Page 72 of Her Chosen Protector

“Ash, it’s Max.”

Asher braced. It was coming down to the end if Max was coordinating everything. “Okay, what’s the deal? What do I need to do?”

“How much power do you have left on your phone?”

Asher looked down and did a quick calc. “About an hour and ten.”

“Okay, put it on low battery.”

“Uhm.”

“Scratch that, stupid suggestion, it’s already on low battery.”

“Yep, whenever I call out and can get a signal, it’s been on low battery,” Asher said.

“We’re estimating that the Venezuelans will be done digging at the back of the vault in another hour. Ezio is thinking he’ll be at the vault door in less than fifteen minutes.”

“Ezio? What about the rest?”

“He’s a crazy rock climber and caver on his off-time. He’s making great headway getting to you.

He’s leaving Raiden and Nic in his dust. Literally.” Max muttered the last word.

“And Suzanne? Did she wake up?” Eden asked.

“Yes, Ms. York, she has. The adrenaline caused no adverse effects. She was able to talk to Rafa and explain what needed to be done to open the vault from the outside.”

Asher felt like a thousand-pound weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Talk about close timing.

“Ezio will call you as soon as he gets to the vault door. In the meantime, keep the phone on.”

“What about the rest of the people? Becker and Carlson? Do you have them locked up?” Eden demanded to know.

“They’re not going anywhere at the moment. We’re not taking off on the plane to Puerto Rico until you’re rescued.”

“That wasn’t my question,” she bit out. “I want to know if you have those assholes locked up.

They’re evil. Especially Becker.”

“That’s not our job. That’s for a court to decide.”

“But—”

“Ms. York, that’s how it is.”

Asher could see the steam coming out of her ears. He squeezed her shoulder, but she shook it off and glared at him.

“Hold on, Ezio is coming through on the radio.”

Asher strained to listen, but he couldn’t make out what the man was saying. Finally, the talking

stopped.

“Did you hear that?” Max asked.

“No.”

“He’s at the gate to the vault. It’s been destroyed. It’s wedged against the door of the vault.”