Page 87 of Samson

“That’s why you want payback?”

“Oh, I’m not upset about that. The holes you left in the ranks meant I moved up quickly. And now, I not only have the prize that we were so eager to secure back then, but I’ll also get to finish the work we started. With so much success, I’m sure to get a hefty bonus. As well as the satisfaction of a job well done.”

He took the gun from Marc. “Take him out of here, will you?”

They dragged Samson from the room, raging.

Delilah watched in horror as Samson was helpless to save his daughter. What had she done? “You can’t do this!” she screamed as Demir lifted the gun.

“Watch me.”

Samson bucked, throwing one of the men against the wall. Then, he swung his body around, and his head connected with the other man’s jaw.

His mind was clear except for one thought. He had to save Riley no matter what.

He charged toward the door, but an arm wrapped around his throat, and he felt a sting in his neck. His head spun as he staggered backward. Then the sound of a gunshot vibrated through the room.

“Riley…,” he slurred as his mind faded to black.

Chapter 19

Delilah’s panicswelled after they dragged Samson away. She kept expecting him to break free, but then he was gone.

No, God, no. This can’t happen. Do something. Show me you’re here. You have to do something.

Then the fear faded, and her mind cleared. Her focus turned to Riley, who was sobbing, but Delilah felt nothing except a certainty to act.

“This was fun,” Demir said. He chuckled as he listened to Samson’s howling. “But we should get on with it. Sorry, Riley. This is how it has to be.”

Riley screamed into Marc’s hand that covered her mouth as she squirmed to get free.

Delilah stepped forward. “No.”

“You stay where you are,” Demir said. “I’ll deal with you in a second. Unless you want to meet the same fate.”

She shook her head slowly, but when Demir turned his attention back to Riley, she sprinted forward, knocking the gun from his hand as it fired.

She had no time to think as she jumped for the gun that had skidded across the floor.

Hands wrapped around her ankle and yanked, but she kicked out and heard a grunt before she scrambled toward the weapon, getting her hands on in.

She spun onto her back and lifted the gun, pointing it at Demir, who had his hand on his face. He pulled it away and looked at the blood there.

“You’re going to pay for that.” His cheek had split where the heel of her shoe had connected.

“Don’t,” Delilah said to Marc, who was pulling a gun from his pant leg. Her mind screamed at her about the impossibility of what had happened, but she pushed it aside. “Bring Samson back in here. Now.”

“I’m afraid that’s impossible,” Demir said.

“Why?”

“He’s dead.” He pointed to his ear. “Hear that?”

“I can’t hear anything.”

“Exactly. A second ago, we couldn’t shut him up.”

Samson’s death was another thought she had to push aside. “Riley, come over here,” she said as she stood. “If either of you moves, I’ll shoot.”