Page 116 of Hidden Ascent

“Is that what you really think?”

She sighed. “No. But I don’t want him to know. He’ll try to stop me.”

“He wouldn’t be wrong to.”

“Yes, he would. He’d be reacting to his emotions, not to what is right.”

“Fine. I’ll call my guy. But I don’t want to see you again. This is my last favor.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. Jay’s going to kill me when he finds out.”

“Then don’t tell him.”

Chapter25

Isla smiled warmlyat the man who stood in the door of the Red Wolves hide out. He looked annoyed.

“Thanks for doing this again,” she said.

He grunted.

“Has Sharpe arrived with a woman?” she added once she was inside.

“You have a death wish? I don’t even know what you’re doing here again. You won’t be lucky enough to make it out a second time.”

“I know. I’m the sacrificial lamb.”

“Second floor, further down the hall than the office. On the left, there’s a large open room.”

“Thanks.”

The guy shook his head and let her go first, leaving her at the stairs.

She climbed to the top and took a deep breath before heading down the hall toward the voices that she could hear.

God, I don’t feel you close, but I know you’re here. I don’t need to survive this, but can you make sure Maddy does? I don’t want her to have to pay for this.

Laughter from up ahead drew her back into the moment, and she walked to the room, rounding into view with her arms raised.

The talking stopped, and guns were pointed her way.

“I’m here to give myself up,” Isla said when she identified Sharpe. He was the only one not holding a gun, and he looked very pleased with himself. “But you need to let Maddy go.”

“What are you doing?” Maddy said.

“So this is Isla?” Sharpe said. “We haven’t met. But I recognize you from the photo. You and Whitlock, huh? Cozy.”

“Let Maddy go.”

“Why?”

“She can’t do anything for you. I’m the one you want. I’m the only one left alive from that operation. So, here I am. You can finish the job.”

“This is your plan? To come in here and hope for a swap?” He looked at the man next to him and nodded. “Brody, would you mind?”

Brody scowled at Isla as he walked past to check the hall for any uninvited guests who might be hiding there.

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