her weight on her right foot. The swelling had g

but the account was active. She needed a temporary debit

through the door as he conducted a video conference

being stealthy, completely unaware that the moment her door clicked shut, Hiram had already signaled Alex. The highly trained security assis

exhilarating. She navigated the crowded sidewalks, found a Ch

k, the sky had already turned the color of bruised plum. Stree

ollar bills into her bag. She pulled up the map on

pendence that she didn't notice the erratic, swayin

e turned down a narrow alleyway

was busted, leaving the middle section bathed in sha

ace-a nauseating mix of cheap, st

, blocking her path. Mickey O'Connell ha

She gripped the strap of her crossbody bag so hard her knuckles tu

wet, guttural l

d clamped down on her upp

ll her might, but the difference in physical s

s. He yanked her hard, dragging her deeper

being trapped while the fire consumed her-rushed back. But th

beg. She

crossbody bag like a weapon, smas

t above the eye. Skin tore. Blood inst

of her arm, drew his hand back, and slap

lms scraped raw against the rough asphalt. A shar

th hot against her neck. His thick hands grabbed the col

ns. Her fingers clawed desperately at the cracks in the paveme

, explosive light flooded the alley. The deafening screech of tires tearing against asphalt echoed off the brick walls as Hiram, wh

. He threw a hand over his eyes, his as

as kicked open before th

the blinding light. The air in the alley instan

nging tears, Antoinette recogniz

as H

aced by a crushing wave of relief. Her throat