“I won’t call the police.”

“You’re a doll.” Trey winked at her. “This is where we get out. Thanks, Amber.”

Darkness threw open the door and the female scooted off his lap. She stared curiously up at his face. He smiled. “Thank you, Amber. You’re doing a great service to the NSO tonight.”

She smiled back. “Good. I’m pro-Species.”

“Drive safely,” Darkness rasped.

She blushed. “I will.”

He spun toward Trey. “Let’s go. How far?”

“It’s just up this street.” Trey glanced at Amber. “Turn your car around quietly and keep out of this area. There could be gunfire.”

She rounded the car and got inside. Following his orders, she drove in the opposite direction. Trey took point and Darkness followed. They stayed on the grassy lawns to avoid making noise. Trey halted and pointed. Darkness recognized the front of the house. They had arrived at Kat’s.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Kat watched Mason. His mood swings were a sign of high stress. He didn’t trust her and he shouldn’t. He kept a tight hold on his gun. She’d gotten a close enough look to know the safety was off. He tapped the weapon against his thigh and kept glancing at Missy, frowning. She didn’t like it one bit.

“We need to talk.” He shot a pointed stare at Missy. “But I want her in sight.”

“Okay.” She got up from the table, moved slowly, to avoid making him jumpy. She entered the hallway.

He approached Kat, pointing the gun at her chest. It was clear he expected her to try to disarm him. She put her hands on the doorway so he felt more secure. Mason turned enough so he could keep them both in his view.

“She’s a risk.”

“She’ll do everything I say.” Kat’s worst fear had come true. She’d wondered what Mason was thinking and now she knew. “We’ve been together for a really long time. She’s completely submissive.” She used the term he’d probably understand best.

“I need to know you’re a hundred percent committed. You have nothing to lose otherwise.” He kept his voice low.

Dread made her stomach cramp. “What do you have in mind?”

“Kill her.”

She hoped she masked her horror. “I think that’s a bit drastic.”

“Bullshit,” he hissed. “I’m facing prison or worse if those animals get me. I need to know I can trust you. Kill that bitch.”

She could understand his logic, as messed up as it was. She’d be wanted by the police for murder if she killed Missy. Recovering Jerry Boris and making him give up the money would become a survival strategy. They’d need money to obtain false identities to leave the US for a non-extradition country where a few million could provide a lifetime of luxury.

“Kill her,” he whispered. He lifted his gun to her head. “Or I kill you.”

“Fine. Hand me the gun.”

He took a step back. “Do I look stupid to you?”

She wasn’t surprised he hadn’t fallen for it. “I’ll get one of mine then.”

“So you can shoot me?” He shook his head. “Bare handed.”

“That’s cold.” She straightened her shoulders. “But you said there were millions involved. I’m sure I could get over it.”

He smiled. Her opinion of Mason had never been good but now he was no better than a turd in the toilet to her. To kill a loved one over money was as shitty as a person could get.

“You kill her and we’ll leave. I know which company we can use to get inside Homeland. We should hit them early. It’s the best time.”

He was right. Most people weren’t at their most alert—sleeping or just have woken—if they entered Homeland around seven in the morning. That would be the time most delivery trucks started to roll in. “Okay. I get half though. Right? Don’t f**k me, Mason.”

“I won’t. I could use you, Katrina. You’re smart. We would have an easier time traveling as a couple.” His attention dropped to her br**sts.

Her skin crawled at the way he looked at her. She’d never allow him to touch her. “You’re right.” She smiled, pretending he was attractive to her. It was one of the hardest acts she’d ever put on. “We’ll need to depend on each other.”

“We will.” He glanced at her br**sts again. “In every way.”

Yuck! She forced the revulsion back. “I’ll do it now. I don’t want her to see it coming though. She could scream. Our neighbor calls the cops every time we get in an argument.” She wanted him to keep believing her and Missy were a couple, one with domestic problems. “I’ll wait until her guard is down and move in behind her. Let’s do this in her office. It’s the farthest from that side of the house.”

“Do it.” He backed up and kept his weapon trained on her.

Kat crossed the kitchen. Missy leaned against the stove and met her gaze. Trust me, she mouthed.

“How are you holding up, honey?” She stopped in front of Missy, taking her hand.

“Scared,” Missy whispered.

“It’s going to be okay.” Kat knew Mason stood about six feet behind her, watching and listening to everything. He couldn’t see her face though. She glanced at the counter, looking for a weapon.

The stove caught her attention. “Why don’t we go into your office? You can write while we talk.”