Chapter 31
Royce left the room nearly an hour ago, leaving Gemma in front of the window like a mannequin on display.
Don’t fall for it, Logan.
She didn’t know where Royce had gone, but she knew he was using her to lure the HERO Force team to her rescue, and he would do everything in his power to ensure none of them survived.
She bit her lip. Her left arm was completely numb from her shoulder down to her thumb. Her right she could still feel, the nerve endings screaming with pain.
A dog growled from the hallway and her head whipped around. It was a large breed, dark brown, and it was baring it’s teeth. She was terrified of any dog bigger than a Cocker Spaniel, and that was when her hands were free to defend herself.
“Nice doggie,” she whispered. “Good boy.”
The dog barked ferociously, his jaws chomping, and she squealed with fright.
Royce called in the distance, “Just ignore Fluffy. He’s here to greet our guests.”
“Are they here?”
“The helicopter arrived forty minutes ago. I’m surprised they haven’t made their grand entrance yet. Surely they can see the merchandise I have to offer.”
The growling dog got closer and barked again. “Please Royce, get it away from me!”
He didn’t answer.
The slightest noise came from the window and she turned back the other way. There it was again, pelting the glass like hail or loud rain. A small light flashed outside, like someone waking their cell phone.
They’re here.
Her breathing sped up, so afraid was she for the men outside.
Please don’t let me hyperventilate again.
The dog suddenly darted for the window and began to bark consistently. Fear made her want to throw up, but she called the dog to her side as cheerfully as she could muster. “Come here, boy. Come on! What’s your name? Are you hungry?”
“Leave him alone!” Royce yelled.
She stared into the black window, pantomiming that she could hear him yelling. The dog growled at her some more and got right up next to her leg, drool hanging from his chops.
“Good boy,” she whispered, certain he would latch those sharp teeth onto her skin at any moment. But Logan was outside somewhere, and she had to keep Royce from finding out.
The doorbell rang.
The dog went nuts, barking and running toward it.
Royce appeared in the hallway with what looked like a small machine gun. “They never cease to amaze, do they?”
He seemed to be considering what to do next. The doorbell rang again, making the dog bark with renewed fervor.
“Get the door,” said Royce.
“Me? I can’t move.”
“I’ll untie you.” He looked at the tall windows, then turned off the lights and crossed to her. The bell continued to ring as he worked to unfasten her wrists. “Undo your ankles.”
“I can’t feel my arms.”
“You’re not trying to be helpful!”
“I’m sorry…”
He bent down in front of her chair to undo them himself. With the room dark, she could see outside the window to the lawn and the trees beyond it.
HERO Force wouldn’t send all its men to the front door. Someone was hanging back, covering the others. She closed her eyes and prayed. If he had night vision goggles, he might be able to see into the house.
The moment her ankles were free, she threw herself on the floor. The dog ran to her, biting at her clothes and skin, and she screamed.
“Get up!” yelled Royce. He moved to her, trying to pull her to a stand, but she evaded him. He stood. “You’re making this difficult. Get up and the dog will leave you alone.”
A small sound rang out like the glass falling on Logan’s countertop.
Royce fell to the ground, but she couldn’t see him. “Royce?” she called. The dog was quiet now, licking something. And then she smelled the metallic scent of blood.
Forcing her tingling legs to bear weight, she hobbled to the light switch and turned it on. Royce was facedown on the carpet, a dark pool spreading around him, the dog licking it up.
She spun around and yelled as loudly as she could. “Royce is dead! I’m opening the door. It’s Gemma!” She unlocked it and the men swarmed in.
“Good work, Doc,” said Cowboy into his mic. “You got him.” His eyes went to Gemma’s. “She’s fine. Come on down.”