Page 56 of He is… Creed: Part Three

“I’m not angry. You’re not wrong. But on this, I’m certain.”

“What if you call in sick and ask him to dinner here tonight? Then I can hide—”

“You’ll be busy arresting people and searching facilities. And if I don’t get to work, you may never get the chance. After I told him you’re back, my absence will trigger him. I’ll be fine.”

He cups my head and kisses me hard and fast. “Go now before I don’t let you. I love you, Addie. I should have told you that a long time ago.”

My fingers trail over his jaw. “Tell me again later, when we’re safely back in Sunrise City.”

“Which can’t be soon enough for me.” He releases me, then opens the door for me, and I climb inside, dread in my belly clawing at me.

I’m nervous, and a voice in my head is warning me that this is going to blow up in my face, but I crank the engine anyway. And the only thing that comforts me is knowing Creed will be near.

So much so that when I pull into the facility and exit my car, I can feel Creed in the air around me. He’ll keep me safe, but I won’t need him, I vow. My father is my protector as well. I am safe with him. Creed is not.

***

Near lunchtime, neither my father nor Brock have shown up at the office or made contact, though I’ve left them both messages. Neither is answering my calls, and I’m battling a general sense of unease—a feeling that turns into outright shock when two military officers appear in my doorway.

“You need to come with us, Ms. Lawrence,” one of them commands.

Heart hammering in my chest, I thank God my phone is in my hand and under my desk. I punch in Creed’s number and tuck it in my blazer pocket, praying he’ll be able to hear what’s going on. “What’s happening?” I ask. “Is my father okay?”

“Your father is fine,” the same officer replies. “You need to come with us now.”

I reach for my purse.

“We’ll take your personal items for you,” the second soldier instructs.

I freeze. “Am I under arrest?”

“Yes, ma’am, you are,” he confirms. They advance on me and confiscate my purse, probably expecting my phone to be inside.

My phone could be used against me, so I dump it under my desk and push to my feet. “On whose orders?”

“General Lawrence, ma’am,” the lead officer states.

“My father? Really?” I’m shaking. “On what charge?”

“Conspiracy against the United States of America.”

“That’s ridiculous.” He reaches for my arm, and I yank out of reach. “I will walk of my own free will.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I draw in a deep breath and straighten my spine with a regal snap as I compose myself. He won’t hurt me. I am not in danger. He’s teaching me a lesson, that is all. If I go to jail, I’ll hire an attorney and fight. And I’m wired. Creed hooked me up before we ever left Sunrise City. If he can’t hear what’s happening via my phone, he can hear through the wire.

I’m led down the hallway to the elevator, but the two officers do not get on. Instead, they punch a code on the door, step out of the way, and the doors close on me, essentially trapping me inside.

The car begins to descend well below the basement level, to what must be an underground facility I didn’t know existed.

Suddenly, a smoky substance floats into the car from the ceiling. Oh, my God. What is this? I cover my mouth and try to block out the fumes, but the effect is almost instantaneous. My head is light, and I feel as if I’m floating; confusion overtaking me. A moment later, my legs buckle.

Chapter Fifty-One

Addie

I blink awake with no concept of time, my chin tucked to my chest, neck aching. Presence of mind hits me in a jolt, and I jerk my head up and yank at my arms, only to find I’m sitting in a chair with my wrists tied together behind me.

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