Page 80 of Power Games

That voice.

She knew that voice.

"Yes. Yes, sir, I have her. She's safe. Out of the way. Yes, sir. He didn't say where he was headed. Yes, his security was with him. I'll keep your sister out of the way until you get him. No, sir. Yes. I'll be—"

She didn't know what moved her. Vanessa ran at full speed and launched herself at the hulking figure of her bodyguard. Everything fucking hurt when her body hit Matt's with all her strength, but she'd taken him by surprise, and for an instant, he lost his balance. That was enough. She kicked the fuck out of him, giving it all she had. The man fell backward, into the water.

"Maybe, don't stand on the edge of a bridge next time, idiot!" she yelled behind her, all the while running back to the car.

She slid her hand out of the bonds and opened the driver door, begging, "Please, please, please, tell me you've left the keys in...."

If he hadn't, she was screwed. He was going to get out of the water within minutes, at most.

Thankfully, she'd never hired Matt for his brains.

"Yes!"

Finding the keys in the ignition, she started the car and drove off.

Shit. She was going to get herself arrested, the way she was driving. Vanessa technically had her driver's license, but she had never owned a car or driven herself, well, anywhere.

Then she realized something. She didn't have a phone, or anything on her, but maybe getting herself arrested wasn't a bad idea right now.

Her foot hit the gas, pushing it down. She was either going to get back to town in minutes, or a police car would get to her. Both options worked.

The car hit a sidewalk, making her body launch forward and almost hit the steering wheel.

"Oops."

Okay, so there was a third option there. She could very well wrap the car around a tree and die.

Thankfully, she hadn't even managed to go three miles when a police car followed, signaling her to pull over.

Vanessa brought the car to the side of the road and practically leapt out of the driver seat, coming out with both hands held up.

She probably looked completely demented, in her nightdress, with wild bed hair around her face.

"My bad, I should never, ever be behind the wheel of a car and I can assure you it won't happen again. I can pass whatever drug test, alcohol test you want me to later. Please, please just let me use your phone first. And I need to speak with detective Daniel Walton."

33

The Snake

Charles knew something was wrong the moment he entered his house. It was too silent.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and called his security.

"Guys, any news from out there?"

"Nothing much, sir. Matt left about an hour ago, but no other movement."

"Matt?" Charles repeated, frowning. "Without Vanessa?"

It made little sense.

"He took the Audi from the garage. She wasn't in the back."

Charles headed upstairs, two steps at the time, and walked into his bedroom. Their bedroom.

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