Page 74 of Wanted by the Lawman

CHAPTER 25

WYNN SCOOTED BACK on the bed and hugged her knees to her chest, which felt heavy and her skin was clammy. Time was ticking. She knew Lansing would come back in soon and if he saw that she wasn’t close to death, she had a feeling he’d help by putting her there.

Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away. She wouldn’t give the bastard any of her weakness.

There was a certain irony to her situation. She’d spent so much time being miserable, and now that happiness lay before her, she wouldn’t have the chance to grasp it. Zander had been right when he said no one knew what tomorrow would bring. So, live for the moment. If she got out of this situation alive, she would be sure to grip each moment from this day forward. To promise to never allow words to go unspoken.

“Find me, Zander. Please find me so I can at least see you one more time.”

~~~**~~~

Zander stalked through the night, aware of every sound, even the beating of his heart. He’d learned how to stay calm, even in the most horrible of circumstances. Even when his love’s life was on the line. Nixon was a few feet away, although Zander couldn’t see him. He’d feel a lot more confident if the love of his life wasn’t in the house. Knowing how dangerous Lansing could be left Zander cold.

The moon was full, thankfully, and it lit his way as they crossed over the field toward the farmhouse. He reminded himself that although Lansing was trained, he was one man against three Cades and that was like comparing a kitten to a tiger.

Making their way silently toward the house, he used the tactics he’d learned as a sniper in the SEALs. He moved so slowly he was certain no one would see him even if they were looking through the window. He stayed crouched close to the ground, feeling the wetness from the snow seeping through his camouflage pants. His bullet proof vest kept his chest dry, but the T-shirt was soaked. He inched a few more feet and stopped, watching and listening. Instinct warned him that Lansing was watching too, probably with night goggles. That would show his lack of real skill. A man who was worth his weight would be trained in using his senses and not just his eyesight—and wouldn’t have brought a victim to a place easily found. However, Zander guessed that was the whole idea.

Crawling his way to the corner of the house, he slowly stood, pressing his back against the side, water dripping from his skin. It was around thirty degrees outside, but he didn’t feel anything. He spotted Nixon a few feet away as his brother slinked up to the porch. They were close.

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