Page 46 of Vengeance

When he finally spoke, his voice barely existed. "I think—” He looked at Chloe. "Savage finally told the truth."

The gunshot cracked through the cabin, and Vengeance’s roar followed. It wasn’t a cry of pain, but something worse—pure, murderous fury. “You bastard!”

Chloe surged toward the stairs, and Doc caught her around the waist before she reached the first step and dragged her backward into the narrow passage. “Let me go!”

“No,” he breathed.

“That was Vengeance!” she said.

“I know who it was,” Doc admitted.

“He’s hurt,” she whispered.

“And charging into that room won’t help him.” She fought against Doc’s hold, driving her elbow backward and twisting the way Bowie had taught her. Doc grunted but refused to release her. “Stop fighting me,” he hissed. “Save it for the men trying to kill us.”

Another crash sounded above them, and then Dante’s voice drifted through the opening. “You always were emotional, son.”

“Touch that journal again, and I’ll kill you,” Vengeance shouted.

Dante laughed. The sound sent ice through Chloe’s veins. “You’re in no position to threaten anyone.”

Doc finally released her, only to step between Chloe and the stairs. She glared at him. “You promised him you’d protect me.”

“I did,” he said.

“Then help him,” she spat.

“I am helping him by getting you out of here,” Doc said.

“He’ll die up there.”

Doc’s expression tightened. “Vengeance has spent his entire life preparing to face Dante. You going upstairs gives his fatherthe only weapon capable of breaking him.” Chloe opened her mouth to argue, but she couldn’t because Doc was right. Dante wanted her alive, and Vengeance would surrender himself before allowing Dante to take her.

She looked toward the opening in the wall. The passage was almost completely dark beyond the weak light spilling down from the cabin. Rough stone pressed close on both sides, and damp earth chilled the bare skin beneath her torn jeans. “How far does this go?”

“About two hundred yards,” he said.

“Where does it come out?” she asked.

“Behind the ridge,” Doc said.

“Do Dante’s men know about it?” she asked.

“They didn’t five minutes ago.” A heavy thud shook dust from the ceiling, and someone groaned. Chloe couldn’t tell if it was Vengeance, and that made her stomach twist.

Doc reached into his pocket and pulled out a small metal object that looked like an old garage-door opener. “What is that?” Chloe asked.

“Insurance.” He pressed the only button, and a tiny red light began blinking.

“What did you do?” she asked.

“I activated an emergency transmitter,” Doc said.

“Who gets the signal?” she asked.

“Bowie.” His answer surprised her.

Chloe stared at him. “My father knows where we are?”