Colby Lockdown. Debra Webb

She couldn’t take the risk that he might not be bluffing. “But you, sir, should think about how to keep your hostages from further harm. We’re no good to you unless we’re alive.”

      His glare was his only response.

      The unidentified prisoner was apparently unconscious. She hadn’t heard a moan or any other sort of sound from him. If he’d been awake and aware of himself, he would surely have tried to communicate as Victoria had questioned the guard about him.

      As she settled on the floor near the members of her staff, she and Nicole exchanged a look of defeat.

      No. Victoria refused to be defeated. Not by these men. Not by anyone. True, she had lost that battle, but she wasn’t through by a long shot.

      Simon Ruhl, one of her most trusted investigators and one of her seconds-in-command, kept one arm around Merri as she leaned against his shoulder. He flashed a ghost of a smile at Victoria. She understood what the gesture meant. They would be okay. Lucas, Ian and Jim would not fail. They would find a way to neutralize the hostiles. Simon’s confidence affirmed her own.

      All Victoria and her people had to do was remain patient and cooperate with these infiltrators. This day, this nightmare, would soon be reversed. The most brilliant minds on the planet were working together.

      The conference room door abruptly flew inward. All eyes swung to the man loitering in the open doorway.

      “You,” the man who appeared to be in charge said to Victoria, “come with me.” It was impossible to tell him apart from the others except for his voice. His accent said he wasn’t an American by birth. Perhaps he was of European ancestry.

      Simon and several others braced to defend Victoria, but she signaled with a small shake of her head for them to stand down.

      Whatever happened to her, the most important thing was for the others to remain safe. To survive.

      As Victoria dragged herself up once more and walked slowly toward the door, she tried to remember if she’d told Lucas she loved him that morning before leaving for the office. They’d shared a light kiss. That part she remembered vividly, as always.

      Tears brimmed on her lashes and the ache deepened in her chest. They hadn’t had nearly enough time together. She’d made him wait so very, very long.

      And Jim? When they’d spoken by phone last night, had she told him how very much she loved him? Or Jamie, her sweet little granddaughter?

      Victoria hoped that was the case.

      She might never get the opportunity again.