Free Chased - A Titan Novella (Titan (Novella)) by Cristin Harber Page A

“Sorry. Not supposed to talk. Got it.”
    Maybe if he thought of her as a friendly captive, he’d be less likely to kill her. Food seemed to work with most men. Chips and dip and good manners were the best options she could come up with.
    “Sit down. Eat your chips.” He handed her an envelope and a cell phone then walked out of the kitchen.
    Her eyes went wide as she sat in the dark, ignoring the chips and dip. What was up with the phone? Was the note for her to read? If she made a call, would her building blow up? Confusion racked her brain. What was happening?
    Jenny looked over her shoulder when the front door shut. What is going on?
    Did he just leave her here? With a phone?
    “Hello?” She pivoted in her seat, scared this was a trick or a test. “Excuse me, Mr. Maxwell?”
    Silence.
    She listened. Nothing. All this grief only to be taken home? She wanted to scream. Instead, she picked up the small envelope and held it toward the window like she would be able to read its contents. Nothing to see . She slipped her finger under the edge and opened it. Cardstock fell out.
     
    Dear Congressman McIntyre,
    I’m done watching and waiting. Now you know what it feels like when someone steals from you. Last chance, right your wrong. It’s almost Election Day. Consider that your deadline.
    Best wishes,
    Maxwell
     
    Maxwell had no intention of hurting her? He just wanted to scare Asher? Well, screw him.

CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    Asher’s phone had five percent charge left, which was more than he could say for his energy level. Hours passed like years. He had seceded control of his day to the FBI and his campaign team. And what little part remained his had been ramrodded by Molly, Sugar, Jared, and Titan. Asher’s head spun, and he would’ve passed out, but that required too much energy.
    The FBI and campaign had spun the incident as an unfortunate false alarm and failed fire safety system. No mention of Jenny’s kidnapping. They wanted to keep her out of the public’s eye for any number of reasons that Asher didn’t agree with. The FBI insisted it was safer for her, and his campaign consultants had no problem with that.
    The only problem was he did, and not a single person listened to a thing he said. If anyone ever accused him of having power and using his influence to get his way, Asher would laugh to the brink of insanity. Because that was where he was now— on the verge of losing his mind. So exhausted and drained that he could barely function, yet unable to close his eyes or walk away in case something turned up.
    His phone rang. The number came up unknown. Maybe Maxwell was in the mood to talk. Asher needed a cell phone charger if that was the case.
    He accepted the call. “Yeah. McIntyre.”
    “Ash.”
    “Jenny?” Relief washed over him. Asher could finally take a deep breath. “Where are you? Are you okay? What—”
    “I’m in DC. At home, by myself—”
    Asher waved his arm. Someone had to be paying attention to him. A kid of an agent walked over. Maybe an intern. Didn’t matter. “Find Murphy. Jenny’s at home. And get an update to Jared at Titan. Now.” He took a breath and said a thanksgiving prayer. “You’re okay? Are you hurt? Are you alone?” So many questions rushed out of his mouth.
    “I think I’m okay.”
    “You’re whispering.”
    “He just left me here. I don’t understand. I’m scared it’s a trick. There are things on the windows. But he gave me this phone and a note.”
    “What’s on the window?”
    “I don’t know. Wires. Blocks. Stickers.”
    “Don’t touch a thing. Sit still and don’t touch anything. Do you understand?” He covered the phone and jumped toward the kid he’d sent to find Murphy. “Send a bomb squad and get me a cell phone charger.” He checked his phone. The red light flashed. “Sweetheart, if I lose you, I’ll call you back in a minute. Where are you calling me from?”
    “The phone Maxwell left me.”
    No. What if it was rigged to explode