Page 64 of Nowhere to Hide
“And you.” She meant that, because the little she’d learned about the officer, she respected.
Moore and Donny shook hands, too, then Moore turned and said, “This is Dale Kramer, Hanson’s top security guy.”
“I’m happy to help however I can,” Kramer said. “I’d do anything for the Hanson family.”
A shiver raked down Sandra’s spine. Didanythingentail murder?
THIRTY-FOUR
3:50 PM
Ryan looked at the plaster on the floor that had rained down when he shot the ceiling. He’d lost control of his mind, of his temper, and he’d pulled the trigger. It had been an act outside of himself, one he hadn’t consciously thought about before it was already done. It was happening again, just like it often did years ago.
“Are you really letting me go?” Edward swallowed, his eyes half-mast. It took until now for the mighty man to appear humble.
It delivered a shot of adrenaline through Ryan, a rush of power. “Maybe. But a bigger and bolder statement would be killing all of you before turning the gun on myself.”
“Do you think we care if you kill yourself? You’re a fucking bastard,” the teen cried out.
“Watch yourself,” Ryan hissed and leveled the gun at Edward’s skull.
“You keep going on about how horrible we are. The Hansons this, the Hansons that, but you’re one of us.” Ashley’s face was a ball of anguish and hatred.
Shut this woman up for good… She’s trying to make you look weak, tear you down…
“If you’re going to do it, do it already!” she screamed.
Ryan closed the distance between him and the woman. He put the gun to her head, and she cried out.
“Stop!” Edward barked, then coughed. Some blood oozed from the corner of his mouth. “I’ll… I’ll tell you all I know.”
He’s lying… He’s all about himself and his family, skating off scot-free… no consequences.
The coffee only dampened the voice temporarily. Now it seemed to be back with a vengeance.
“Did you hear me?” Edward croaked. “I’ll talk. Then let us all go.”
Ryan smiled tightly. “That’s not a deal, but you will talk.” He pushed the muzzle into the back of Ashley’s skull.
“Edward!” she called out.
“Fine, you want the truth? People say they do, but then they often can’t handle it.” Edward’s eyelids fluttered.
“I can handle it.”
You can’t handle anything! You are useless and unwanted in this world!
“Stop!” Ryan screamed and clutched his ears.
The Hansons looked at each other, and he could read their thoughts.He’s insane!Did they somehow forget he was also the man with the gun? “Talk,” he hissed at Edward.
“I don’t know if you’re my half-brother. I really don’t.” Edward added the latter part when Ryan moved in front of him again and put his gun in his face. “But I think my dad did things. He wasn’t a good husband.”
Ryan laughed. “That’s how you’re going to put it? Really, man? I have a gun inches from your nose.”
“Fine. My dad wasn’t perfect.”
Ryan nudged the gun toward him again.
