Page 29

ELI

As I throw the dead bodies in the back of the truck, I catch a glimpse of Dane and Jenny sharing a deep embrace. I give them a minute before I make my way to Dane.

“Look, you two need to stay out here. I can’t risk the three of us going in and spooking him. That may cause him to act irrationally. Maybe put Brook’s life in more danger.” Dane’s eyes glare into mine.

“You can’t go in alone, Eli! That is exactly what he wants. If you do that, you will kill both her and yourself.” Dane stands up and places his crimson hands on my shoulders. “I can’t lose my best friend. Not when we are this close and can walk in their and just light the fucker up!” His words leave his lips with a sharp, cruel edge.

I place my hand on top of his. “This is the issue, Dane. We have no idea what position she will be in when we enter. He could kill her on sight, just to fucking spite me before we end his sorry life. I have a better chance going in alone to bargain with him. It will be less threatening.” Dane sits for a moment and then nods his head.

“Okay, well we need to have some kind of plan. I need something , Eli. Some kind of signal for me to enter.” His eyes search mine with panic and stress.

“If you hear a gun, go off, then you run in there and kill him if he is still standing. I will make sure to get his attention away from Brook.” Dane’s eyes glance away, and I grab his face and turn it towards mine.

“I need you to fucking promise me, Dane. If anything fucking happens to me, you will save her.” His eyes fill with tears, wiping them away before they can fall.

“I promise,” he whispers as I grab him hard and wrap my arms around his large chest.

“I love you brother.” Before I could give him a second to reply, I shoved past him and made my way to the front door and entered.