“Shut up. I don’t want your fucking counsel.” His finger hovered over the trigger as he moved closer, the gun inches from her face. “You’ve done enough talking. It’s my turn. Open your mouth again and I’ll put a bullet in it.”

Mo’s mouth closed instantly. She sank back onto the seat, her posture erect, hands clasped across her lap. Nate kicked the knife away from her and waved the gun at Becca. “Untie her. Do it now,” he said, eyeing Raya.

In the distance, Becca though she heard the faint sound of sirens. She thought about trying to disarm him, but in these cramped quarters, with Nate’s level of fury, it was a dangerous to gamble. Too dangerous. She prayed that someone heard the shots or that Christian was telling the truth and they were on their way. She thought about trying to disarm him, but there were too many ways this could go wrong. If she miscalculated, she could cost Raya her life.

“I said fucking untie her,” Nate growled. Becca knelt down beside Raya and gently removed the gag. Raya coughed, greedily sucking in air.

“I’m so sorry,” Becca whispered, moving over to undo the bindings.

“Why are you sorry? It’s this crazy bitch’s fault. Still can’t believe I let her get the jump on me,” Raya said. Becca was relieved to see Raya keeping it together. Becca wasn’t. Her hands were trembling so hard she could barely undo the cords. “Take your time. I don’t think he wants to hurt you,” Raya mumbled.

Becca wasn’t sure about that. She’d turned her back on Nate, again and again, chose Ash over him. In his eyes, Becca probably wasn’t any better than Mo, picking and choosing what kids were worthy.

“What the hell is taking so long? Hurry up,” Nate barked.

Becca unhooked the last of Raya’s bindings. Raya rubbed her raw wrists. “Go on and shoot the bitch,” she dared Nate. “Or if you don’t have the balls, give me the gun, and I’ll do it for you.”

“Raya, stop talking,” Becca ordered. The last thing Nate needed was encouragement.

Nate didn’t blink. “Get out,” he shouted. Becca was stunned. He was letting Raya go?

“Fuck that. I’m not leaving Dr. Ortiz with you psychos.”

“Raya, do what he said. Go. Please!”

“Jesus Christ, I said go,” Nate said, grabbing Raya by the arm and yanking her toward the door. He opened it and shoved her outside, slamming and locking it. He spun around before Becca or Mo could make a move. By then her smile had vanished, her hands balled up in fists. There was something strangely satisfying about seeing Mo afraid.

“Wanna know why we’re really here, Mo?”

Mo’s eyes widened. She shook her head. “Nate…”