Page 79 of Colton's Last Resort

Betrayal and disbelief worked across Roger’s features. “You...tricked me?”

“Our security team will be here any moment,” she stated. “They’ll take your son into their custody and await police.”

“Dayton didn’t do anything,” Roger said with an expansive gesture. “Listen, Ms. Colton. I’m sure there’s something I can do, some arrangement we can come to—”

“I’m afraid not, Mr. Ferraday,” she said with a shake of her head. Where was Roland?

“In that case, I’d like to speak with your brother,” Roger requested. She could see sweat forming on his upper lip. She noted how he’d planted himself between her and Dayton. “Adam, isn’t it?”

“You’re lucky I’m the one handling this matter,” she informed him. “Neither of my brothers would wait for Security to haul your son out.”

“You know.” Dayton spoke up, inspecting Laura. His pupils were as black as water beetle wings. “You’re a smart-mouthed bitch.”

“Shut up, Dayton!” Roger snapped. “I’m handling this!”

“No,” Laura said, staring back at Dayton. “Go ahead.”

“Okay,” Dayton said, and his shoulders squared. “You’re a big, loud, smart-mouthed bitch and you’re going to eat your words. Just like the rest of them.”

She took a step forward, drawing herself up to her full height. “You’re right about one thing, Dayton. I’m a really big, really loud, really smart bitch. And I’m going to make sure you never hurt another woman again.”

Roger held his hands up. “Ms. Colton, please. I’m sure we can solve this unfortunate matter together. There’s no need to involve Security or the police. Dayton and I will leave your resort quietly. Just name your price.”

“Bribery won’t work here,” she told him.

He had the nerve to smile. “Only because I haven’t named the right price.”

“Maybe I haven’t made myself clear,” Laura said, raising her voice. “Your son is a rapist and, possibly, a murderer, and he’s leaving Mariposa in handcuffs.”

“A murderer?” Roger repeated, smile fleeing. His face reddened, and he advanced on her. “That’s a lie!”

“Yeah,” Dayton spit. “What the hell?”

“Get out!” Roger shouted at her.

She heard the knock on the door. “Ms. Colton?” Roland called as he stepped into the open entryway. “Are you all right?”

Roger Ferraday’s arm snaked out, hooking her around the throat. The other pinned her arms to her sides.

“What are you doing?” she cried out.

“Back off!” Roger warned Roland. “Back the hell off or I’ll hurt her!”

Roland’s Taser was already in hand. He didn’t back away. “Mr. Ferraday,” he said, focused on the face next to Laura’s. “You’re making a big mistake here. The police are right behind me. If they see you’ve taken Ms. Colton hostage, you’ll be charged with holding her against her will. And the accommodations at the state penitentiary lack the luxury you’re accustomed to.”

Laura could smell the fear and sweat pouring off Roger. It dampened his shirt and hers as he pressed his front to her back. It slicked across her ear as his cheek buffered against it. Holding herself still, she kept calm, knowing her fright might encourage him to carry this through.

The tension shattered when the glass sliding door exploded. Glass rained, skidding across the floor, and a dark figure darted through the opening, gun between his hands. “Hands in the air!” he yelled.

Laura barely had time to register the lethal focus on Noah’s face before Roger shoved her aside. Her boot heel slid across a loose piece of glass, and she went flying. She reached out to grab the table’s edge, but she was going too fast. Her head arced down to meet it and she was helpless to stop her momentum.

Little white lights broke across her vision. Then the world came rushing back to her as she met the floor, little glass shards poking through her blouse. She reached for her head as pain split her temples.

When she pulled her hand away, blood smeared her fingers.

Chapter 15

It was well after dark when Noah returned to Mariposa. He wasn’t able to go back to Bungalow Fifteen. Not after going several rounds with Roger and Dayton Ferraday at the police station.

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