Page 114 of The Prize

I tried the door and it opened. “Watch for anyone coming, Jade.” I ran toward him and knelt close. “Tobias.” I shook his arm, feeling as though I was inhaling air for the first time since I last saw him.

He moaned and slurred, “Fuck Picasso.”

“Tobias, it’s me.”

He raised his head. “Zara?”

“Yes.”

He pried his eyes open. “You have to get out.”

“What did they do to you?”

“Run.”

“I’m here to get you out.”

“What time is it?” His body was covered in bruises and his hair was soaking wet.

“Can you walk?”

He shoved himself up on his elbows. “Zara?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“Remind me to kill Eli Burell when I see him.” He moved his right foot and there came a clang of a shackle.

“Oh, God.”

“That doesn’t sound like a vote of confidence, Leighton.” His voice was husky.

My hand cupped my mouth at the horror of what they’d done to him. “I have to get you out.”

“The Manhattan house is safe. Wait there—” He tugged on the shackle.

“We have to cut you free.”

“You gave me something to live for.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

“Unless you brought a power tool.” His head crashed down in defeat.

“Jade’s with me.”

He peered through one eye. “Why didn’t you say?”

I sprang up and opened the door. “Jade, come in. Hurry.”

The drone floated in and sped up as she approached Tobias.

He patted her affectionately. “I know, buddy, I’ve looked better.” He pointed. “Do your thing and cut the metal to free me. Fast as you can.”

Jade hovered near his ankle and a laser shot out toward the metal cuff linking Tobias to the wall. Sparks flew as a blue line trailed along the metal.

“Are the police coming?” Tobias shuffled onto his side.

“No, but Abby knows Eli’s dangerous.”