Page 109 of Last Chance Christmas
Mackey had said something about the countdown already being set. He pushed himself off the ground and groaned.
Who knew what that meant? But he wasn’t going to wait to find out.
Help me save Kianna, Lord. Keep me conscious long enough to help her.
Something clanked behind him, and Cole turned to where the scissors had fallen out of his pocket.
He grabbed them, then hurried to the car, his breaths coming in labored pants. “Stand back.” Cole held up the scissors and pointed to the window.
Kianna’s brow tightened. Her eyes scanned his face, and he could only imagine what he looked like. But she followed his order and scooted to the other side of the car.
He raised his arm and plunged the tip of the scissors into the window. A crack split the glass and sent a spiderweb of lines through the pane. Cole drove the scissors through the weakened spot once more, and glass shattered, raining down around them.
Sirens pierced the air, and Cole spared a glance over his shoulder at the approaching police car and ambulance. His backup was here. Somehow they’d located them.
Thank You, God.
His head throbbed. Perspiration beaded on his forehead, but he refused to succumb to the darkness that the pain beckoned him toward.
He needed to help Kianna out of the car.
Another car door slammed, and a low growl followed by a bark carried across the wind.
There was no need to turn around. Cole would recognize that sound anywhere.
How had Titan gotten here?
His German shepherd barreled past him, kicking up snow with his hind legs. The spray caught Cole in the face, but he didn’t care.
A smile lifted the corners of his lips.
Cole wasn’t fighting this battle alone. That reality and knowing Titan was alive and well gave Cole the boost of energy he needed. He extended his arms to Kianna, who stood on the car seat in a hunched position. “Let me help.”
She braced her hand on his arm, then swung one leg through the window. “You’re the one who needs help.” A pained look furrowed her brow.
“As long as it’s you who’s helping.” He winked.
Shock filled her face, then she clamped her lips shut, but Cole still noticed the laugh she’d tried to suppress.
Cole grabbed under her arms and lifted her out through the window, then set her on the ground with a grunt.
He stumbled to the side, and Kianna wrapped her arm around his bicep. “You need to sit down.”
“Get away from me, you mutt,” Victoria shouted. Titan was quickly gaining ground. “Get away!” She raised her weapon.
Titan bared his teeth and pounced.
Victoria screamed and fell to the ground. The flash drive tumbled from her grasp.
The dog’s teeth sank into her arm, his feet on top of her.
Thomas raced to Titan’s side and trained his weapon on Victoria.
Mackey dove for the flash drive in a desperate attempt to regain his money.
“He’s not going to get away.” Cole broke away from Kianna’s grip.
“Cole,” she shouted, but he forged ahead.
