Chapter 25. Keep Talking

The van lurched forward while Diana was still trying to push herself up.

A man caught her shoulder and forced her against the side panel. Pain ran from her wrist to her elbow. She made a sound she hated hearing come from herself.

“Sit still,” he said. “This will be easier.”

She couldn't see Maya. That frightened her more than the man's hand or the dark space around her. She could hear shoes striking concrete outside, a shouted order, then the engine drowning everything out.

Her phone was on the floor beside her bag. The man picked it up, glanced at the screen, and threw it toward the front seat.

Diana looked past him. Two men occupied the cab. The one Maya had hit was holding a cloth against his face. Blood dripped onto the light upholstery.

Three. There had been three of them.

The man beside her answered a call.

“We have her.”

He listened. The van turned sharply, pushing Diana against his leg.

“Tell Valent