Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Chandler slams his fist against the door again. “I know you’re in there, Taylor!”
Ignoring him, we rush back to the kitchen and grab our phones. I call Jack, but it goes straight to voice mail, so I leave a panicked message, hoping he gets it soon.
On the other side of the room, Holly explains our situation to the 911 operator, gives my address, thanks them and places the phone down on the counter.
“They asked me to stay on the line,” she explains to me.
I nod.
We glance at each other, neither one of us knowing what to do about the angry man still banging on my front door until suddenly, he stops.
I glance at Holly. “That can’t be good.”
In his distressed state, Chandler isn’t just going to walk away, something he confirms by slamming on the kitchen door leading to the patio, all but pressing his face to the window. Startled, I yelp and my sister’s nails dig into the skin on my arm.
His expression is a mask of fury, eyebrows drawn down, his mouth a grim slash, and the combination is pure rage. I knew he’d be furious, but to come over here like a madman? He’s unhinged.
In shock, I glance at my younger sister, startled to see she’s lifted her phone, and I watch as she taps the video button. I jerk my gaze to Chandler’s, but he’s not looking at Holly. His anger is solely focused on me.
Without warning, he slams his fist through the pane of glass. I scream as he reaches down and grabs the inside doorknob, letting himself in.
Blood streams down his arm as he stalks toward me. “You bitch. We had a deal. How dare you turn me in to the feds!”
I swallow hard and take a step back. “It wasn’t a deal, you were blackmailing me,” I remind him. It’s probably not a good idea to piss him off, but I refuse to be a victim or cower in a corner.
“Do you really think I’m going to just turn myself in and not take you down with me?” he asks, a sneer on his face.
My next words are going to set him off, but I can’t hold them in. “The federal agents know everything, and they aren’t going to charge me.”
His gaze narrows. “You’re going to pay. Before I go down for this, I’m going to make. You. Pay.” He slams his bloody hand down on my kitchen table.
I tremble, my hands shaking. Where are the police?
For the first time, his gaze slides to my sister, zeroing in on her cell phone. “Are you recording me?” he asks, voice rising.
He lunges for her, and I yell, “Run!” I turn and bolt out of the kitchen and down the hall, dragging her with me. I get to the powder room, yank her inside, and lock the door behind us.
Panting, I glance at her. “Are you okay?”
“I grabbed my phone!” She nods, wide-eyed. “He’s insane!” She lifts her phone, still on with 911 and puts it to her ear. “I don’t know what he’s going to do to us but I’m video taping!” She tells the operator.
He bangs on the door, yelling obscenities and threats.
“Keep recording,” I say on a shaky breath.
She nods. “I haven’t stopped.”
“Give me that phone!” Chandler shouts, beating at the door. “And do not post that video!”
“Fuck off,” I tell him, refusing to act like I’m cowering in here. Which, I am, because who knows what he’s capable of? He’s clearly lost his mind. I never thought he’d flip like this, becoming some unhinged version of himself, but I suppose the thought of prison has him petrified. He’s always been the one in control and I ripped that from him, leaving him to face the consequences of his actions.
My phone is still in my hand and I see Jack’s name on the caller ID but I can’t answer, not until we know we’re safe.
Holly leans against the bathroom door, still recording his ranting. He threatens to strangle me when he gets his hands on me and promises that Holly will be next.
Suddenly, it grows quiet. I can practically hear the sound of my heart beating rapidly in my chest. Then, footsteps and an unfamiliar voice. “Charleston P.D. Back away from the door and put your hands in the air.”
I let out my first deep breath since I realized it was Chandler at my door. I glance at Holly, who pauses the recording and sinks to the floor in a relieved heap.
“What in the ever-loving hell was that?” she asks, her face pale.
I’m sure my coloring matches hers. That was Senator Chandler Cross losing his mind, I think to myself but remain silent.
Outside the door, Chandler speaks. He’s returned to sanity of sorts and is attempting to explain to the police that this is all a misunderstanding. That he just wanted to talk to me. He insists I panicked and locked myself in the bathroom.