Sweet Seduction Shield(107)

"Turn around, lift your shirt from the neckline," Andrews coolly replied, proving he was indeed once a cop.

Ryan shifted slowly, clearly hating having his back to the man, but did as he'd been instructed and lifted his t-shirt from his shoulders, exposing the book in his waistband.

"Mrs Costello, kindly lift the ledger from his jeans," Andrews asked.

So formal. So creepy. So wrong.

I pulled the book free and held it in front of me, pressed up to the blanket which was still clutched to my chest.

"Walk over and hold it out to me."

"Let Daisy walk here first," Ryan argued.

"If that's your level of negotiating skills, Pierce, I'm surprised you made Sergeant."

"Come on, Andrews. A show of faith."

"Why should I give you that? You never did me."

"You weren't holding a five year old ransom for a book."

"You think I liked lying down with that scum?"

I was losing the train of where this was going. My eyes only for Daisy, her eyes locked on mine. Hang in there, baby. Mummy's coming. Daddy will work it out.

"I had no choice," Andrews was saying.

"I've heard that a lot lately," Ryan remarked. "Doesn't change the fact that you've got a five year old girl at your feet shit scared. Is this the sort of man you really are, Andrews?"

"I don't give a fuck what sort of man you think I am. I will have that book."

"And we'll give it to you. Just hand over Daisy and it's yours."

Andrews hesitated. I was surprised to see that Ryan's consistent and calm demands had actually made it through this lunatic's thick skull.

"Got your handcuffs?" he suddenly asked.

"Yes," Ryan said, through slightly gritted teeth.

"Left hand only. Get them out."

Ryan followed his instruction, pulling the handcuffs free from his belt with his left hand.

"One on your right wrist, the other on your left, behind your back."

Ryan didn't even pause, just clicked the manacles in place behind his back, making himself vulnerable in front of an armed, crazy man.

"Get up kid," Andrews said, giving Daisy's form a shove with his booted foot.

My heart leapt into my throat. Daisy stumbled to her feet, swaying slightly. My heart plummeted to my toes.

"Now Mum, you're gonna do what a million other mothers say they'd do, but never get the chance."

Ice filled my veins.

"You're gonna give your life for your daughter's. Ain't that a bitch?"

I lifted my chin and took a step forward.

"Wait!" Ryan said, almost desperately. "What do you plan to do with this thing?" He nodded his head towards the book in my hands. "How's it going to help McLaren now?"

"Richard Costello's wife will make for good insurance, but if that fails, he'll pull in favours. Lots of them in there, no doubt you've already seen who. Some of them are powerful allies to have."

Or dangerous enemies to provoke, I thought numbly. His funeral. Maybe mine as well. But at least Daisy would live.

I glanced at Ryan; caught his gaze, made sure my eyes said everything I couldn't right now... Look after her.

He shook his head. His eyes argued, You're not going anywhere.

Mine gently countered, You know that's not true.

His pleaded, Don't say that. We'll get through this.

I smiled. My eyes whispered, I love you.

"No," he rasped, aloud. Then in a firmer voice said, "Me and the ledger, for Daisy and Marie."

No!

"Now why would McLaren want you, when he can have the bitch who started this all?"

Ryan didn't look at Andrews, he looked right into me. I saw an apology there. For what he was doing, or for what he was about to say. I didn't know, I just knew I didn't like it. I reached for him, but he turned away, and with his hands still cuffed behind his back he somehow managed to grasp the book and tug it free.

"A cop is a much better bargaining tool than a civilian," Ryan pointed out, taking a step towards Andrews, who lifted his gun in a steady hand to aim for Ryan's face. "But I think McLaren would find this ironic, don't you? Marie watching the man she loves trade his life for hers and her child's. Again."

Oh, fuck. No!

Andrews head tilted to the side as he considered that.

"You know what, Pierce. You understand your criminals, don't you?"

"To their rotten cores."

"Start walking," Andrews commanded.

My heart faltered, beat unmercifully behind my ribs, all breath stolen. Ice encased my neck, my throat, my chest. I was drowning, I was dying.

I was watching the man I loved walk to his death.

I stumbled, Ryan glanced over his shoulder.

"Come on, Tiger. You can do this," he said.

No! Tears sprang to my eyes, making everything waver.

"Get walking kid. I got bigger fish to fry," I heard Andrews say from down a bleak, dark tunnel.