Page 125 of Implode

Nic: stuck in elevator

Nic: I am being set up

Collins: getting help

Nic: let Asher know

“I already have,” Dan states matter-of-factly. “I am getting everything I have always wanted—minus my dream job, of course. But I have a wonderful consolation prize in the form of a barely five-foot, beautiful brunette. She’s feisty and is going to get marked if she keeps fighting me. But you know how passionate this firecracker can be.”

“I’m going to kill you if you harm one hair on her head.”

“Tsk-tsk. You don’t have the upper hand here, so quit acting like you do.”

I use my phone to try to pull up the security camera footage for the Plus None floor, assuming that’s where they are located.

The lights inside the elevator flicker and then the emergency ones switch on.

It is no secret to the employees here that there are cameras on every floor and in every department. My security staff knows of their locations and has access to them for monitoring purposes. The motion sensors were my little secret. But with them malfunctioning, it is obvious that Dan was watching me when I didn’t realize it. Dan would easily know where my cameras are all located. Thus, he would also know how to restrict my viewing. Dammit. He has cut the power in the building, including the backup supply I have for all of the security cameras. No matter what footage I check, I have lost all access to the building.

“You’re hurting me, please stop,” a whimpering voice begs.

Claire. Her pleading voice slices through my heart. Fuck. I slam my hand against the metal doors and then dig my fingers into where the two panels meet, prying with all my might for them to open—if only just an inch.

“What do you want?” I yell into the wall’s speaker. “Money? Fame? Tell me what you fucking want!”

“I just want to beyou,” he responds simply. “I’m sure with time Claire will grow fond of me. She has such delicate skin. Have you noticed?” He chuckles like a demented demon. “Of course you have. So smooth and flawless. I would hate to mar it with my blade.”

“You fucker,” I growl.

“Now, now, let’s just hope for her sake that she cooperates and can follow the rules. Would be a shame for me to have to get angry.”

I just want to be you. What does he even mean? While it may appear that Dan is obsessed with Claire, it is actually me he wants to mimic.

It’s all starting to make sense now. Dan was moving up in ranks before I came along. He probably set up some breaches on Eugene’s watch to make him look bad. He might have even been privy to why Brenna wanted to work here at HH. That’s why he used her to get into Claire’s apartment. Getting a key made could have happened while she was on lunch break and left her purse in the office.

Graham hiring me derailed his entire plan to be the top dog. So instead of dealing with his letdown like a man, he’s now looking to seek revenge.

I get the doors to separate a bit more, but the safety feature restricts the opening, locking it at just a measly four inches. I open up the app for the tracking device I have for Claire, completely forgetting about her getting a new phone. Fuck. I see the dot with her location, but it is where her car is—not her body.

I text Asher who should still be in the building.

Nic: service stairwell; only few know about it

Asher: on my way; police called

Unfortunately this is Asher’s first time in the building. He has seen pictures of my layout and offered valuable advice, but he doesn’t know the floor plan like I do. No one really knows this place like Graham and I do.

Shit.

Dan planned this around Graham not being here in the building. He waited until I was at a disadvantage before he made a move. And taking Claire equates to a death sentence if I find him before the police can intervene.

The call with Dan disconnects, and I try to get him back on the line with no luck. Tipping my head up to the ceiling, I scream at the top of my lungs for someone to get me out of here. I send out an urgent group text to my team and include Graham. I feel helpless stuck here, and my mind is racing for a solution.

Nic: Dan King has a hostage. Claire Nettles. Check the service stairwell. Traitor

Graham immediately calls me. “What the hell?” he answers panting.

“Dan has her.”

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