Page 88 of Forged in Secrets

“Asher, you need to focus on helping him,” he ordered.

His brother gave him a brisk nod, adding pressure to the t-shirt he was holding against Craig’s heaving, blood-soaked chest.

Ben’s mind raced as he tried to think of how to get this situation under control, starting with making sure that his twin held it together.

It was already too late for anything he did to matter.

All at once, he felt his head beginning to swim.

Jade’s gun was no longer pointed at Asher.

Her attention–and the barrel of the Glock–was now focused on Grace.

GRACE

Grace felt the air rushing out of her lungs in a single, panicked breath.

Like the needle that had pierced her shoulder, the barrel of the gun pressed against her head without warning, as cold and unfeeling as the sick young woman who held it.

“I’m telling you one more time,” Ben said, his tone so authoritative that Grace could almost believe he’d be obeyed. “Put the gun down, or I am going to shoot you.”

Grace dared to glance in his direction, but he didn’t look at her. His eyes were trained on Jade, and he aimed his pistol without the slightest quiver in his hands.

No one said a word.

The gun was still jabbing into Grace’s skull, threateningto shatter all of the coherent thoughts in her head even before Jade pulled the trigger.

She had to think of something. Anything, anything at all to turn this around.

Just when Grace was about to blurt out the first thing that popped into her head in an attempt to create a diversion, she heard Asher clearing his throat.

He lifted his head. His jaw was clenched tight, and most of his shaking had passed.

“Put the gun down, or I’m going to let your father bleed out,” Asher said. “If I stop applying pressure, he’s finished.”

Jade considered this, and for the flash of a moment, Grace wondered if it was really possible that this might all end without any more violence.

Her hope was dashed an instant later as Jade looked down at Craig, her brows knitting together.

“Do what you need to do. I don’t need him. I never did. Sorry, Grace,” Jade cocked the gun. “I’m not sure I see a reason I should let you live.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-EIGHT

BEN

Sheer willpower kept the gun clasped in Ben’s hand.

What was the point?

If he shot Jade, she’d shoot Grace. If he tried to jump her, she’d shoot Grace. If he tried to shove her out of the way of Jade’s weapon, they’d probably both get shot. Ben’s pulse pounded in his ears as he tried to think.

This had all been a terrible mistake. Grace should never have been here. She should have stayed home at FBS, behind the scenes, where she was safe.

Where on earth was the Coast Guard? Katie had to have called for help by now.

Should he try to call Gabe? Maybe the ship had wifi that he could tap into. Maybe he could–

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