Page 85 of Two Favors Repaid

“Much improved in the last fifteen minutes,” Rob replied winking. “But when we get out of here, you need to be ready. If I tell you to do something, you do it. No questions asked.”

Emma didn’t say anything.

“You might not know why I’m asking, but I need you to trust me, Emma.”

“You promise you’ll try to keep both of us alive?”

That he could promise.

“I promise I’ll do my best to keep us both alive,” he confirmed.

As long as it doesn’t come to a choice between the two of us.

For a long while, neither of them said anything. Rob enjoyed the feeling of her shoulder against his. He dared to imagine a future where he and Emma might make a life together. Then he shook his head. He was going to need all his focus.

The phone rang in the other room. Moments later Ford walked in. He approached Emma from the side furthest away from Rob.

“You,” he said, addressing Rob. “Don’t move a muscle or I’ll activate the collar on level three and leave you here, choking on your vomit. And you,” he said, handing the phone to Emma, “talk. The Sheriff wants to speak with you.”

“Nat?” Emma croaked.

“Em!” Her friend let out a relieved sigh. “Are you okay?”

“We’re both okay,” Emma said. “But I—”

Ford snatched the phone back. “That’s enough. Now, where’s my chopper?” The man’s voice sounded calm, but as he spoke he ran his fingers nervously across his hair.

He doesn’t feel in control anymore.

That made Ford even more dangerous.

“Now you have your proof of life, Sheriff. Let me tell you what I want. I want the helicopter to land on the clearing. I don’t care if it’s still dark. Make it happen. And I want everybody to move away. I don’t want to see a single human being when we come out. Just you, Natalie.”

Hunter must be having an apoplexy right around now.

Rob wasn’t worried about that. Natalie wasn’t stupid and neither were the FBI agents. There was no way they would let Ford and his girlfriend go free. He wished he knew how they were planning on playing this.

Collar or no collar, if he uncuffs me, I’ll—

Ford brought an extra pair of cuffs. He threw it at Emma who caught it awkwardly.

“Cuff his left wrist,” Ford ordered.

Emma looked at him, uncertainty written in his expression.

Rob nodded in what he hoped was a reassuring way.

“Good girl,” Ford praised. “Now close the cuff over his other wrist.”

“But he’s already cuffed to—”

“It’s okay, Emma,” Rob said, “just do as he says.” He tried not to let his excitement show.

Moments later, Ford ordered Emma to release the handcuff binding Rob’s wrist to the pipe. His arm throbbed from holding the position for so long. Rob stood still. He rounded his shoulders, making himself look as small as possible. But he was ready.

Then Ford pressed the button. The shock was ten times worse than last time. It took him beyond pain and into agony. He felt his throat constrict, and he couldn’t draw in air. Rob gasped like a fish out of water. His legs buckled, unable to support him. His eyes welled with tears. He brought his hands up to his neck, anything to ease the pressure building—

And then it was over. His airway opened up again, and he drew one shaky breath. Then another.