Page 98 of Tough as Steele

“Drop your rifle to the side,” he said. “Slowly.”

She was trained never to give up her weapon, but she had no choice. Nate was now their only hope. He had above average surveillance skills, and he would see the guy and realize he held her life in his hand. No question about that.

The only question was, what could Nate do about it?

24

Nate took cover behind an old tractor rusting into the ground. From his position, he could see Londyn, Mimi, and Holt. The mere sight of the man turned Nate’s stomach and mingled with his fear for Londyn. Nate had always wondered if Holt had psychopathic tendencies, and right now, Nate knew Holt was a killer at heart with no concern for others.

Nate had no doubt Holt would kill Mimi and Londyn without a second thought if Nate didn’t give himself up. And even then, Nate couldn’t be certain Holt would let them go. And Nate couldn’t just shoot the guy, or he’d let go of the switch, detonating the bomb.

Holt was clever and well-trained on the same viewpoint as Nate. He knew few plans survived first contact with the enemy, and he would be alert to make changes as needed. Nate needed to do the same thing. He would adapt with composure. He wouldn’t panic. His ongoing training and professional development insured that.

But it also insured the same thing from Holt.

Then you just have to be better.

“Come out, come out wherever you are.” Holt laughed, a cackle that grated up Nate’s spine.

Nate spun, but remained hidden.

“Come on, Ryder,” Holt shouted. “We both know you’re the kind of guy who’ll give his life for these women. So quit delaying and get out here.”

Nate wanted to do anything but comply with this man’s wishes.

He stepped out into the clearing.

“Leave the rifle behind,” Holt called out. “Along with your sidearm and your back up. And your knife.”

Nate hesitated to shed all his weapons, but he had no choice. His only hope now was his bare hands, and he’d gladly circle them around Holt’s neck.

Londyn took a good look at Holt to weigh her adversary. Holt stood strong and solid in fatigues and combat boots. He was over six feet tall with broad shoulders, muscled legs, and a wide jaw. His blond hair was buzzed short, and his blue eyes were fixed in a steely gaze on Londyn. This was the man Dolly had described as Jessica’s boyfriend. No doubt in Londyn’s mind.

She might be trained in self-defense and takedown maneuvers, but there was no way she could take this man. Her legs started to tremble. She’d never been exposed to a bomb before. One false move, and she would not only kill herself but likely take Mimi out too.

Londyn couldn’t let that happen. She raised her chin. “Please let Mimi go. You don’t need her anymore. You have your money, and Detective Ryder is on his way over here.”

“Detective Ryder.” Holt rolled his eyes. “You’re trying to throw me off by making it sound like you’re work buddies, but don’t play me for a fool. I know he’s got the hots for you, and he’s not going to let you blow yourself up. Why do you think I gave you access to the bunker? I knew he would come. Guys like Ryder always come to the aid of the defenseless.”

Holt’s gaze shifted to look over her shoulder. “And here he is. The mighty SEAL who thinks he’s better than everyone.”

Londyn bit her lip to keep from saying Nate was better than Holt. Far better. More honorable. Dependable. Solid. An incredible man. But she had to be like him and focus on the defenseless, namely Mimi. “Nate’s here. Mimi can go.”

“I’ll think about it,” Holt replied, but he didn’t sound the least bit convincing.

“He won’t,” Mimi said, her voice strong. “He told me he was going to kill me because I saw his face and can identify him.”

“You have what you want, Holt,” Nate said through gritted teeth. “Let the women go, and we can talk this out.”

“The only one who’ll be doing the talking is me.” He stepped cautiously down the hill to stand next to the steps by Londyn and stroke her hair. “You’re going to regret ruining my life when I release the charge in front of you.”

Nate looked down at Londyn’s feet. “A shaped charge, I assume. You would want to control the discharge so you can be near enough to see the show.”

Holt grinned.

Londyn’s stomach sickened as a vision of the explosion came into her brain. A shaped charge was made to discharge in one direction, thereby controlling the blast. Holt was probably very familiar with such charges from using them to breach doors during his SEAL days.

“But you don’t really want to end her life,” Nate continued. “It’s me you want.”

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