Wasn't he supposed to be at the company?

How had he caught up so quickly?


"Faster! Someone's following us!"

The driver checked the mirror and accelerated sharply, trying to lose Brandon.

Tires squealed against asphalt as we took each turn, my heart leaping into my throat.


I watched Brandon's car behind us, closing the gap with alarming speed.

His car was clearly superior, and his driving more aggressive.


My phone vibrated frantically, Brandon's name flashing on the screen.

I answered on speaker,

His voice, barely containing his fury, filled the car.

"Anna Chapman! Tell him to stop the car! Do you have any idea what you're doing? Brian committed arson, and you're aiding and abetting!"

"Mr. Shaw, compared to your illegal imprisonment, this is nothing."

"Come back with me! I can overlook all of this!"

His voice carried a barely detectable note of panic—the fear of losing control.

"Anna, that lunatic will destroy you!"

"You already destroyed me, Brandon Shaw."

I shot back bitterly.

"It started when you brought that pregnant woman into our home."

"I was wrong, okay? I was wrong!"

Brandon's tone shifted to desperate apology.

"If you stop the car now, we can talk about everything!"

"I'll admit my mistake—I'll get on my knees and beg if that's what you want!"

His words tumbled out frantically.

"Tell him to stop the car NOW! Do you know where he's taking you?"

"That idiot Brian was set up! That's not his driver!"

What?

I whipped my head toward the driver just as he pressed a button.

"Anna—"

Brandon's voice cut off abruptly.