Facade of Love (Yvette Scott and Idris Young) novel Chapter 392

Charlie’s words baffled me. They made no sense.

He pulled me out of the elevator and dragged me to a hospital room. Through the room's observation window, I could see everything inside.

There was Idris, a sight for sore eyes.

I felt a surge of hope and made to dash inside, but Charlie yanked me back, his voice cold. "Yvette, do you really want to end it all with me?"

Suddenly, I felt the icy press of metal against my lower back. Glancing down, I recognized the dark outline of a gun.

The dark room was where I had seen it before.

This guy was off his rocker, no doubt about it.

I froze, not daring to make another move. I had a sinking feeling that if I made even the slightest noise and woke up Idris, this maniac would go crazy, taking me and everyone else out.

I quit fighting and just watched the others in the ward. Mom and Maxwell were there too, which threw me for a loop. The real kicker, however, was seeing Alice in the hospital bed. Why the heck was Idris here visiting her?

Hugging the door frame, I could just make out Mom's anxious voice, "Why on earth would someone target her and cause a disaster?"

Alice, looking as delicate and pretty as ever, tried to reassure her. "Don't sweat it. I'm a reporter. Sometimes my stories step on the wrong toes, and people lash out. It happens."

"Retaliation?" Maxwell's brow creased with worry as he glanced at Idris. "Over that piece on the amusement park disaster?"

Idris kept mum, as usual. He just gave Alice a cool look and said, "I'll make sure you're safe."

Alice gave a small shake of her head, her smile barely there. "I'm good, really. Thanks for today, though."

Idris checked his watch, looking like he was ready to bolt.

I was dying to hear more, but then Charlie snuck up behind me and scooped me up, carrying me off like I was a ragdoll. The guy towered over me, his arms easily wrapping around me.

I squirmed, trying to get loose. Then came his icy warning.

We were out of the hospital in no time. He plopped me into a sleek black Bentley, slid in after me, his long legs barely fitting, and barked out, "Let's go!"

His voice had lost its earlier strength. My stab must have penetrated deep.

Inch was clearly worried, but he floored it back to the villa, following orders.

Just like that, I was locked away by Charlie's crew.

It was New Year's Eve. The night sky exploded with fireworks, and the air was filled with the crackle of firecrackers. I was left to lean against a cold wall, my mind a void, hopelessness my only companion.

Officer Jackson has gone, and now, without a clue, I was trapped here by Charlie. It looked like I was in for a long, restless night.

...

I could not tell if I passed out from the cold or just fell asleep, but upon waking, my arms and legs were stiff as boards, and everything was shrouded in shadows. The only sensation was a chilly breeze sneaking in from somewhere.

My hands were still tied up tight. I had no idea how long I had been cooped up, or what Charlie was planning. I did not know whether he was out for blood or just wanted to see me squirm. However, after the stab I gave him last night, he might be knocking on death's door himself.

That thought was a little comforting. If he was out of the picture, Idris was safe, and so was everyone else.