Page 138 of Ruthless Prince

Shit.Shaking my head, I grumbled and looked at the phone. The internet was still working, so I downloaded the Uber app to book anothercar.

As I busied myself with that, a message from FreeQuinn popped up.You’re late. I can smell a trap a mile away. If you aren’t here in five minutes, I’m getting the hell outtahere.

I shot back a response.I just arrived at the edge of the port. I promise I’m not screwing you over. The driver just went slower than expected. I’ll be there in ten minutes. Pleasewait.

FreeQuinn:Fine. Ten minutes. But that’sit.

I switched over to the Uber app again. The nearest available driver was over thirty minutes away, meaning Aaron must’ve turned off his service. Sighing, I ordered it and slipped the phone back in my pocket. If something bad went down with FreeQuinn, I would have to hide out and wait until the new car finally arrived before making my escape. I guess I could handle that, though. I knew every nook and cranny of theport.

The scent of salty air and old motor oil lingered in my nostrils as I trudged through the lanes between rusted shipping containers. In the distance, the bay water slapped against ancient pylons in a faint, steady rhythm, and a chilly sea breeze blew through the area, making meshiver.

About halfway to the meeting point, I stopped, muscles turning rigid. FreeQuinn said they were already at the spot, but I could’ve sworn I just heard someone behind me. Whipping my head around, I searched the lane for any hint of another person. There was nothing there. No one stalking me in theshadows.

I kept going, and then I heard faint footsteps. I whirled back around, but once again, there was no one there. My paranoia was obviously getting the better ofme.

I turned into the final lane and squinted. I saw the shadowy outline of a man standing at the end, holding a briefcase. For a petrified moment, I thought it was Logan, but then I realized this guy was at least three inchesshorter.

I hurried forward. “I’m here,” I said in a lowvoice.

The man turned around and smiled. “Hi,Willow.”

A chill struck at my core as I realized I knew him. “Teddy?”

He opened the briefcase and pulled out a thin folder. “Here. Takeit.”

I accepted it with one trembling hand. “I don’t get it. How is ityou?” I asked. Until now, I thought he’d ridden his father’s coattails to a cushy job on the Hill. I had no idea he actually worked for theNSA.

“Just look at the file,” hemuttered.

I did as he said, and a pit formed in my stomach as I realized the folder was empty. “Wait, Idon’t—”

I stopped abruptly as I looked up to see Teddy holding a small black pistol. He was aiming it right at mychest.

“I know you’re usually not an idiot, but I figured you were desperate enough right now to act like one for a while,” he said with a smirk. He shook his head. “Still, I can’t believe you actually fell for that cloak-and-dagger NSA whistleblower shit. You must bereallyfuckingdesperate.”

I shook my head. “I don’tunderstand.”

“There’s no file, you stupid bitch. Nothing to prove your mom’s innocence. She’s guilty as sin. You’re the only one dumb enough to believeotherwise.”

I held up my palms and took a step backward. “Are you the one who leaked those recordings to the media?” I asked, trying my best to soundcalm.

“Of course not! I fucking wish I was,” he said, eyes narrowing. He spat on the ground. “I always knew your mom did something to my dad, so if I had proof, I would’ve leaked it monthsago.”

“The video isn’t proof,” I said in a smallvoice.

“Proof enough for me. Now I know I was right all along. She fucking didit.”

“Teddy, please. I know you’re upset,but—”

“Shut the fuck up!” He waved the pistol to silence me before holding it level with my throat. “Quinn took my father away from me. Now I’m gonna take her kid from her. She can finally know what it feelslike.”

My breath hitched in my chest, and tremors rocked my whole body as my gaze narrowed to the barrel of the gun. “Please don’t do this, Teddy,” I choked out, tears springing to my eyes. “Even if my mom actually did it, two wrongs won’t make aright.”

He snorted. “Don’t give me that third grade bullshit. Killing you is gonna feel fucking great. I don’t care if it’s right.” He let out a dark chuckle. “I can’t wait to see your mother’s face when they find you out here pumped full oflead.”

I cowered, lifting my hands higher in a futile attempt to shield myself. “Don’t kill me.Please!”

“Sorry, Willow. I haveto.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, praying for a miracle. There was a brief clicking sound as Teddy flicked off thesafety.

Then hefired.

To be continued…