Chapter 14

Instead of complying, Hermano raised Peter higher, until the child’s rib cage was level with his open maw. Saliva and drop dripped from the tips of his teeth. “Put down your weapon, Brown or I swear I'm going to end his life.”

Dave didn’t move. He didn't blink as much as blink. Holding his gun steady, he only hoped Hermano would believe his bluff.

“Chelsea,” he said calmly. “Move out of the way, baby.”

Hermano growled. “Don’t you take even one fucking step, Chelsea, or the next thing you’ll hear is this brat’s screams as I punch a hole through his sternum with my fist.”

Christie sobbed. Chelsea looked equally miserable, but she held herself together. She stared at Dave, shaking her head as if to warn him away from doing anything rash.

Well, fuck that. He would do anything to get her out of this, but damn if he wanted to forfeit an innocent child’s life to accomplish it.

He saw little choice but to try to catch Hermano off guard.

In a split-second move, Dave took his shot, hittin