Page 137 of Over the Edge

Any hope of nearby help evaporated.

She was in this alone, armed with nothing but her wits to pit against two cold-blooded killers, at least one of whom was armed.

But her feet were free, if slightly numb, and with one tug, her wrists would be liberated too.

She hoped.

The question was, when should she make her move? Out here, in the open, where she might be able to disappear in the night if the circulation returned to her feet and she could runwithout stumbling—or inside, where there could be places to hide and objects that could function as weapons.

Before she could come to a decision, Heidi returned.

“The door’s unlocked, as expected. Let’s go inside and finish this. It’s too cold to stand around out here.”

Dr. Oliver took her arm and towed her toward the building, Heidi’s ominous words ringing in her ears.

Finish this.

The end was near.

So if a window of opportunity didn’t open soon, she’d have to create one.

Or in a handful of minutes, she’d be dead.

“I STILL DON’T SEEwhy we had to swing by here at this hour. This neighborhood gives me the creeps.”

As Eric stopped in front of the empty warehouse he’d suggested Robertson Properties consider acquiring, he put the car in park.

It was hard to blame his wife for complaining about the detour. The area was beyond dicey.

But she could indulge him after the impromptu celebratory dinner he’d sprung on her now that the company had passed on the strip mall and his payment from Matthew Nolan had hit his account this afternoon. Stopping by off the clock to check out the potential purchase he’d recommended would demonstrate his commitment to the company and help build job security.

Heidi Robertson came across as the type who would appreciate and reward employees who went the extra mile.

“I told you, hon. I’ll earn brownie points with my new boss when I tell her I drove by tonight.”

“Seems like a waste to me. Won’t you have to come back in the daylight to see the inside?”

“At some point, if she decides to proceed. But she’ll be impressed that I swung by to get a first impression.”

She gave the structure a dubious inspection. “It’s pitch dark. What can you see?”

“Not much. That’s why this will be quick. I just want to be able to tell her I took a look. One circuit is all I have planned.”

“Well, let’s do it and get out of here.”

Eric put the car in gear again and drove toward the corner of the building. Continued along the side. Paused as he circled around back.

“I thought you said the building was empty.” His wife leaned forward and peered at the dark sedan parked near the door as a faint light flashed inside the windows spaced along the top of the structure.

Huh.

That didn’t seem right.

According to the material he’d reviewed on the property, no one should be here.

“It’s supposed to be.” He flipped off his lights as the illumination inside vanished. If someone was trespassing, they were likely up to no good—and calling attention to his presence could put him and his wife at risk. “I’m going to drive by the car. Write down the license while I read it off.”

“Why? Can’t we just leave?”

---