Page 44 of The Cousins and the Brunette

“Improving your gene pool by sheer proximity.” I struggled in his grip, trying to yank free, but it was like tugging on a steel column.

“Ha! She’s got jokes.” The larger goon chuckled darkly. “Maybe we should call Mr. Shoemaker, see what he wants done with her.”

“Sure, call him. Tell him Brynn says hi. He’ll remember me.” I couldn’t keep the tremble out of my sass this time.

Their laughs were cruel, filled with malice. “You won’t be smirkin’ for long, fugitive.”

Fear crept up my throat like a cold, slimy tentacle. I swallowed hard, trying to push it back down.

Wait, what? Fugitive.

I frowned, my snark vanishing. “I don’t understand.”

Confusion replaced fear, leaving me feeling like I’d shown up to a costume party in my pajamas.

The larger goon leaned in, his breath hot on my face. “You’re all over the news, sweetheart. Wanted for impersonating an Elite. Ring any bells?”

My thoughts raced, pieces clicking into place. Elizabeth. The swap. Of course, Shoemaker would spin it this way.

I forced a laugh, hoping it didn’t sound as hollow as it sounded. “Me? An Elite? Please. I can barely impersonate a functioning adult most days.”

“Cute.” The smaller one scowled, his grip tightening. “But playtime’s over. Time to face the music, bitch.”

“More like a street rat!” The large henchmen chuckled again.

The slur hit me like a slap. I bristled, my fear momentarily eclipsed by indignation. “I’m not a street rat. I’m more of a...street cat. Independent, resourceful, and really good at landing on my feet.”

The larger goon snorted. “Won’t be landing on your feet where you’re headed.”

I raised an eyebrow, channeling every ounce of bravado I could muster. “Oh? Planning a trip to the anti-gravity chamber? How thoughtful. I’ve always wanted to float like a butterfly, sting like a...well, me.”

“Enough chatter,” the smaller one barked, yanking me forward. “Move it.”

As they started dragging me down the hallway, another wave of panic rocketed through me. Where were Sebastian and the others? Had they made it out? Or were they caught too, trapped like flies in Shoemaker’s web of deceit?

I dug my heels in, frantically searching for a way out. “Wait! Don’t I get a phone call? Or at least a strongly worded letter to my congressman?”

The larger guy snickered darkly. “Sure, sweetheart. We’ll let you call your lawyer... right after we feed you to the sharks.”

“Sharks?” I gasped in mock excitement. “How exotic! And here I thought I’d just get the standard ‘concrete shoes’ treatment. You guys really know how to treat a girl.”

Their laughter echoed off the walls, a chilling reminder of just how screwed I was. We rounded a corner, and I caught a glimpse of movement in the shadows. A burst of hope bloomed in my chest.

I cleared my throat, speaking a bit louder than necessary. “Well, gentlemen, it’s been a pleasure. Really. But I’m afraid I have a prior engagement. You know how it is—places to be, high tech to steal.”

My heart pounded against my ribs, each beat a reminder of how precarious this situation had become. I’d always prided myself on my ability to think on my feet, but now? Now I was so screwed.

The smaller goon’s grip loosened for a fraction of a second, surprise evident on his face. “What did you just say?”

I grinned. “Oh, nothing. Just pondering the finer points of corporate espionage and the going rate for top-secret military tech. You know, typical Tuesday night stuff.”

Adrenaline surged through my veins, sharpening my senses and dulling my better judgment. I wondered if I’d finally lost it, taunting these thugs like this.

The large henchman scowled, his face contorting in annoyance. “You’re a real comedian, huh? Think you’re gonna walk out of here just like that?”

“Listen, assholes,” I said, mustering every ounce of bravado I had left. “You can let me walk out of here, or you can deal with the paperwork of arresting me. And trust me, I’ve seen how you two spell. It won’t be pretty.”

My tone held more confidence than I felt. Inwardly, doubt gnawed at me, whispering that I’d pushed too far this time. But what choice did I have? Back down now, and I might as well hand over my freedom gift-wrapped.

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