Page 125 of Death Wish

“Just use it,” he snapped, then rattled off the code.

“What if the account has been closed?”

“We’ll go inside and pay cash. Hurry. I’m hungry.”

Simone rolled her eyes and filled the tank. Why hadn’t the victim’s family closed the account? She shuddered to think how many charges Trevor had racked up on the account.

After she filled the tank, Trevor slung his arm around Simone’s shoulders and held her tight against his side. “Remember what I told you. All the people we meet? Their lives are in your hands.”

He went to a food counter and ordered two sub sandwiches to go along with drinks and chips. While the food workers prepared the sandwiches, Simone tried to pull away.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Trevor hissed. “I told you no funny stuff.”

“Bathroom. It’s been hours since we started driving.”

He scowled. “You’ll have to wait until our food is ready.”

At least he hadn’t told her she’d have to find a bush on the side of the road. When their food was ready, Trevor thrust the bag of sandwiches at her and picked up the drink carrier in his free hand.

He hustled her toward the restrooms and pushed her toward the door marked women. “You have two minutes. After that, I’ll come in and drag you out.”

Simone hurried inside, used the facilities, and washed her hands all in under 90 seconds. She glanced around for anything she might use to escape or maybe a window to climb out. Nothing.

Twenty-five seconds to go.

She had just enough time to contact Fortress. Hopefully, someone could tell her Jesse’s condition.

She pressed the emergency button.

A message appeared on the screen. Can you talk?

“For a few seconds,” she whispered. “How is Jesse?”

“At the emergency room receiving treatment. No word on prognosis,” Zane murmured.

“Tell Jesse I love him.”

“You can tell him yourself.”

Trevor banged on the door. “Simone, you’ve got fifteen seconds.”

“Are you all right?” Zane asked.

“For now. I won’t be for long.”

“Help is coming.”

“Tell them to hurry. Trevor is taking uppers. His behavior is becoming more aggressive and erratic.” She gave him the car’s description and the license plate number, the name on the credit card she’d used, and their present location. “I don’t know where we’re going.”

“I’m leaving our communication open. Don’t antagonize him, Simone. Play along.”

More banging on the door. “Simone!”

“Coming,” she called, grabbed their food bag, and unlocked the door.

As soon as she opened the door, Trevor crowded her back into the bathroom and slapped her. Simone’s head whipped to the side as she cried out in pain. Man, that hurt.

“That’s for keeping me waiting.” He grabbed her arm in a painful grip and propelled her from the bathroom.

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