Page 89 of Savage Seduction

“Sounds like a dream come true,” she says. “Who is it?”

“Long story,” I say. “I’ll fill you in soon, but I think we should get out of here.” Bretton would no doubt be able to find out about Cameron Cruz and maybe it would lead to Viktor Fedorov.

I take her hand, and we run to the nearest escalator and goback up to the entrance at ground-level. “I’m parked right around the corner on the street,” I say.

“Same.”

We hurry down the dark street, every few steps checking over our shoulders to see if we’re being followed. I can’t help but feel as if we’re one step away from being tracked down and killed. I have to get this information to Bretton and fast.

CHAPTER 34

Bretton

Ifollow Max and London to the library tonight, curious if they're still willing to pursue the cult after their rough encounter at London's home. My chat with Max left me feeling he's undecided, maybe even torn about how to handle Viktor. When London tapped into the dark web using an extremely advanced algorithm, not only to hide from my team but from Viktor's as well, it definitely put a target on them.

My gut tells me they've learned from their past mistake and would only access the dark web using public places. Of course, my gut was right. I follow them inside and wait two floors up to make sure I'm not seen. But then London points in my direction, and I'm sure I've been caught. I wait as Max heads up the escalator, but he never reaches my level. He stops one floor down, but why? Then I watch them rush out in a panic. Who had they seen? Was someone else following them?

I decide to follow and make sure they get back to their cars safely. I stick to the shadows, out of their line of sight, stopping behind some trees near the bus stop. I watch as they hurry down the sidewalk, glancing back every few steps. They're scared. Someone or something has spooked them.

London reaches her car and pulls away first, followed closely by Max. What had they learned? Something had terrified them, and I need to know what it is before everything blows up in my face. There can't be another incident without giving my boss prior warning, or I could kiss this case goodbye.

I start walking back to my car and climb inside. I pull out my phone to make a call, but suddenly, a man in the backseat presses his forearm against my throat.

"Don’t move or I will kill you," he says.

I nod.

"Why are you following me?" His breath is a nauseating mix of onions and rotting garbage.

I shake my head.

"I saw you in the library," he continues. "Tell me why you’re tailing me, or I’ll snap your neck." He tightens his grip, cutting off my airway.

Desperately trying to breathe, cough, or gag, anything to get oxygen to my burning lungs, I finally tap the guy's arm, signaling surrender. He eases up enough for me to take a breath and speak.

"I’m not following you..." I gasp for air. "I don’t even know who you are."

"What are you, some kind of cop?" His disgust is palpable as he spits out the last word.

I shake my head again. "Not a cop." I reach down with my left hand, feeling for the adjustable seat lever.

"I’ll still kill you… cop or not. Doesn’t matter to me," he laughs evilly, a sound that sends fear surging up my spine. "Tell me why you were following me. No more bullshit."

I pull the lever and slam backward as hard as I can, trapping the man's legs and releasing myself from his grip. I twist to the right and slam my fist into his face—the nose bone gives way under my knuckles with a satisfying crunch.

Blood runs from his nose, tears fill his eyes,but he keeps fighting back with the savagery of a wild animal. Arms swinging and legs kicking, it’s nearly impossible to pin him down. He slides out from where the back of the seat is crushing against him and reaches for the door on the passenger side. I grab his jacket and hold on, but he's strong enough to pull both of us toward the door, which he opens and starts kicking. Multiple blows land on my chest and belly, knocking the wind out of me. I manage to tear his shirt as we struggle, revealing a well-muscled white man with a distinct scar shaped like an ankh.

I lose my grip and fall to the floor between the back and front seats. By the time I scramble out to pursue him, he's already disappeared.

Who the hell was he?

I take a few moments to gather myself, calm my breathing, and process what just happened. I climb back into the front seat and lock the doors. I take out my phone and connect a call.

"Hello?" the graveled voice of my boss answers.

"It's me," I reply, deciding not to mention the attack I just survived. My boss would only focus on the unwanted attention such an attack could cause the Bureau. Normally, I would not have called him unless I had important information to share, but it’s better for me if I touch base before he calls me.

"What is it?" he asks.

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