Page 162 of Less

Harder.

Faster.

“She's down there,” I whisper.

Noel grabs my arm.

“Less—”

I rip free.

“Hold on, Rusty.”

I yank the flashlight from my utility belt.

Draw my weapon.

And step into the darkness.

“I'm coming, sweetheart.”

Chapter 28

Amanda

Fear isn't just an emotion.

It isn't like sadness.

Or joy.

Or even anger.

Fear is something different.

Something alive.

Like a parasite.

A thing with teeth and claws that sinks itself deep inside your chest and feeds on every terrible thought you have.

It grows stronger with every second.

Every step.

Every shaky breath I take into the darkness as my kidnapper prods me forward with the gun.

And I can feel it happening.

I know I'm spiraling.

I know my thoughts are racing too fast.

I know I'm catastrophizing.

But I can't let it show.

Because fear like this?