Stowaway Read Online Free PDF

now.”
    Keri’s jaw tightened and she glared at him.
    “Make the call,” he said, tone sharpening, “but don’t try using any codes. Just tell them you arrived and all’s well.”
    Her brows creased in a frown. Leave it to cop to know about a code. If she told anyone she had trouble with the water pump, help would be on its way within minutes.
    One look at his pale, drawn features convinced her his show of strength wouldn’t last long. Then she’d be in the position of power again, and she’d make sure he didn’t get a second chance to intimidate her.
    She made the call to the rangers just as he’d instructed.
    “Get up,” Lamanto commanded when she finished.
    Keri eased herself from the small stool by the radio. When he waved the gun to direct her farther from the equipment, she obliged him by carefully moving into the kitchen.
    The gun never wavered as it followed her movements. He kept it aimed at her while reaching for a connector wire of the radio, pulling it loose and slipping it into his pocket.
    She grimaced but promised herself to collect it later when he’d passed out again.
    “What now?” she asked. Beyond tired, short tempered and running low on energy, she felt ready to collapse.
    “Now you give me the keys to your car.”
    At this point, it didn’t matter who held the keys. She shouldn’t have trusted him when he gave her his word.
    “They won’t do you any good. Someone stole all my gas.”
    As soon as the words left her mouth, she clamped it shut, wishing she’d let him find out for himself. Maybe she’d have gained the upper hand in the situation again. Or at least locked him out of the cabin.
    “So you already tried to leave,” he said. His eyes narrowed. “Did you see anyone outside?”
    She shook her head. “I didn’t see anything or anyone.”
    “Then what makes you so sure someone stole the gas?”
    “The car won’t start, and the fuel light is flashing.”
    Lamanto heaved a visible sigh. Keri wondered how much longer his strength would hold.
    “What now?” she asked. Neither of them had the energy for a trek down the mountain, and she had no desire to face the darkness again. She’d feel braver when she wasn’t so beat.
    “We get cleaned up and get some sleep. You look wiped. I’ll give you ten minutes. Just don’t try locking doors.”
    Keri didn’t mention the absence of locks on the inside doors. She didn’t feel like making explanations or engaging in arguments. The last burst of adrenaline had zapped her strength. All she wanted to do was lay her weary head down on a pillow. He could go to hell for all she cared.
    He followed her to the living room where she grabbed a pile of her clothes and carried them to the bedroom. She chose a dark blue sweat suit and clean underwear before heading to the bathroom. After a quick wash and change of clothes, she returned to make the bed. He leaned against the wall until she’d finished, and then moved directly in front of her.
    “Do you sleep on your back or stomach? Right side or left?” he asked.
    The unexpected questions had her blinking and staring at him, her mind blank. “Don’t even think I’m sharing.”
    To emphasize her point, she reached out and tapped him on the chest. Too late she realized he’d shifted the gun to his left hand. In his right, he had a pair of old-fashioned handcuffs. A cuff locked on her left wrist with an economy of motion.
    Keri stared at the metal shackles in stunned fascination. Her dad stored them in the first-aid kit too, but she’d never imagined them being used on her. After a split second of hesitation, she began to struggle, but Lamanto had anticipated the reaction. He swiftly pulled her left arm behind her back, jerking her body full force against the strength of his own. Her breath hitched at his closeness.
    He should be as weak as a kitten, yet the steel of his muscles swiftly squashed any desire for a physical skirmish. She just wasn’t sure enough she’d win. She