Page 56 of Justice for the SEAL
She bit her lip. Her left arm was completely numb from her shoulder down to her thumb. Her right she could still feel, the nerve endings screamingwithpain.
A dog growled from the hallway and her head whipped around. It was a large breed, dark brown, and it was baring it’s teeth. She was terrified of any dog bigger than Cocker Spaniel, and that was when her hands were free to defendherself.
“Nice doggie,” she whispered. “Goodboy.”
The dog barked ferociously, his jaws chomping, and she squealed withfright.
Royce called in the distance, “Just ignore fluffy. He’s here to greet ourguests.”
“Are they here?” sheasked.
“The helicopter arrived forty minutes ago. I’m surprised they haven’t made their grand entrance yet. Surely they can see the merchandise I have tooffer.”
The growling dog got closer and barked again. “Please Royce, get it awayfromme!”
He didn’tanswer.
The slightest noise came from the window and she turned back the other way. There it was again, pelting the glass like hail or loud rain. A small light flashed outside, like someone waking their cellphone.
They’rehere.
Her breathing sped up, so afraid was she for the menoutside.
Please don’t let me hyperventilateagain.
The dog suddenly darted for the window and began to bark consistently. Fear made her want to throw up, but she called the dog to her side as cheerfully as she could muster. “Come here, boy. Come on! What’s your name? Are youhungry?”
“Leave him alone!” Royceyelled.
She stared into the black window, pantomiming that she could hear him yelling. The dog growled at her some more and got right up next to her leg, drool hanging from hischops.
“Good boy,” she whispered, certain he would latch those sharp teeth onto her skin at any moment. But Logan was outside somewhere, and she had to keep Royce fromfindingout.
Thedoorbellrang.
The dog went nuts, barking and runningtowardit.
Royce appeared in the hallway with what looked like a small machine gun. “They never cease to amaze,dothey?”
He seemed to be considering what to do next. The doorbell rang again, making the dog bark with renewedfervor.
“Get the door,” saidRoyce.
“Me? Ican’tmove.”
“I’ll untie you.” He looked at the tall windows, then turned off the lights and crossed to her. The bell continued to ring as he worked unfastened her wrists. “Undo yourankles.”
“I can’t feelmyarms.”
“You’re not trying to behelpful!”
“I’msorry…”
He bent down in front of her chair to undo them himself. With the room dark, she could see outside the window to the lawn and the treesbeyondit.
HERO Force wouldn’t send all its men to the front door. Someone was hanging back, covering with others. She closed her eyes and prayed. If he had night vision goggles, he might be able to see into thehouse.
The moment her ankles were free, she threw herself on the floor. The dog ran to her, biting at her clothes and skin, and shescreamed.
