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"Lincoln is dead, my own flesh and blood. Channing is probably dead," Mia sobs while the others gasp behind me, totally unaware of the state Channing is in right now, "and Phillip can be next, before I move on to each and every one of you. Or you can run away like the good little sheep you are and allow Mia and I to finish this together."
Her eyes plead with us to do as he says.
"If you're lucky, I might not even hurt her. Well, not more than I already have." His fingers thread into her hair and he pulls hard, forcing her head back before running his nose up her exposed neck. "Hmm… you always did smell so sweet."
She visibly trembles but no noise comes from her as she stands her ground against the sociopath. "Leave. All of you," she demands after another second. "Please." Her eyes hold mine as I battle with what to do.
The gun tucked into the back of my pants feels heavier than ever, but I know I don’t have the time to get it out and use it. Cade's faster than me, and I can't guarantee that I'm the one he'd turn to fire on.
I can't risk Mia.
"Okay, fine," I concede, taking a hesitant step back. "Get Phillip," I demand of the others behind me. He’s alive but in bad shape, blood soaking his shirt.
Brandon and Ashton rush over, lifting him and carrying him out of the room while Tim and Alex stand beside me.
"Cade, you don't need to do this," Tim says softly.
"You don't know fuck all about what I need to do," he spits, staring at Tim like he's nothing more than a piece of shit on his shoe. So much for the loyalty I thought there was between them.
"Just let her go. Walk away. Enough blood has been shed."
"Get. Out," he seethes.
"Do as he says," I say after the longest two seconds of my life.
A small smile of achievement twitches at Cade's lips as the three of us take a step back.
I hold his eyes until I'm at the door, when I look at Mia. My heart splits in two at the tear tracks down her cheeks, the dark bruising on one side of her face and the fear in her eyes, but her fight is back. I can see her need to see this through and be the one to come out on top, and I need to trust that she can do it.
She needs this. She needs to be the one to end this however she sees fit.
"I love you," I mouth, making Cade scoff. "Hurt her and I'll kill you. I don't care how long it will take me to find you, but I will put a bullet through your fucking head and bury you myself." My warning falls on deaf ears. If anything, he looks bored by the whole situation.
"What the fuck?" Alex barks the second the door closes behind me. "You're just going to leave her in there with him?"
"Alex," I sigh, keeping my shoulder pressed to the door in an attempt to hear what's happening inside. "Mia can handle this. She's as capable as any of us at dealing with him. Better, probably."
"But he might—" Alex swallows his words when I cut him a look. I don't need anyone telling me what Cade is capable of doing.
"Get him to a fucking hospital," I bark, nodding to Brandon, who's attempting to stem his father’s bleeding.
"You sure?"
"Yes, I don't need more blood on my hands."
"Channing?" Tim asks.
"On his way to the hospital. Cade shot him in the stomach."
Thankfully, they drag Phillip down the corridor and out, leaving the space around us silent so Tim, Alex and I can attempt to listen to what's happening inside.
"I'd be happier if they were shouting at each other," Tim admits.
I don't say anything, but I can't help but agree.
I have no idea how much time passes before a gunshot echoes off the stone walls around us and we bolt to the door.
My heart is in my throat as I storm into the room, terrified of what I might find.
