Page 120 of Before the Night Falls
Tyson wanted morethan anything to pull Olivia into his arms. To plant a kiss on her lips.
But he couldn’t. Not now.
First, he had to make sure she was safe.
Where had her kidnapper gone?
Holding onto Olivia’s arm, he scanned his surroundings.
Waves lapped their faces. Lifted their bodies up and down.
Through watery eyes, he spotted the cabin cruiser drifting farther away. Walleye’s boat floating nearby. Or was Walleye idling toward them?
He couldn’t be sure.
The killer could be anywhere. Hiding behind a boat. Beneath the water.
Coming up on them.
Tyson was certain the man wouldn’t give up. Not after coming this far. This guy wasn’t about to let Olivia get away without a fight.
That was when Tyson felt something tug his foot.
At once, he disappeared beneath the water.
Hands circled his neck, strangling him.
Tyson hadn’t had a chance to get a breath before being pulled underwater. His lungs were already burning.
Tyson worked his fingers beneath the strangling grip and tugged the man’s fingers from around his neck.
Now he needed air.
Before he could get any, the guy grabbed him again.
Pulled him farther under.
Tyson kicked, hitting the killer in the face.
Then he darted to the surface, his lungs screaming for oxygen.
He prayed he could get there in time.
And he prayed Olivia was okay.
* * *
Olivia felt more panic kicking in.
Where was Tyson? Was he okay?
She sensed thrashing beneath her.
She knew she should dive under. That she should try to help.
But the idea terrified her, freezing her body with fear.
Her arms and legs grew weary as she continued to tread water.
