Page 73 of The Spy Who Ghosted Me

After what seemed like an hour, we heard Lexi’s voice in the distance and the rush of falling water. “I just want to go home.”

I killed the light and grabbed Sabrina’s hand.

Sabrina squeezed with all her might. “This might be a good time to mention I’m afraid of the dark,” she said in the quietest of whispers. “I feel like I can’t breathe.”

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” Sabrina didn’t hesitate.

“I’ve got you. Just focus on our connection. I know it sounds pointless, but close your eyes and take steady breaths in and out. I swear on my life I won’t let anything happen to you.” Never had I spoken truer words.

“I told you. I will make you a happy woman.” Izan’s fake accent was gone. “Choose anywhere you want to live in the world, and I’ll make it happen. Now that I have the diamonds, I’ll buy you an island if you want me to.”

“You’re not who you said you were,” Lexi cried.

“I love you,” Izan shouted. “That’s all that matters.”

We needed to get to Lexi. Izan was losing his patience and Lexi wasn’t falling in line. And I needed to get those diamonds.

“Carry these,” Izan demanded.

“No!” Lexi cried.

“We need to move,” I whispered urgently, afraid Izan was going to kill Lexi. “Keep ahold of me.” I placed my hand on the cave wall and used it as our guide, slowly, slowly edging toward the sound of the water, Lexi crying, and Izan trying to convince her that he loved her.

Sabrina bravely followed me. The fact that she trusted me so implicitly didn’t go unnoticed.

We came around a bend, and thankfully Izan had battery-powered lanterns lit around the base of the pool that the waterfall poured into. We were at a good vantage point, being higher up. Unfortunately, though, we had a clear view of Izan pointing a gun at Lexi.

“Don’t make me hurt you.” Izan’s voice shook.

Sabrina’s eyes went wide with panic.

I whispered low in her ear. “I need you to stay up here and be my backup. Can you do that?”

She nodded.

“I’m going to go down there. If anything happens to me, take this.” I reached into my pocket and handed her my phone. “Press this button here and it will connect you to my handler.” My phone had unreal service coverage. “She’s a piece of work, but she’ll help you.” I kissed Sabrina’s cheek. “If you have to shoot Izan, don’t miss.”

“Okay,” her barely-above-a-breath voice shook.

I watched Sabrina take aim at Izan before I headed for the steps carved into the side of the cave that led to the pool below.

“Don’t hurt me,” Lexi begged. “I love you,” she was smart enough to say.

“I love you, mi amor. Now grab this bag. You are a wealthy woman now.”

Cautiously, I took each step, careful not to slip on the wet surface. When I made it to the bottom, I drew my gun and aimed it at Izan’s knee, knowing it was best to bring him in alive. To keep Sabrina’s family safe, we needed the name of who he was working with in New York. But if I had to, I would eliminate him.

“Okay. I’ll do whatever you say.” Lexi bent down to grab one of the four bags lying near the pool of water.

I took a step forward to make my move, but in an unfortunate twist of fate, one of the lanterns went out, and it spooked Izan. He turned at just the wrong moment and saw me closing in. He didn’t hesitate to take a shot, and neither did I. My aim was better than his, and I hit his knee. Izan crumpled. Unfortunately, his bullet ricocheted, and the fragments struck my shoulder and collarbone, forcing me down.

Sabrina screamed and ran down the steps.

Lexi ran toward her sister, but Izan refused to let her get away that easily. He sat up and fired a shot at her, missing. Sabrina stood in front of me and yelled, “Lexi, jump in the water!” before she fired off a shot and hit Izan. I couldn’t tell where the bullet struck, but he fell back.

“Oh my gosh! I just shot someone.” Sabrina lowered her weapon, shaking.

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