own research as well.”
She closed her eyes.
In one smooth motion, he grabbed the bottom of her sweater and yanked it over her head.
Her mind revolted.
“That’s a pretty blouse,” he whispered.
She shivered as cold went through the thin cotton. His hand wandered down and around to grasp her breast.
She jolted. Pressure built inside her, and her ears rang. Panic took over. Twisting, she threw an elbow into his nose. It cracked. She jumped up and skirted the couch, her chest heaving. “This isn’t going to work.” Think, damn it. “I’m not that type of girl, so you need to show respect now.” She could make it to the door.
He stood and faced her, his expression dark. Blood dribbled from his already swelling nose. “I knew you would take convincing. Pain works with women. Trust me.”
“I’ll fight you,” her voice quaked, even as she edged toward the door.
“I know.” He shook his head, his too-handsome face in grim lines. “You’re spirited, and I like that.” He almost casually moved around the sofa toward her. “I’m prepared to make you love me.”
She made it closer to the door, her panicked senses tracking his every twitch. “Not a chance,” she spat.
He smiled. “Please fight me.”
She didn’t have a choice. It’d be a fight to the death. “There has to be a third alternative.”
He tilted his head to the side, his gaze voracious. “What’s that?”
“We get you help.” There was something so sad about the lunatic. Her legs trembled, and chills engulfed her shoulders. “You made a nice dinner, and you’re trying too hard to make a connection with me. Don’t you want to be able to do that? A good shrink could help you.” The words burst out of her. She didn’t see one weapon anywhere near.
He sighed. “I’m about to make a connection with you.”
There was no reasoning with him. She bolted for the door and yanked it open. Wind and snow burst inside, and she rushed out onto an icy deck, her arms windmilling as she slid. Snow-covered trees spread in every direction, and the wind whipped up the snow in a frenzy.
A battered truck was over to the right, nearly covered with snow. She turned and ran for it with all her might. Snow and ice covered her bare feet, and she slipped, but she finally skidded to it. Gurgling almost uncontrollably, she tugged on the frozen handle.
“It’s locked,” Daniel called from the doorway. With the firelight behind him, his entire face was in shadow.
She gulped, the icy snow burning her feet, and turned to look at him. He didn’t move. Why wasn’t he chasing her? She looked frantically around for any other lights or sign of life. Nothing.
“I see you’re understanding your position here,” he said clearly, out of the storm. “I’m feeling generous toward you for some reason. Maybe because you called me into your life.”
She swallowed down another scream. “I didn’t really think we’d meet,” she yelled back. “I thought I was just setting a trap for you, you fucking lunatic.” The wind slapped her, and she shivered. The cold burned across her toes and up her ankles. The wet soaked her jeans. It had to be about ten degrees, maybe less with the wind. She wouldn’t last long if she didn’t find shelter.
“Anya? Last chance. Come meekly back here, and I’ll let you warm up before we get started.” He whistled a lonely tune. “There’s nowhere to run, and you’re only hurting yourself. We must do this my way.”
What if she drew him out and then ran back inside? Had there been a lock on the door? Would a lock keep that asshole out? Probably not. A slap of water against a dock caught her attention, and she partially turned. Behind the cabin, there was a lake? She had to get to the water. Maybe there would be a boat or raft stored somewhere nearby.
God, she didn’t want to die.
She must’ve broadcast her intention, because he suddenly launched into motion.
Shrieking, she turned and ran for the dark lake, kicking snow on her way. She tripped over some ice and went flying, tucking her body tight. She landed on hard ground, rolled, and desperately grabbed a huge branch that had dropped from a pine tree. Turning, she swung without even looking.
The branch hit Daniel right across the stomach, and he stopped cold, doubling over with a pained oof. Panicking, she slammed it down on his head and then kicked him as hard as she could in the balls. He squealed.
Run. Run. Run. Still holding the branch, she started crying as she ran through ice and snow toward the sinister lake. The storm threw wild whitecaps up into the air, tossing water in every direction. Sleet and snow smashed into her numb face. Her feet kept moving, but she couldn’t feel them any longer.
He grunted and swore behind her, but she didn’t turn to look.
The reeds and grass got taller, all covered in ice. She tried to shove through them and reached the lake. No dock. Panting, she looked in other directions. Just trees, mountains, and maybe a couple of darkened cabins?
She had to get out of the cold. Bunching her legs, she started to sprint into a run just as strong arms banded around her waist. She yelled and kicked out.
Daniel tackled her to the ground, face first.
She hit snow, and her forehead bounced against a rock. Stars exploded across her vision. She screamed, her head pounding and the world spinning.
He flipped her around and sat on her, slapping a hand over her mouth.
She punched out and struggled on the freezing ground, trying to dislodge him. Tears clogged her throat. He pushed so hard against her mouth that her head ground against the frozen dirt beneath the ice.
Pain fired along her jaw.
He tilted the angle of his hand, cutting off air to both her nose and mouth. “Nice hit with the board,” he hissed, his hold absolute.
She clawed at his arm desperately, her lungs swelling in pain. Air. She needed air. Her legs kicked out uselessly.
“I knew you’d be a fighter.” He wiped blood off his nose, his body almost relaxing. “You don’t know the training I have. But it was a good effort.” He squeezed harder. “Now we do things the hard way. Just the way I like it.”
Darkness swirled across her vision. She needed to breathe. God. More darkness. Her body went limp. Helplessness forced a sob from her throat. She stopped feeling the cold.
“There we go.” Daniel released her and stood, bending to lift her against his chest.
She tried to fight him, but her body hung limply in place. “Don’t,” she said weakly.
“Too late. I’ve known it would take time to earn your love. You have such a pretty voice.” He laughed and carried her along the cabin toward the front door. “I bet you can really scream.”
CHAPTER
40
Heath slammed the clip into his gun as Denver typed furiously on the keyboard. It had taken precious time to make the alterations to the antenna, and he could feel Anya slipping away from him. With every minute, he could sense his future becoming bleak. Why hadn’t he figured out his feelings and put them into words for her?
Maybe there weren’t words for how he was feeling. God. He was fucking losing it. Now he knew what the caged tigers at the zoo really felt like.
Lethal Lies Page 32
