Free Code of Silence by Heather Woodhaven Page A

“I already told you I can’t do that.” She sighed. “But you can. If we make it out of here, go. Get to safety. Tell the police there’s been a break-in at my place, but please don’t mention me. I at least need a chance to try to save my aunt.”
    He could not believe this woman. As if he could leave her alone. He shrugged but didn’t agree.
    She stood and grabbed the fire extinguisher off the top shelf. He gestured toward her. “What do you plan on doing with that?”
    Her eyes flashed. “I don’t know, but I feel safer holding something. Have any better ideas?”
    As if on cue, the high-pitched hum started up again. Rodrigo had resumed drilling. Luke crossed to the opposite door. “As a matter of fact, I do. I’ll open the door the least amount as possible. I’ll slip out while you stay inside. Once I get the ladder attached to the window, I’ll motion for you to come out and go out the ladder first.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œI’m not budging,” Luke said firmly. It was his harebrained idea, for lack of a better one, and he wouldn’t live with himself if he put her in harm’s way.
    She exhaled and joined him at the door. “Fine.”
    â€œYou’ll stay here until I give the all clear, and if Rodrigo enters the room you’ll shut the door back up.”
    Her eyes widened. “I am not leaving you out there with him!”
    â€œYou will, or we’re not even trying this.”
    She pursed her lips.
    â€œWe have a deal?”
    She shrugged. He knew that trick. “Gabriella?”
    Her eyes flicked his way. “I may not agree with you, but I heard you. I’ll try to do what you’re asking. It’s the best I can do for now.”
    Luke stared into her beautiful eyes. “I don’t like it, but I suppose I’ll take it.” He placed his hand on the top bolt. “Ready?”
    She nodded.
    Luke strained his ear, focusing on the drilling, and clicked the three bolts. He paused and listened. The drilling continued. Rodrigo had apparently gotten the hang of the slow and steady process that prevented the drill bit from breaking. He looked over at Gabriella. She gripped the fire extinguisher so tight it was almost comical. What did she hope to accomplish with that?
    Gabriella nodded, and Luke pulled on the door.
    It opened with a pop. The noise caused every muscle in Luke’s body to tense. The drilling stopped. Gabriella moved one hand to the door as if ready to slam it closed again.
    The high-pitched squeal cued up. Luke exhaled. He pulled the door further into the safe room until there was barely enough space for him to slip out. “Stay here,” he whispered.
    Luke shimmied his way into the light purple bedroom. The change in lighting surprised him. The sun had almost completed its descent. The dim light made the room seem darker, and the shadows from furniture and lamps set his teeth on edge. Laminate wood flooring covered the room. He hadn’t expected that.
    His still-damp dress shoes made a slight squeak as he stepped forward. Great. He looked over his shoulder to find Gabriella peeking her head out of the safe room with a finger over her lips. As if he could control what sounds the soles of his shoes made.
    She pointed frantically to the left side of the bed. Ah. That’s where he should start looking for the fire ladder, if it was still there. When was the last time she’d checked the location? What if her mom had moved it?
    He sank down onto his knees and peeked. Nothing appeared underneath the bed except dust bunnies and a square shadow toward the head of the bed. He reached out, and as soon as his fingers clutched metal, he knew he’d found it.
    Luke pulled the ladder toward him. The sound of metal scratching on wood caused him to stop as soon as he started. He strained his ears. The drilling continued. He would just need to get it over with. He yanked and the