Page 81 of Lay Down the Law

She knew she didn’t have any bargaining power, but she had to try. “Not until I know this child is safe. DiCarlo gave me his word.”

“I ain’t making no promises. Drop the gun.”

“No.” Her heart began to rage. “If I’m trading myself for this child, I want to know she’s not going to be harmed. DiCarlo wants me, not her. I want her taken back to town.”

“Lose the gun, lady cop.” The first man took a threatening step closer.

She tightened her grip on the weapon, reminding herself she had a backup, wondering if they disarmed her if she could get to her ankle holster before they shot her dead. “Take her back to town or the deal’s off.”

The man stopped three feet away from her, an ugly looking pistol aimed at her chest. “Drop it, or I’ll hurt both of you.”

Those were the words Erin had feared the most. She was outnumbered. Both she and Stephanie were at their mercy. The only thing she could hope for now was a stroke of luck or the possibility that, like some of the Mafia old-timers, DiCarlo had a code against hurting children.

Hating the sense of helplessness crashing down around her, Erin tossed her gun onto the concrete and looked the man in the eye. “I don’t want her hurt,” she said in a low voice.

“Get your hands up and turn around.”

Fear coiled inside her like a snake as she turned. She closed her eyes as rough hands moved over her with quick, impersonal efficiency. Her legs went weak with relief when they missed the pistol strapped to her ankle.

“She’s clean.”

Roughly, her hands were jerked behind her back. “Tying me up wasn’t part of the deal—”

“Shut up.”

She tried to jerk away, but two of the thugs stepped forward to subdue her. Knowing she couldn’t win, she stopped fighting and let them bind her wrists with a thin strand of wire. Erin fought down panic. She could still get to her pistol, she assured herself. It would be difficult, but she could still use it. Easy. Breathe. Focus.

Oh, God, Nick, I’m sorry.

“Turn around, cop.”

She turned, hoping they couldn’t see the fear that permeated her every fiber. The thugs seemed more relaxed now that she’d been subdued. “Where’s DiCarlo?” she asked.

As if on cue, the unmistakable drone of a helicopter rose above the howl of the wind. And Erin knew the final showdown was about to begin.