Page 20 of Halloween in Sleepy Hollow
“Or the guy on the security footage could have left it on.” Hope tinges Cash’s voice. “He might have thought no one would notice, having a light on in a back hallway like that.”
I yank out my phone and quickly send a text to Oliver.
Spotted a light on inside. Looks like it’s coming from a back hallway.
Then I send another message.
I don’t want to wait. As soon as everyone else gets here, let’s move in.
After a few seconds, his response appears.
Okay. Cole texted. He’s five minutes out. There’s a door in the back that’ll be our best point of entrance. Meet me there.
I look over at Cash. “We’re meeting Oliver in the back. As soon as Cole gets here, we’re going inside.”
Cash’s expression is more dangerous than I’ve ever seen it. “I’m ready.” He pockets his phone and adjusts his hold on the switchblade. “And if I get my hands on whoever did this…”
He doesn’t have to finish it.
I feel the same way.
The thought is just one of many spinning in my head as we make our way to the rear of the building.
Would I hurt the person who took Thea? Would I kill them if it came to it?
Yes. To both. Unequivocally.
To most people, I’m just Ben Lewis, the guy who runshis own computer business and volunteers as a paramedic on the side. I’m a devoted husband and dad, who never misses a school event and takes his son to the playground every weekend.
The people who know that Ben Lewis would never think I have a dangerous side, too.
A side that only comes out when the people I love are threatened.
I first discovered it four years ago when Thea was in danger. When I realized I’d doanythingto protect her.
Sure, I’m a nice guy.
But I also practice boxing three times a week. I spar with Grant and Ian at the gym. I’m trained in self defense and know ten different ways to disarm an opponent.
ThatBen Lewis isn’t a nice guy. And I’m okay with that.
Once we’re close to the back door, Oliver steps out of the shadows and approaches us.
“They’re parked in the library lot,” he tells us with his voice pitched low. “Ian and Kane met them there. So we’ve got seven going in. Cole brought extra weapons.” He glances between me and Cash. “Are you comfortable with a gun?”
Cash snorts quietly. “I took lessons. After everything with Ari. I’mmorethan comfortable with one.”
“Leo took me to the shooting range at Blade and Arrow,” I explain quietly. “After Thea was kidnapped. So I’m good.”
Oliver gives both of us an approving nod. “Good.” In a rough tone, he adds, “But if it comes to it, let me take the shot.”
Before either of us can respond, he adds, “Not because you can’t. But being a cop… it’ll be better if I do.”
I know he’s right. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
After another minute of anxious silence, four figures approach.
Cole’s the first to reach us, all dressed in black and with a somber expression on his face. He claps Oliver’s shoulder before turning to me and Cash. “Nice catch on the security footage,” he tells me.
