Gone in a Flash Read Online Free PDF

better idea. Moving as quickly as possible, she raced back inside the cabin and slammed the door shut. Clicking the lock, she spun toward the steps to the upstairs bedroom, but where was Andy?
    A whimper came from the master bedroom. She took the steps two at a time and raced past Andy, ignoring his pitiful cries and her deepest desire to comfort him. She locked her gaze on her target—just as the intruder appeared back on the upper balcony.
    He’d guessed her plan and raced to stop her.
    “No!” she cried as she flew to the door. His hand reached to open it before her fingers could find the lock.

    Connor heard the screams and his blood froze. Still gripping Jenna’s upper arms, he said, “Follow me.” There was no way he was leaving her alone. Officer Ellis was on the radio alerting the staff to a possible crime, giving the room number Connor shouted at him.
    With Jenna on his heels, he raced to the cabin, key card in hand. He swiped it and pushed. Nothing happened. “Samantha!”
    He tried again. And again.
    “Here.” Jenna shoved hers in his hand. “Try mine.”
    He did. Still nothing.
    Lifting a fist, he pounded on the door. “Samantha! Andy!”
    He turned to the security officer who reached out and swiped his all-access key. Again nothing happened. The man looked at Connor. People in the hall watched the excitement and whispered amongst themselves.
    If it had been any other kind of door, he would have kicked it in. He knew he wouldn’t have a chance of budging this one.
    An idea formed. “Next door. The balconies connect. Unlock this room.” Connor stood impatiently, his imagination working overtime as his heart whispered prayers for Sam and Andy’s safety. The screams he’d heard terrified him. Sam didn’t scream. She handled trouble like the professional trained agent she’d once been.
    Without hesitating, the officer swiped the card and opened the door. Connor burst past. Raced through the empty room to the balcony and faced the locked sliding door that stood between him and his family.
    Officer Ellis was right behind him, followed by Jenna. Ellis removed a special-looking key and unlocked the door.

    Sam’s hand shook as she realized the door was already locked.
    “I locked it, Mama,” Andy said between hiccupping sobs. “I don’t want the bad man in here anymore.”
    She grabbed him in a hug and watched as their attacker slammed a fist against the glass door. It barely shuddered.
    She watched him mutter something. Then a gun appeared and her terror returned in full.
    He lifted the weapon and aimed it at her.
    She tucked Andy against her and rolled back onto the bed, even as she heard the shot, the glass breaking. Landing on the other side of the bed, she heard Andy crying again and her heart broke at his fear and confusion. Shoving him up against the side of the bed, she said, “Stay here, baby, understand?”
    Wet eyes wide, he nodded and clutched his truck to his chest.
    Sam lifted her head a fraction. Just enough to see the man start to enter the room.
    With a howl of rage, fear, and frustration, she bolted to her feet, hopped up on the bed, and launched herself at him.
    She caught him in the midsection with her shoulder, and with a yell of surprise, he went backward, the two of them slamming back onto the balcony floor. She heard the gun skitter and saw it land just out of reach.
    Hands grabbed her from behind and pulled her off the man. She came around swinging. A hard hand caught her fist midswing and yanked her into a bear hug.
    “Sam, it’s me.”
    She froze, first recognizing the scent of the man who held her, then processing his words. “Connor,” she breathed and felt her knees tremble.
    Over her shoulder she saw a security officer with his weapon trained on the man who had just unleashed his short reign of terror on her and Andy. “Andy.”
    Pulling away from the comfort of Connor’s arms, she bolted back into the room. She found her son huddled right where she’d left