Page 95 of Finn

“We have a visual on Una,” Roman breathed out. “She and five others on the left side of the barn, held behind bars.”

My chest constricted. I would have her back soon. In my arms. Lopez would pay for this with his life.

“We go in five,” Luca breathed out. “On my count. The power will be cut in three. Then we have control.”

I pulled my night goggles down and checked to make sure my silencer was tight. We didn’t want to attract any attention.

I was ready.

We crept forward, surrounding the structure. There were plenty of us here—good guys—more scattered on the property, waiting if needed. I watched as the guards were swiftly dealt with, and our men took their places, ready to open the doors for us.

Luca drew in a deep breath. “Five…”

And two seconds later, the power went out.

* * *

UNA

I had never known terror the way I was feeling it. Waves of cold rushed over my body as I looked at the people staring at us. We had been dragged up some stairs into a stable, pushed into stalls, metal bars rolling from the ceiling, keeping us locked in. Anna and I clung to each other’s hands, both of us trembling in fear. But I refused to cry. To let them break me already.

People had strolled around as if attending a party. No one spoke, but they circled in slow strides, their dead eyes never leaving the cages that had effectively been constructed. Icy stares, smirking lips, and unbridled evil were in front of us. We were merchandise. Not even human to them. Once they were all there, the doors shut, and I felt all my hope drain away. This was it. My life ended now. I knew I wouldn’t survive whatever came after this evening.

Lopez droned on, his words insulting and degrading. Brian leaned against the back wall with Juan, and the one time I met his gaze, he looked away as if suddenly uncomfortable. I hoped he was. He looked terrible, although I was certain I looked worse. Juan looked smug, his ankles crossed, his stupid red sneakers out of place.

Lopez clapped his hands. “Let’s begin, shall we?”

I wanted to scream. To fight and to run. But I had no chance. Locked behind bars, barely clothed, and with no weapon, I would fail. I had to stay in place and pray that somehow, some way, I could get out.

Pray that Finn would find me.

And then the lights went out. There was a startled murmur, and suddenly, it was chaos. I heard the sound of thundering feet and bodies dropping. Muted shooting. Screaming. Cursing. A line of men appeared before us, one shouting, “Get down!”

I grabbed Anna and pulled her to the floor. I crawled with her to the back of the stall. “Keep your head down,” I ordered.

“What’s happening?” she gasped.

I could feel it. Feel him.

Finn had found me.

“My hero,” I responded.

* * *

FINN

Lopez was too comfortable with his hidden auctions. He’d been doing them in secret, and his ego was big enough to think he had everything in hand. He’d become lax.

He didn’t expect us.

Our plan was executed without a hitch. We had accounted for every contingency. Our element of surprise and the darkness worked as we needed them to. Immediately, ten men lined up in front of the women, their guns pointed to the crowd. Another group guarded the doors, guns ready. We followed the first group, shooting as we went, eliminating the world of scum with each bullet. We took out the inside guards first, then aimed at the buyers and Lopez’s group. They didn’t stand a chance against our firepower.

I had one fast glimpse of Una in the darkness. She looked terrified, but she was alive, and that was all I needed.

It was over quickly, and we tore off our night goggles as the lights were turned back on. Bodies littered the floor, the scent of bullets and blood filling the air. I felt nothing but contempt as I looked at the dead around me.

Lopez was against the wall, shock on his face at the blood saturating his ill-fitting suit jacket. Juan was not far away, facedown, his red sneakers identifying him. All the guards were dead.