Page 165 of Silent Target

Victor pulls back the hammer.

“You have three seconds.”

36

EVIE

Victor Kane’s arm tightens around my throat.

The pistol beneath my jaw is cold enough to burn.

“Put down the rifle, Caleb.”

Caleb stands ten feet away.

Blood runs from the cut along his cheek. His shirt is dark beneath his torn jacket, and exhaustion has carved deep lines around his eyes.

But his hands are steady.

His rifle remains aimed at Victor’s head.

“One,” Victor says.

Caleb’s gaze meets mine.

I try to tell him without speaking.

Don’t.

He sees it.

Of course he does.

“Two.”

Caleb lowers the rifle.

Not much.

Only an inch.

Victor’s attention follows the movement.

That inch is what Caleb wanted.

I drive my heel into Victor’s knee.

His grip loosens.

I twist beneath his arm and slam the back of my head into his face.

The pistol fires.

The shot tears into the ceiling.

Caleb crosses the distance before the broken concrete hits the floor.

He drives Victor into the wall.