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And against a gun?
Naya shuddered.
“One wrong move and she’s dead.” Roger slapped his free hand on the granite.
“What are you going to do?” Naya stood straighter, proud that her voice didn’t crack.
“Put an end to your investigation.” Roger leered. “Some secrets are better buried.”
“Like Will?”
Ingram let out a cry.
“Please,” Roger scoffed. “You ruined it for him. You and that good-for-nothing firefighter. Thanks to your research, you were about to bust open the empire I’ve worked hard to build.”
Naya blinked, trying to process what this guy was saying and his twisted way of seeing people. “So you killed Will?” Naya challenged.
“My partner did.” Roger huffed. “He could have had it all, but it all got messed up. Love over money. Such a shame.”
“Because of Sylvia?”
“Because of this lady right here.” Roger pointed the gun at Ingram. “The guy grew a conscience. Felt guilty for cheating on his girlfriend and putting her in harm’s way. Said he was goingto come clean.” He scoffed. “Now I have to take care of things myself.”
Where was Zack? He’d said he was on his way to her house.
Ingram whimpered.
“Enough.” Roger slapped Ingram. “Be quiet.”
Naya lunged forward. “Don’t treat her like that,” she yelled.
“I said don’t move.” Roger’s elbow collided with Naya’s cheek.
The gun exploded close to her ear.
Naya screamed.
Ingram dropped to the ground.
Gunpowder filled the air, and Naya choked back a cough.
Her ears rang.
Roger wrapped his arms under Ingram’s shoulders and dragged her across the kitchen.
“Let her go.” Naya raced after them.
Roger pushed her out of the way, and Naya stumbled and fell into the cabinets. The handles dug into her spine. She held back a groan. Her back pulsated with pain. She crawled on her knees, her clammy hands sticking to the hardwood floor.
Roger shoved Ingram into the guest bedroom and slammed the door shut.
Tears soaked Naya’s face, and she swatted at fresh ones that spilled down her cheeks. “Just take me and let her go.” She closed the gap between her and Callahan and stood up, ready to throw a swing. She wasn’t going down without a fight.
“That’s my plan.”
Naya swung her fist, prepared to hit Roger in the jaw.
Roger’s hand shot out and latched onto her wrist. He yanked her injured arm down, then twisted it behind her back.