Page 6 of Finish Line

I stand and look Hannah directly in her eyes. “Whatever happens, Hannah, keep your mouth shut. Let me handle him.”

Locks flip before Roger stomps down the stairs.

“Good morning, everyone. How are you doing today?” He walks right over to Cam, peering down at him. “Oh, my, he doesn’t look good.”

He pokes the wound with his finger, and Cam moans.

“Hey, stop that! You need to let him go,” I say with all the conviction I have.

He turns around and walks toward me. “And why would I do that?”

“You want my cooperation, don’t you?” I cross my arms and raise my chin.

He turns his head away from me. “Do we want her cooperation or just make her do it?”

He stares at nothing, mumbling quietly. He’s completely gone berserk, which makes him a lot more dangerous.

“But it’s so much fun,” he replies, tapping his chin. “Yes, you’re right. It would be easier.”

“Hey, Roger, let Cam go. He’s no use to you this way. And if he dies, I will fight you with everything I have,” I say with defiance.

He stalks closer, backing me up against the wall. Like a snake, he strikes, grabbing my neck and squeezing. “No matter what, I’ll convince you to do what I want, but you’re right. Your cooperation would make things easier. I’ll drop him where he can find help.” He shakes his head back and forth. “Maybe.”

He stares at me for a few minutes.

“And what about her?” He points to Hannah, who’s bawling, tears streaming down her cheeks while sitting on the floor.

I make sure not to show any feeling on my face. “I don’t care what you do with her.”

His black eyes drill into me. I need to make sure he believes I don’t give a shit about Hannah.

He turns toward the wall again. “Should we believe her?”

He stands almost like he is listening to someone else.

“Yeah, yeah. I got it.” His black eyes lock back onto me. “We’ll drop him somewhere where he can find help, but if you fight us, we’ll go back and kill them all. When I return, we’ll take care of her.”

I glance over to where Hannah is.

Roger goes over and pulls Hannah up by her hair. “Help me take him to the car.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a key, then bends and unlocks her cuff.

She stands and moves over to Cam, placing her hands under his shoulders. Her face strains as she tried to lift Cam. “I can’t. He’s too heavy.”

Roger backhands her. “You’re worthless.”

He stoops down grabbing Cam and throws him over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry before heading upstairs. The locks engage on the door again.

I listen for the car to start and drive off.

Hannah covers her face. “Please don’t kill me. I’m sorry for everything. Luke and I didn’t do anything in the bathroom. I swear.”

“Calm down, Hannah. I told you I wasn’t going to kill you.” I stare at the basement exit for another second before turning to her.

“You’re not?” Her shoulders droop with relief.

“No, I’m going to help you out of here.”

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