Page 20

20

CHASE

Just as I see Damon Stone disappear, a call from Hux. I bet he’s going to tell me he’s managed to make Laramie laugh or that Honor’s baking cookies.

“Partner! I hope you haven’t gone and scared Laramie with your charming personality. Everything smooth?” I tease, half-smiling as I step outside.

The reply I get isn’t smooth. Not even close.

“Chase, we’ve got a situation,” Hux barks. His voice is tight, urgent. “Gas in the house. I can’t get in.”

“What?” My pulse spikes, and I stop dead in my tracks. “Comet, you’re not making any sense! What gas?”

“They’re trying to trap her. I can’t get in.”

“What the hell, Hux!” My voice rises as the words slam into me. “What do you mean you can’t get in?”

But he doesn’t need to explain further. My stomach drops. Damon. Damon has played me. He pulled me here, lured me out with just enough bait to distract me. All the while, the target wasn’t me—it was Honor. My house isn’t public knowledge, but if you dig deep enough, do your homework, it’s not impossible to find.

Gas… Did Hux say gas?

“Eric!” I yell over my shoulder. The rookie sticks his head out of the doorway. “Get me a couple of CbrNs! Now!”

Hux’s voice cuts through the phone, rough and tense. “I rammed my car trying to break that damn door, but it won’t budge!”

Of course it won’t. My house is built to withstand attacks like this. Nothing budges. No windows break, no doors cave. It’s designed to keep threats out, not to let someone in. And now that strength is working against me.

“Shit,” I mutter under my breath as I gather the CbrN masks Eric has handed me. Then Huxley’s words trigger something in my brain. Red Mark is equipped for emergencies like this. Heavy-duty emergencies. I spin on my heel and head for the utility room, grabbing tools I may need—cutters, saws, whatever I can find.

“Chase, the fire brigade is en route,” Hux says. “They know there’s a baby inside. They’re bringing gear. But you need to get here. Fast.”

I’m already moving.

“The roof!” I snap. “Hux, get to the roof. South-east corner, right above the kitchen. There’s a spot—it’s reinforced, but you can hack through it if you hit the right place.”

“Copy that. I’m heading there now.”

I sprint toward my car.

Honor. Laramie. Hold on. I’m coming.