Run: An Emma Caldridge Novella: The Final Episode Read Online Free PDF

“Nothing on record.”
    “You should kill the cell signal anyhow,” Sumner said, “because the explosive may be using a cell phone as a detonator. It’s okay, you can still use the bullhorn. But if cutting the electric will stop the trigger signal, I think it’s the best thing to do right now.”
    Consalvo nodded. “Call the electric company to kill the lights,” he told Steinberg, “and ask the phone company if they can block transmission to the nearest towers.”
    Sumner stepped to the side and dialed Banner.
    “What do you need?” Banner said without preamble.
    “A helicopter,” Sumner replied.
    “ R YAN, YOU THERE?” Emma said. She crouched down and started moving toward where she’d seen him. Before he could answer, she made contact with his arm, and she ran her hand down to his wrist until she felt his fingers close around hers.
    “You came for me.” Ryan’s voice was hoarse, whether from emotion or disuse, Emma wasn’t sure.
    “You left me ten thousand dollars, why wouldn’t I?” She kept her tone light, but it was difficult because she was also doing her best to control a wave of emotion.
    “Sorry for that. It’s not enough. I don’t think I properly calculated the risk.”
    That comment, so Ryanlike, made her smile.
    “We need to get out of here fast. The FBI has surrounded the building, and Shaw’s not giving up.” She gave him a rundown of the situation, then asked, “What’s the schedule? Do they let you out to use the bathroom? When do you eat?”
    “A woman comes with food in the morning and after that I’m allowed fifteen minutes to use the facilities.”
    “Does she come alone?” Emma asked. From what she’d seen of the women in the compound, they were all too weak to fight for themselves. She figured she could jump whoever came with the food and gain her freedom that way.
    “No. She’s always escorted by Carl or another one named Johnson.”
    That wasn’t good. Emma discarded the idea of jumping the woman. They’d have to find a way to overpower the guard.
    “I’ve seen enough of Carl to tell that he’s pretty tough,” she said, “but not too much of Johnson. Is he stupid?”
    “Carl’s smarter, if that’s what you’re asking, but Johnson is a real country boy. What he lacks in brains he makes up in brawn. I don’t think either would be easy to overcome, if that’s what you’re thinking. Besides, they’re always armed.”
    The air in the room was close, and Emma fought down a sneeze. It seemed as though it was growing hotter, but perhaps it was just her imagination.
    “Does it feel like it’s getting hotter in here?”
    “Yes. That door is solid and there’s no crack underneath it to get air. I think they altered an old root cellar to make this prison cell. It warms up a lot each day just from my body heat alone, and now with yours added to it, it’s going to become stifling. The only relief is when they open the door to bring the food.”
    The rising heat worried Emma, as did the lack of ventilation. She told Ryan about the FBI’s presence and Shaw’s armed response.
    “If they start shooting at each other anything could happen,” Emma said.
    “My biggest fear is fire. If something goes up in flames, we’re not going to make it out of here. The smoke will kill us long before the flames get to us,” Ryan said.
    Through the wood Emma heard the faint sound of boot heels on the plank stairs.
    “They’re coming,” she said. “Get on either side of the door. Fast.”
    “Don’t do anything rash. It’s too risky with them having a gun.”
    “I agree, but if there’s any opportunity at all I’m going to take it. And if not, then I’ll talk him into letting me see Shaw.”
    Emma worked her way to the entrance by holding her hand out in front of her and stopping when she made contact. Ryan bumped into her and muttered “Sorry” before taking up a position on the other side. She placed her back against the wall next to the opening and listened