Page 23 of Surrender to Me
The keypad blinks green when I enter the code.
Inside, I flick on the single overhead bulb.
It’s just a metal shelving unit, a rolled yoga mat, an empty duffel I left for decoy purposes—and the real prize that’s hidden inside a rolled up second-hand rug.
I grab my go bag and unzip it just enough to confirm its contents. Clothing. Cash. Spare keys. Burner phone. Backup passport under yet another name. And the hard drive.
Still safe.
I sling the bag over my shoulder and double-check the lock on my way out.
I’ve hailed another rideshare from a different app. Just in case.
This driver’s chatty. I nod and murmur, but my mind’s already three steps ahead.
Remy will help me.
But I can’t leave without that one last thing from my apartment.
Going back may be stupid. Reckless, even.
But I’m already giving the driver my address.
We pull up twenty minutes later.
The building’s quiet. I scan the street for watchers. The neighboring windows. The corners. The shadows.
Nothing.
Practicing a breathing technique to slow my heart rate, I exit the car and head across the short distance to my concrete stairwell and take them two at a time.
When I’m almost at the top, I see a shadow, and I instinctively freeze, reaching for my gun.
Stryker.
Leaning against the brick wall across from the entrance, one boot braced behind him, arms folded like he’s been there a while.
Waiting.
The duffel weighs more heavily on my shoulder, suddenly conspicuous.
He pushes off the wall, his expression unreadable.
“I’m guessing you didn’t go out for a chai.”
My stomach drops.
Damn it. Damn him.
I look over my shoulder, but my car is already gone, and the new one hasn’t arrived.
My mouth dries as I calculate the odds.
How far can I get, and how fast?
“Don’t even try it.” He doesn’t move closer. Doesn’t raise his voice. Doesn’t reach for me. “Time for some answers, Allie. And this time, I’ll have them.”
Chapter Seven
