Page 79 of Critical Mass
“Stay in the car,” Hudson said quietly as he put the Lexus in Park.
“What’s wrong?” Natalie’s eyes widened with alarm.
“Just stay here.”
Hudson stepped out, keeping his hand near his concealed weapon as the sedan’s doors opened.
Two men emerged—big and professional-looking, wearing the same dark suits as the earlier security team.
But these weren’t the same men.
“Evening.” Hudson kept his tone casual. “You guys switching shifts?”
“That’s right,” the taller one said. “Anderson and Childress got called to another assignment. We’re covering the rest of the night.”
The names were wrong. He’d overheard them talking earlier, and they’d referred to each other as Franklin and Pounders.
Hudson didn’t know who these guys were, but he could only assume they were the enemy.
His teammates should be close. He would need them now.
Until then, he had to play his cards just right.
Hudson pulled out his phone. “Mind if I verify that with Mr. Ravenscroft?”
“No need to bother him.” The second man moved closer. “We’re just doing our job and trying to keep the lady safe.”
“Then you won’t mind waiting while I confirm.” Hudson’s thumb hovered over Ravenscroft’s number.
The first man’s hand moved toward his jacket.
Most likely toward a weapon.
And Hudson knew he only had seconds to act.
CHAPTER
FORTY-THREE
Natalie watchedthrough the back window as Hudson confronted the security team, her unease growing with each passing second.
Something was wrong. She could see it in Hudson’s posture, in the way his body had gone tense and ready.
Then Hudson moved—fast, violent, professional.
Suddenly the men were fighting.
Two of them against Hudson.
He was capable but outnumbered.
“No . . .” Natalie whispered, her hand moving to the door handle.
One of the men swung something at Hudson—a baton that glinted in the streetlight. They probably hadn’t pulled out a gun because it would be too noisy, would draw too much attention.
Hudson blocked and countered the swing, but there were two of them and only one of him.
“Run!” Hudson shouted toward the car. “Natalie, run!”
