Page 92 of Taken With Trouble

“I’m beginning to see why you and Cruz are partners,” I say. “Did you call for backup?”

He nods. “Still twenty minutes out. The director is on his way here from the States, but he’s hours away. What’s our plan?”

“I’m going in.” I stand, and Caleb immediately yanks me down. “Are you looking to get your hand ripped off?” I sneer.

He removes his hand. “That’s not a plan. Just stop for a second.”

“I’ve thought it through. They might release her for me.”

“You’re no prize. They don’t want you.”

“I take offense to that. I happen to have a variety of skills that could be useful. Maybe they are in need of another ragtag renegade to join their group.”

He raises an amused brow. “No… just no.”

“I’m still going in. I don’t care if they make the trade.”

“You’re going to turn yourself into an extra hostage?” he asks. “Noble… but stupid. Let’s think of a better idea.”

“That’s all there is. Here.” I pull a tiny camera out of my pocket and attach it to my shirt button. “They’ll surely find this in seconds, but maybe it can give you a clue as to what you and the other agents will be walking into.” I snatch his phone and have the video transmitting before he can protest. “I already looked for street cams, but there aren’t any on this block. We’re flying blind.”

“Which is why we should wait,” Caleb counters.

“I’m not waiting. I’m going in there.” I stand, and he grabs my arm again, but I shove him off. “I’ll distract them—whatever it takes to keep her alive until you save her. Because youwillsave her this time.”

“Yes.” He nearly growls. “But they’re going to kill you.”

“I don’t care,” I say, shocking myself by the truthfulness of my words. I don’t care about my life. The only thing that matters is her. If she’s not in my world, there is no world. “Look, I saw the video, Serena thinks it’s enough evidence to lock Sebastian away but it’s not. We need more, which is why I’m bringing a camera in with me.” I point to the contact in my left eye.

Caleb studies it. “How do you have that kind of tech?”

“I have my resources. All you need to do is save Serena, and then we’re even.”

Caleb rears back. “Excuse me? Even for what?”

“We don’t need to get into the technicalities right now, but I did save your girlfriend from a murderer.”

“You?Youwere the reason she was in danger in the fir—” He slams his lips together and shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter right now.” He checks his watch. “Seventeen minutes. Just. Wait. We can get them another way,” Caleb says through gritted teeth.

“I can’t risk them going free.” I shake my head. “I can’t wait. I can’t do anything but this. Every second she’s in danger scares me even more. My world feels like it’s tearing at the seams. If I don’t see her alive, if I can’t save her, it will fall to shreds.”

“You have a flair for the dramatic.” Caleb sighs. “But I suppose you’re not half bad.”

“Was that supposed to be a compliment? Because it was seriously lacking.”

“No more talking to my girlfriend,” Caleb says.

I consider this. Amelia is quirky and fun. “We can discuss that if I don’t die.” I toss him a wave as I head for the hotel.

“Hawthorne!” he growls.

“What? I enjoy her refreshing personality. She’s like a little blonde puppy.”

“If they don’t murder you, I will.”

“I’d like to see you try.” I’d like to seeanyonetry right now. It’s freeing to realize you might be walking to your death. I feel invincible. No one can hurt me if death is already working to claim me. I have nothing to lose. I’ll risk all that I am.

Chapter 40