Page 124 of Jump or Fall
“Shit,” Millon said. “A few got through—some are heading for the main door, others are going for the garage.”
Mara’s pulse thundered in her ears.
From behind, the thud of boots—the enforcers searching the house. If only they had been able to completely destroy the steps.
“Is the next door locked?” Gordon asked.
“I don’t think so.”
“I’ll cover you,” he said reluctantly. “As much as I want to put the bullet between his eyes, you deserve to do it.”
Mara grabbed his hand. “I’m scared.”
He pressed his helmet to hers. “I know. But I know you can do this. We’ll be sleeping under the stars soon.”
She nodded, turning toward the stairs.
The passage was narrow, forcing her to keep her gun aimed upward.
Above, Gordon’s voice came through. “All fine here. Keep your comms open. If something happens, I’ll be there.”
“I will.”
Her heart pounded as she descended. The blood rushed in her ears, drowning out everything else. Sweat slicked her forehead, despite the suit’s cooling system.
Her legs wobbled, the weight of what she was about to do crushing her.
She had imagined killing him so many times—vivid pictures running across her mind and filling her dreams. But standing here, inthis house, it was different. The past lived in these walls, whispering, tightening around her throat like a noose.
She faced the door, breath shaky.
With trembling hands, she pulled out the remote and scanned for a suit.
One was available, and it belonged to Dawson.
Her grip tightened as she issued the command:Remove helmet. Remain still.
Chapter 42
Mara
“Nice to see you, doll.”
Mara stepped through the door and flipped up her visor, revealing her face as she strolled toward the desk. His cold, calculating eyes followed her every move.
No fear. Never show him fear.
She trailed a gloved finger along the dark wood, the surface polished to a deceptive shine. Not a single speck of dust, no hint of the horrors that had unfolded within these walls. Even the spot where Lukas’s battered body had lain—scrubbed, bleached, erased. A façade of pristine beauty masking the evil beneath.
She dropped into his chair and propped her feet up on the desk.
“On your knees.”
His smirk was slow, condescending. “A bit difficult when I can’t move.”
With a tap of her remote, he hit the floor.
He chuckled. “Is this how you get off with that scarred boyfriend of yours?” He raised an eyebrow. “Or do you freeze up on him too?”
