Page 24 of The Quiet Witness

“Well. It’s a one time learning experience. Might come in handy someday.” When I hide the evidence of killing you.

“True. don’t worry though, you didn’t slip into my mind. I merely tend to take precautions where possible. Scattering it in the forest means the animals will do the rest.”

“You tell yourself that.” Heaving a resigned sigh, she picked up the book.

“What else did you pick up from my methods, dear?”

Oh, he wasn’t done yet. Fine, neither was she. And come to think of it. “Poison… it’s a women’s weapon, isn’t it?”

A laugh broke out of him, bouncing off the walls. “Poison, it is commonly referred to as a women’s weapon, yes.” He nudged his chin at the car he’d been scrubbing out. “But did you see the work I just had to go through? I don’t like the mess.”

Her eyebrows rose and fell, shaking her head in mock disappointment “A squeamish killer. Who would have thought.”

His answering laugh nearly shook the house. Shoulders trembling as he wiped a tear from his eye. She couldn’t help but smirk at his reaction.

A knock… wait, what?

Her head wheeled toward the front door, where a small shadow filled the floor in front of the window.

It repeated. A hand bonking against the metal door.

A. Knock. On. The. Door.

Chapter 10

A Knock of Freedom

One moment Kate sat, legs propped up on the couch. The next she stood, hands balled into fists. Her eyes flitting between Lucien and the shadow behind the door. He hadn’t even stepped forward from his spot next to the fire. He had merely turned. Watching, weighing what his captive would do.

Her heartbeat told her to act, move, go! But it was as if her feet had grown roots, digging down into the concrete below her.

Judging by the frown on his face, by the silent stance. Lucien hadn’t been expecting a visitor. Which could only mean…

“Don’t.” Not a question. A demand. He stared into her eyes, willing her to stay put.

If you get to the door… freedom. If Lucien beats you to it… restraints. Death.

His threats had been clear. So was her will to live.

She scrambled toward freedom. Shoes sliding over the hard floor. Lucien jumped in front of her, reaching out. His fingers grazed her forearm as she ducked down to stay out of his grasp, knocking over a side table.

It met the ground with a crash as she dashed for the front door.

Her eyes clung to the silver handle. Mind spinning.

The sight familiar as she dove closer. Only this time, there wasn’t a hole in the door. But someone on the other side.

Oh, please God!

Her shoes pounded over the floor, slipping and sliding.

Cool silver, slick beneath her palm, her hand pushed down.

Fingers clasped around her elbow in an iron grip. Pulling her back harshly.

She let out a cry, pain searing from her shoulder. Warmth pressed against her side as Lucien pulled her in against him, sandalwood attacking her senses. Her elbow shot out, aiming for the ribs, but finding nothing but air.

A scream tore from her aching, restrained body.