Living with the Dead - By Kelley Armstrong Page 0,74

the barrier. Amazing what adrenaline could do.

She ran another dozen paces, then pulled up short on the edge of a ten-foot drop-off.

Uh, I do believe that’s the soil erosion, Bobby.

She considered jumping, but couldn’t see the bottom in the dark and would probably impale herself on a retaining rod.

There had to be a way around. She ran into the bushes and found herself in a veritable jungle, so thick she’d need a machete to chop her way through. The running footsteps sounded again.

She flailed about until she found a clear path. Once she got in deeper, she could take advantage of the thick woods to hide—

A figure loomed in her path. She let out a shriek. He lunged and grabbed her, his hand slapping over her mouth, his other arm swinging her off her feet, carrying her, kicking and writhing before setting her down in a clearing, still gagged, with one hand pressing the top of her head.

“Get down. Hope?”

Another pair of hands tugged her shirt. “I’ve got her. Rob, get down.”

Robyn recognized the voices but after the last time, she didn’t trust herself. She followed the hand over her mouth and saw Karl.

“Down,” he said.

Hope grabbed her arm and pulled her to her knees.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” the man’s voice sang out. Brush rustled, then stopped. “What’s that I smell? The big bad wolf took the bait?”

Karl swung toward them. “Get her out of here,” he said to Hope.

Hope didn’t move. Robyn looked over to see her staring into the forest, her eyes gleaming, unseeing, her face blank.

“Hope,” Karl snapped.

“She’s scared,” Robyn snapped back. “I’ll get her out. Which way—?”

“Hope,” Karl said, getting her attention. “Control it.”

“Sorry. I’m fine.” Hope shivered.

“Asshole,” Robyn muttered.

Karl’s gaze swung her way, as if he’d heard. She imagined Damon’s chuckle. I don’t think he expects insults after rescuing you, Bobby.

“Come on.” Hope tugged her arm.

Robyn glanced at Karl, who’d turned away, dismissing them as he scanned the forest.

“He’ll be fine,” Hope said. “We need to go.”

Um, Bobby, if the dude wants to play he-man, that’s his problem. Get the hell out of there.

Robyn unlocked her knees and let Hope lead her through the undergrowth. After a few steps, Hope slowed, her chin lifting, that same blank look crossing her face. Robyn took her elbow, but Hope yelled “Karl!” grabbed Robyn and yanked her back.

“Damn, she’s good,” said a voice in front of them.

Robyn froze and squinted into the darkness. It was another moment before the man stepped out of the trees, right in their path. Clutching a gun, Hope stood between Robyn and the man.

Where the hell did Hope get a gun?

“Guess I can’t sneak up on you, can I, demon-girl? So how does that work? You catch a vision, right?” He lifted his foot, easing forward. “You see me coming.”

“Stop,” Hope said.

“Have you got silver in that gun? Because if you don’t—”

“I don’t need silver bull—” Hope glanced over at Robyn, then back at the man. “Just stop.”

Karl stood a dozen feet behind Robyn. He seemed to be measuring the distance between himself and the man, gauging whether he could get to the guy before he pounced on Hope. His jaw tightened, as if he didn’t like the answer.

“Hope?” Karl said. “Back up toward me.”

Hope didn’t move. Robyn couldn’t see why she had to—she was holding a gun on an unarmed man.

“Hope?” Karl’s voice sharpened to a razor edge.

Robyn shot a glare at him.

“I don’t think she wants your help, old man,” the other guy said. “She’s having too much fun. You like a little danger, don’t you, babe? Gets your motor revving.”

Hope’s eyes were glittering again. Sweat sparkled across her cheeks and forehead. She breathed fast through her mouth. Not fear, Robyn realized. Excitement.

“Got a real lust for trouble, don’t you, babe? How hot are you right now? I bet you’re so wet—”

Karl snarled, an inhuman sound that sent Robyn spinning to look at him. He strained forward, face twisted with rage.

“Karl.” It was Hope’s turn to snap a sharp warning.

Robyn tensed for Karl’s reaction, but he only murmured, “I know, I know,” then rolled back on his heels. “Just back up. I’ll be okay if you back up.”

“Am I making you nervous, old man? Why? Just because I could break her neck before she fired that gun? Don’t worry, babe. Killing you isn’t what I have in mind. How about a deal? You come along with me. See how much more fun you could have with someone your