Page 83 of Fury

We could.

We could cut the cage and free all of them.

My heart races.

“No,” Ellie says, her voice low but stern.

I narrow my eyes, confused. “No?”

“Your plan is incredible. If you take me, he will return, and all hell will break loose. You know it will. He’ll hurt people just to get his way. If you leave it the way it is, things will run so much smoother.”

Dammit, she’s right.

For a moment, just a moment, the idea of freeing her made my heart sing.

“I hate leaving you here,” I say, reaching out and curling my fingers through the cage over the top of hers.

“He’s treating me okay now I’m doing what he wants, but don’t you worry, I am giving him absolute hell. I’m okay here, Alexis. Just do what you have to do.”

“What if he runs when it all comes out, and takes you with him?” I ask, the idea making my skin prickle.

“I’m strong, trust me, I’ll find a way. Just do this, please. I’m begging you not to worry about me. I can handle Marek.”

I know she can. She’s probably the strongest, sassiest woman I’ve ever met. Still, it doesn’t bring me comfort to know she sleeps in a cage every night.

“Here,” I say, pulling out my phone.

I quickly turn off all locks, so she can easily access it. I delete every app, anything that can use power, and then I slide it beneath the bottom of the cage. “Take this. Text your family – tell them you’re okay. If something goes wrong, call us, and we will find a way to get you out. Fury’s number is in there, Bonnie’s too.”

Her eyes widen as she takes the phone. “Alexis...”

“Please?” I beg. “Turn it off to save power, only use it if you need. Hide it well.”

She nods and quickly turns the phone off.

It won’t last forever, of course, but she might be able to at least tell her family she is okay.

“We’ve got to move,” Fury murmurs.

I nod, giving Ellie my warmest smile before stepping away from the cage. Then, we use the light quietly as Bonnie takes photos. Once we’re done, I say goodbye to Ellie, and we sneak back out. Bonnie takes as many pictures as she can while we make our way back out, and the moment we’re on the other side of the fence again, I look back, my heart sinking.

I hate leaving her there.

“She’s strong,” Fury murmurs, his hand circling mine.

“I know, but she shouldn’t have to be,” I say softly.

“We’ll find a way to get her out.”

I know we will.

We get the hell out of there and the moment we’re back in the truck, Bonnie goes through the photos.

“Tell me they’re good?” I say, turning to face her.

She grins. “Oh, they’re good. I’ll have the article done by tonight. I have people on board, ready to send it out. Marek is going down.”

Oh, indeed he is.

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