Page 157 of Missile Strike

She pushed the cart down the hall, retracing her steps while Talia prowled behind her with her gun.

A list of regrets played in her head like last rites.

I’m sorry, Mom and Dad.

Her brother. Sister-in-law.

Her baby nephew. She’d never see him grow up.

What would happen to Trip? Would Talia take him? Or leave him to be discovered in her home when someone finally went looking for her?

Danny would adopt him. He adored Trip.

Her steps faltered. Danny. She’d never told him she loved him.

“Keep moving.”

Hard metal prodded her back. She forced her feet to continue, not looking back. She’d wanted forever with Danny and had already decided she’d rather face the realities of his job than live without him.

Now she’d simply have to be grateful for the time they’d had.

He’d grieve her.

Her ribs squeezed so tight she thought they might crack.

He may not have said it, but he showed he loved her every time they were together. She didn’t need the words to believe that.

Anger swept in like an out-of-control forest fire, burning away fear and leaving her clearheaded. What the hell was she doing, walking like a lamb to her own slaughter?

She would not make this easy for Talia—she’d bleed all over this concrete floor if she had to. Force Talia to drag her body to the storage unit. Roll her up in that rug.

Get blood on her clothes.

Isabella slowed her steps, taking in every angle, every junction that led to another corridor.

A distraction. That’s what she needed.

An overhead light came on with a loud buzz.

Not the hallway she and Talia were in.

Talia whirled toward the sound.

Isabella took flight. Bare feet slapped concrete. She didn’t look back.

“God damn it, Izzy!” Talia screeched. “I don’t care anymore. I’m going to fucking kill you!”

Another junction up ahead.

Left or right?

Didn’t matter. She had to choose at random. Keep Talia at bay until she could reach an exit or a place to hide.

Almost there.

“Izzy!” Behind her, Talia’s voice was sharp. Triumphant.

Something buzzed by Isabella’s ear, the sound of a large insect.