The general sat tied to a wooden chair in front of a black tarp. The concrete floor looked new—or immaculately maintained—with no cracks. And that was it. No windows, no doors, no signs, no glass or mirrors to catch a reflection, nothing. “What do you want?”

“You.”

He blinked, expecting to hear Sarah’s name. Which, of course, he’d laugh in the man’s face. Or ear. “I’m sorry. What?”

“You. And you know the drill. You come alone. Any cops, yadda yadda, Lewis dies.”

“Where?”

He gave him an address.

“What do I need to bring?”

“Just you. Stay on the line. Keep the camera on your face until you’re in your car.”

“Gavin?”

He stilled at the sound of his name, then turned. Asher stood in the door of the conference room.

“Yeah?”

“Everything all right?”

“I might be a few minutes. I’ve got a client on the line who I need to deal with.”

“Anything I can help you with?”

“No, Mr. Hahn and I have it covered.”

Asher paused. “All right, if you’re sure. Holler if I can help.”

“Will do.”

Asher stepped back into the room and shut the door.

“You handled that well,” the voice said. “Now go. The general’s life depends on your cooperation.”

“I’m going.” Gavin made his way back to the elevator, knowing the man on the phone was watching his every move. He walked outside the hospital and headed for his truck. Asher and Travis would be with Sarah, and that’s all that mattered at the moment. He’d find a way to leave some kind of trail.

He clicked the remote unlock. “Get in the passenger side.” Gavin paused and walked around the front of the truck, scanning the area, seeing nothing. He reached for the door just as the door of the car next to him opened. A spritz of liquid in his face sent him stumbling backward. A curse from a man in a ski mask.

Darkness closing in.

His thoughts went to Sarah. God, protect her.

And the lights winked out.

CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE

Sarah let Caden examine the contents of the envelope in silence. He cleared his throat several times during the process, and her own had gone tight as she watched him. “What do you think?” she asked when he finally looked up.