Page 142 of Weight of Guilt

Chapter

Sixty-Eight

Jacob kept the gun trained on them as he backed toward the living room. “Move.”

Nash didn’t argue. Not yet.

Prine knew the address. So did Luke.

Backup was coming.

His job was to keep Wren and Mason alive in the meantime.

Nash raised his hands slightly and started forward. “Easy.”

Jacob’s gaze stayed fixed on him. “Into the living room. All of you.”

Wren moved behind Nash with Mason tucked against her side.

They were too close to Jacob. Everybody was too close.

One twitch of Jacob’s finger⁠—

Nash shut the thought down. But there was clearly more to the story here. Maybe even more than one kidnapper involved. All of Jacob’s answers were cryptic.

He slowly walked toward the living room, listening for sirens through the walls.

Nothing yet.

They passed the stairs.

Jacob stayed several feet behind them, smart enough not to get within easy reach.

But not smart enough.

Nash’s gaze swept the room.

Front door. Windows. Furniture.

An old cabinet stood against the wall beside him, tall and narrow, its shelves crowded with dishes the previous owners hadn’t bothered taking.

Nash filed that away.

“Keep moving,” Jacob ordered.

Nash took another step.

He needed Wren and Mason to be clear before he made a move.

“You’re making this worse, Jacob.” Nash kept his voice steady. “You know that.”

“Shut up.”

Good. He was rattled.

Nash moved alongside the cabinet. One more step.

Jacob followed. He was closer now.