Free Hard to Kill by Wendy Byrne

retrieved the paperclip from her waistband. Even though she couldn't see a thing due to the darkness, she'd learned to pick a lock blindfolded, so it shouldn't be too difficult.  Right now, sneaking upstairs and getting a look at Marco's computer was her goal. Nobody kept paper files anymore, so if she wanted to find out whom he'd sold Caitlyn to, it had to be stored electronically.
    While she didn 't know much about the layout of the house, it couldn't be all that difficult to find his office. After ten minutes of working on the lock, she'd made some progress but it was taking longer than usual.
    Patience, along with skill, was crucial in getting the tiny tumblers to cooperate, even if the tip of the clip was too large for her purposes. The first satisfying clink made her pulse speed up. The urgency factor tripled within her chest. Time was of the essence.  
    Once she got free, securing a weapon was her number one priority. The kitchen had the display of knives that would come in handy, but a couple of guys with guns would mow her down in record time. Knives were silent killers, which made them more lethal if the opportunity presented itself. She'd choose a knife over a holstered gun any day of the week.
    Given the awkward constraints, her arm felt numb, while her fingers focused on the process. As another tumbler clinked into place, she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. It was the middle of the night; couldn 't their never-ending policing tactics wait?
    She sucked in a breath to settle her nerves and thought about ways to utilize this impromptu visit to her advantage. Maybe if the guard got close enough she could wrap the chain around his neck and secure the key. She slumped to the mattress, pretended she was asleep, and hoped the opportunity would present itself. This might very well be the break she was looking for. 
    His knees creaked when he bent closer to the bed. The wash of fresh soap assaulted her nose as he got closer.
    Evan. He was the only one of the guards who showered on a regular basis.
    Shame. She kind of liked him. Well, as much as she could considering the circumstances. She drew in a calming breath and fisted her hands in preparation.
    One. Two. Three.
    She struck, hoping luck would be on her side and she'd be able to get the length of chain around his neck. Instead he brought her hands up over her head and whispered in her ear, "Don't say a word. Listening device."
    With one hand tethering her two, he reached beneath the mattress and gave a yank. Then stood and crushed the receiver with the heel of his boot. While he was distracted, s he clenched her hands and took a swing in his direction.
    He stopped her hand and held tight. "I'm here to help you, not hurt you." Without another word, he handed her a pair of camouflage pants and matching long-sleeve t-shirt. "It was the smallest size I could find."
    Despite the lack of light, with his face so close, she spotted fear in Evan's eyes, combined with a sense of urgency reflected in his furtive movements. Her scalp prickled. Something had happened or was about to happen. And it wasn't good.
    Sabrina pulled at the handcuff while he worked the lock with his key. If he'd noticed any of her tampering, he didn't mention it.
    " Who are you?" If things were going south, why would his first stop be her?
    " I'm working undercover for the FBI. My real name is Kane Travis."
    " What?" Even as she asked, the question pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place.
    " I overheard Marco. You're getting picked up first thing in the morning. He's selling you to a guy who makes Attila the Hun look like Mother Teresa." He swore softly. "I had hoped to have more time, but he found out I lied to him about G and thinks I went AWOL. He's got guys out there looking for me as we speak. But I need to get you out of here."
    She gulped, the fear crawling up her throat threatening to choke her. "I have to get into Marco's computer first."
    He perched his butt on the floor and