Page 3 of Lethal Threat

Voicemail answers, and a voice I never thought I’d hear again speaks. “You’ve reached Cole Strong, leave a message.”

I almost burst into tears. “It’s Sierra, I’ve made a horrible mistake. I’m on the bay, there are three men in a boat, I’m afraid they’re?—“

Through the salt-filled air, a bellowed voice drives a spike of terror into my chest. “Drop the phone!”

My heart goes wild inside my ribcage as I stare at the gigantic gun. It’s pointed right at my chest.

Think, Sierra. You’ve got to use your head.

The man bellows across their bow. “Drop the phone now!”

I slowly lower the phone. As I do, I speak toward it, keeping my lips still. I pray that the speaker picks up my words. “Send help. We’re near an island east of the water tower.”

Then I let my iPhone fall to my feet.Maybe it will stay connected. Maybe my message will get through.But I never drop my gaze from the gun.

There’s no doubt in my mind—the man aiming at me is a killer.

It’s in his eyes, the bitter slits showing above his mask. Hollow pits, cold with hate.

There’s a keening moan beside me. My friend’s pale face is frozen in a state of shock.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

This can’t be how it ends.Bryan needs me…

I can’t fail again.

Chapter Two

SIERRA

“Ma’am, wake up.”

Hm?

“Ma’am, can you hear me? You're at the Norfolk Naval Hospital. It’s time to wake up.”

I lick across my mouth and instantly regret it. Saltwater and bile taste horrible together.

“P-please stop yelling.”

A hand covers mine. It’s firm, warm, and covered with a layer of something rubbery. “I’m not yelling, sweetheart. Open your eyes.”

My voice grates through my battered vocal cords. “I don’t want to.”

A very rude thumb shoves my left eyelid up.

“Ouch!” I flinch away from the bright overhead light and repeat my grumble when the nurse does the same to the other eye.

“Let’s get you warm.”

I nod because that sounds like an amazing idea.

I try to place the woman’s accent, but my brain hurts too much. A heavy, warm weight settles over me. Acting on instinct, my body snuggles deeper into the heat. I let out a soft moan. “Thank you, God. I was freezing.”

“I’m not God. But you’re welcome. Freezing is an understatement. You’re as cold as a corpse. We’ll get you out of those wet clothes soon. Give me your arm.”

Still with my eyes squeezed shut, I let her draw my left arm out from beneath the warmth.