Chapter 16 #3
The black clad man moved swiftly, faster than Daniel.
In a split second, Daniel’s arms were pinned behind his back and his body slammed into the side of the building.
His cheek burned from where it scrapped against the rough siding.
He sucked in a breath. All his training had deserted him the minute he started to worry about Emma.
But he wouldn’t take back his humanity. He cared about her. He wouldn’t pretend otherwise.
The door swung open, slapping the wall.
“Who’s there?” Margaux shouted.
Chad chuckled and strode out of the shadows, his arms held open wide. “Your dashing husband. Here to save the day.”
Margaux shuddered, recoiling from her husband’s embrace. “I didn’t ask you to come here.”
“What a poor greeting.” Chad tsked and shook his head. “Never fear. I’m here now. The tracker I planted on you finally alerted me to your location. I’ll take care of everything.”
Margaux snorted and rolled her eyes.
Daniel wanted to get inside to Emma. He didn’t care what that looked like as long as he could get confirmation she lived and breathed. He didn’t like their odds against so many foes. But he could play the spouses, needling them to fight each other.
A muscle twitched in Margaux’s cheek.
Chad snapped his fingers. “See? I brought you a present. And he’s smart.”
Philip gripped Daniel’s wrists tightly. The bodyguard moved with precision, capturing Daniel before he had even a split second to consider pulling his weapon.
“You should listen to him,” Daniel said. “He’s your husband.”
Behind him, Philip grunted and squeezed. Misogyny and chauvinism would only earn points with Chad. Daniel noted.
“You were tracking me?” Margaux’s voice was pitched high. “For how long? How?”
“No need to thank me,” Chad said, his tone condescending. “My team was alerted to your whereabouts after some threat nonsense. The Feds called.”
“Really?” Margaux narrowed her eyes at Daniel. “Out of your depth with a silly letter, Sheriff?”
“Darling, I am annoyed. I thought you were on holiday. I guess our staff didn’t do such a good job of updating each other.”
“Get him inside,” Margaux hissed.
Philip shoved Daniel forward, pulling him upright before he could stumble. “Nothing funny,” the bodyguard whispered in his ear.
A witty retort died on Daniel’s tongue at the first glimpse of Emma, curled up in the fetal position on the floor. An unbidden cry tore from his throat.
Emma flinched, curling in tighter.
Had she been beaten? Hurt? “Emma,” he called, the name part prayer and part sob.
Philip shoved Daniel to the center of the room and pushed him to the ground. “Get her up,” Philip barked.
Chad scrambled toward her.
Her whimper echoed off the walls.
Daniel growled. “Touch her and die.”
“Calm down, lover boy,” Chad said, squatting to lift Emma by the armpits. He dragged her to a seated position. “You’re hardly in a position for demands.” He stood, dusting his hands together. “Darling, what’s your plan? Do you have another set of handcuffs?”
Margaux shook her head. “This is all wrong. Why are you here? I was handling this.” She waved a gun in the air.
Chad chuckled and approached his wife, one languid step at a time. He moved like a wild, predatory cat. When he stroked his wife’s check, she flinched. He grabbed her weapon.
It’s all an act. He’ll capture her.
Chad met Daniel’s gaze, but the cold stare held no emotion. “Philip, do you have zip ties?”
Philip grunted and secured Daniel’s wrists together behind his back. The bodyguard shoved Daniel to the ground. Plastic crinkled as Philip used another zip tie to attach Daniel to Emma.
“Good. Nice and secure,” Chad said. “Oh, what a pair they make. So charming. Darling, do you remember our early days? We were like that. Until that honeymoon fight when you confessed everything.”
Margaux shuddered. “I thought I could. I thought you loved me. I thought you’d understand and protect me.”
“No one loves you that much.” Chad brushed hair behind Margaux’s ear. “When’s the last time you snuck out? You can be honest. I’ve already interrogated your security. Really had to rake Todd over the coals.”
“Is he…alive?” Margaux choked on the words, shaking.
Daniel wasn’t sure if he should feel heartened that she cared about someone or not.
He prayed a shred of humanity lingered in her.
What had happened all those years ago? Had Chad prompted her killing spree now?
Was he in cahoots with her the whole time to protect his campaign?
Her anguish at her husband’s appearance wasn’t reassuring.
“Too funny. That’s your trick, pet. Not mine,” Chad said. “But I have fired him for cavorting with you. Never mind that. Let’s give them a moment alone. To say their goodbyes.” He chuckled and strode out of the room, dragging Margaux by the elbow.
Daniel almost shouted after Chad to let Margaux go. And then what? Let Margaux kill them? Daniel had a few precious moments with Emma. He wouldn’t waste them.
No farewells. Not now and never again. Daniel would fight for her and for them. This didn’t end here. He’d get justice for Liz and Owen. He’d find closure for Emma. And he’d embrace his future.