Thank you so very much for all of the wonderful feedback. Here's chapter 11, I hope it doesn't disappoint!
Same disclaimers apply…
Safe and Sound Chapter 11
The knife suddenly moved across his throat swiftly. Greg collapsed before the knife left his throat.
Nick woke up to hear Crane say something about 'seeing soon enough'. And that was not encouraging to Nick. The bonds that held his hands behind his back weren't very tight or very strong. It didn't take long before he was free. Nick tried to be quiet about it, but also fast. He wanted to surprise Crane. He just hoped he wasn't too late.
Nick peeked around the corner, rage almost consuming him when he saw Greg on the ground. And Crane standing over him, the blood-covered knife still in his hand.
"Get away from him," Nick growled, coming around the corner.
"He wasn't supposed to die just yet. I had a little more planned," Crane replied, nevertheless obeying Nick's order.
Suddenly Crane raised the knife, lunging toward Nick. Nick easily sidestepped him, Crane crashing into the wall. The knife fell from his hand. Before Crane could regain the knife, Nick threw him onto the nearest bed.
"I should kill you for what you've done," Nick threatened.
"But you won't. Remember, I know you Nicholas," Crane replied.
"Move, and I will hurt you," Nick warned.
Nick took out his cell phone, immediately dialing 911. As he spoke to the person on the other end, he knelt by Greg's side. He wanted to check for a pulse, but couldn't bear to because blood covered Greg's throat. A washcloth was on his stomach; Nick grabbed it and placed it over the largest wound. He lightly pressed down, and then cradled the phone to his ear with his shoulder. A knock on the door surprised him.
"Who is it?" Nick called.
"Nick!" was his reply, and the voice was familiar.
Nick jumped to his feet and swung the door open. The burly Las Vegas police lieutenant stood across from him.
"I need your help," Nick said. "If he moves, feel free to kill him."
"Where's…" O'Riley was about to ask, but then he saw Greg's body on the floor.
"He isn't dead," Nick said, "And Burlington Police and an ambulance are on the way."