TIFFIN 3

104

Evengot didn't have to explain what was happening. I already knew: my dear husband had caught onto my secrets and had brought help. 

The extent of help?

I had no inkling, but all that mattered was that he was here. 

But was it too late? After all, my kidnapper did have a knife against my throat and had us angled at the edge of this damned rock. 

The location of all my past fears and enjoyments.

This was a sacred place that Hero had shared with me. We'd revealed so much here, yet so little. It was a location we constantly came back to and shared an understanding with each other in it. 

Now it was tainted with this predicament. 

Jake squeezed my throat with his beefy digits, making me gag. 

I couldn't breathe. 

"Please..." 

He snarled. 

"I could have loved you nice and slow. You had your damn chance but fucking blew it. Now we'll suffer together."

No! 

I tried to wiggle and squirm in the man's hold but it was a useless attempt. He had me in a vice grip and was unwilling to let go. 

It was clear what this was about. He was condemning us both to the inevitable no matter how reckless. If it meant throwing us over the edge into the rocky earth below, he'd take the bet. 

"Jake..." I began, choosing my words carefully. "Think about what you're doing. We can still get the money you need. If you do this, not only will it cost you your escape, but you'd be effecting other lives."

"Like who?" 

I sucked in a sharp breath. 

"Please. Think about my baby girl. Surely you care about a baby? You'll force her to grow without a mother. " 

My words seemed to fall on deaf ears. He only cackled, tightening the object into my flesh. 

"We both know how that Tiffin boy is! He'll find another whore that'll do just fine."

Even in this precise moment, the very thought of the only man I loved seeking solace in another, even after my passing, has me in tears. 

I didn't want to lose my family. 

As I condemned myself to the horror story that was my life, the crackle of gravel became more pronounced with an embodiment of voices until finally, a mass of swat members in uniform appeared. 

I would have let out a sigh of relief if not for the man holding me hostage. Was Hero among any of these guys? I couldn't tell. 

The throng made way for one brick house in particular who I guessed had to be Captain Willard. There was no mistaking that voice or build.

"Let the woman go. We will be forced to use unnecessary means if you don't. The last thing we want is for anyone to get hurt." 

Jake released a laugh. 

"We both know how this will end. All you cops know is force. After that, you're planning on putting me in the slammer. No way that's happening."

Willard sighed, slowly advancing. This caused Evengot to teeter us on the edge. Fuck. What was the captain doing? 

"Listen to me, Jake. I know how you feel about Mrs. Tiffin. She's a beautiful woman. Do you really want to put her in harm's way?" 

"Between us, fuck face, I could really care less! She made her choice and now she can live with it!" 

My heart lurched in my chest as I felt a piece of the rock give way. This was it. I was doomed for a painful death and not even the swat could do a thing. 

I hadn't even said goodbye. 

Please forgive me, Hero. I had to do something. Let our daughter know how much I loved her. Will always love her. 

I closed my eyes, waiting for the rush from falling, but it never came. 

Opening my eyes I was shocked at what I saw. It seemed one of the soldiers seemed to have scaled the area and had snuck up on us. 

He now had Jake in his grasp. 

Our eyes met in an intense gaze even through the helmet and I knew for a fact it was my husband. 

He came. Saved me. 

Jesus. And I had come so close to death. 

Willard rushed towards me. 

"Mrs. Tiffin. Are you okay?" 

I shook my head trying to clear my head. 

"Yes... I... Eleanor... My daughter...?" 

He nodded. 

"She's safe at the compound. Under the best protection." 

I let out a brittle laugh, staring at the swat team now swallowing their captor. 

"Hero. I need to see him." 

Willard's expression became grave. 

"In time. For now, you must take your daughter and head home." 

I didn't bother arguing. He was right. 

I, however, was not willing to state that we were safe. 

I'd been wrong last time.