Chapter 7 - THE COST OF BREATHING
Marcus ripped a fire axe from the wall.
Sebastian searched the control panel while Valerie pulled her shirt over her mouth.
The gas smelled faintly sweet.
“Do not breathe deeply,” Marcus said.
“That advice is arriving late,” Valerie coughed.
Sebastian found a mechanical release behind the server rack.
It required two keys.
The silver key fit one slot.
The second slot was shaped like a Ward Meridian signet ring.
Adrian wore the only one Sebastian had seen in years.
Marcus swung the axe into the ventilation grille.
Nothing moved.
Valerie staggered.
Sebastian caught her before she fell.
Her pulse raced beneath his fingers.
He looked at the photographs on the wall and saw Thomas Vale wearing a ring identical to Adrian’s.
The folder beside the photograph contained the ring itself.
Sebastian forced it into the second slot.
The door unlocked.
They reached the tunnel as the emergency fans activated.
Valerie collapsed against Sebastian’s chest.
He carried her to the garage, where paramedics were waiting because Marcus had activated a silent beacon.
While they treated her, Marcus received a call.
His face changed.
Eleanor had survived surgery.
Then someone had entered her recovery room disguised as a nurse.
By the time security arrived, Eleanor was gone.
Only one thing remained on the pillow.
A Ward Meridian signet ring.
Sebastian drove directly to Adrian’s townhouse.
He found the front door open and the lights on.
Adrian sat at the dining table with both hands visible.
“I wondered how long it would take you.”
Sebastian placed the ring on the table.
“Where is Eleanor?”
“I do not have her.”
“You were at the pier.”
“To stop Conrad’s men.”
“You kidnapped her.”
“I rescued her three days ago.”
Adrian poured himself a drink.
“Your problem, brother, is that you still believe every villain announces himself.”
A gun clicked behind Sebastian.
Marcus stood in the doorway aiming at his back.
May you like
“I am sorry,” Marcus said.
Then he fired.
