Everything changes in this chapter. It's my favorite so far. Sorry about the swearing for those who don't like swear words. Please review. Thanks a lot to all those who have been reviewing.

Chapter 3

Time seemed to stand still. Carey let out a choked scream as Zack covered his face with his hands, not wanting to see the inevitable shower of blood. Cody made a sound that was like a combination whimper and choked scream of mortal terror. There was no blood. No bits of Cody's skull that would have sprayed over Zack and the couch. There was just smoke and Dennis' maniacal laughter. Carey's heart was racing. Zack looked around. Cody was gasping for breath.

"This gun has blanks in it," said Dennis. John and the bald man were laughing. The bald man took the letter opener away from Carey. Carey rushed over to Cody and embraced him. Cody sobbed into his mother's embrace.

"You monster," said Carey, looking at Dennis. Dennis grinned.

"I'll take that as a compliment," said Dennis. He sat down in a chair. Carey sat down and held Cody in her arms, rubbing his back. What the hell was I thinking, thought Carey. I could have just lost Cody. Dennis leaned forward.

"You try something like that again and the gun won't be loaded with blanks," said Dennis. Carey nodded slowly. She was powerless. She had no choice but to do what Dennis wanted.

Prosecuting attorney Annie White was expecting a lot to happen that night. Her boss had insisted that she be the one who goes and assists Robert Harrison in his case. Annie was expecting a lot of shit to hit the fan. She was expecting a lot of big wigs and tough as nails cops to be there. But she was not expecting to see Nick Miller. Nick answered the door and Annie felt her heart sink. The case had just become ten times more complicated. Nick flashed her a smile. Annie half-heartedly returned it. She let out a sigh as she walked into Harrison's suite.

"Nice place," said Annie.

"It's not mine. I've living in a shitty apartment that has a plumbing problem and big ass rats," said Nick. "Thank God I live in my office most of the time." Nick sat down on the sofa.

"So what brings you here?" asked Nick.

"I'm assisting Mr. Harrison," said Annie. Nick nodded.

"Where is he?" asked Annie.

"Meeting in the executive dining room downstairs with Senator Thorne and a lot of very important people," said Nick.

"What are you doing here?" asked Annie.

"I'm the lead detective on this case," said Nick. "I did the investigating that led to that prick Murdock's arrest."

"Ah, yes. Now I remember seeing your name on the case file," said Annie. "Ah, fuck, this is going to a long night. Nick smiled. This is going to be a fun night, thought Nick.

Vincent walked towards the suite where the hostages were. The rest of his jobs were in the Tipton and surrounding area. Vincent heard commotion coming from inside. Then he heard a woman's voice.

"Run boys, run!" Vincent smiled. They were trying to escape. Vincent stood outside the door and waited for it to open. It opened fast and nearly hit Vincent. Two blond boys nearly collided with Vincent. Vincent shoved them back in the suite. He closed the door and pointed his gun at the boys. John and Cyrus, the bald man, were restraining a woman with short, blond hair. Dennis was slowly getting up from behind the couch. He was holding his head in pain.

"You fucking bitch," said Dennis. "I warned you." He slapped Carey across the face.

"Dennis, don't touch her," said Vincent. Dennis froze.

"Seems you're already fucking shit up," said Vincent.

"I'm sorry, Vincent. I know I'm putting you at risk," said Dennis. Vincent glared at Dennis.

"Oh shit, I used your name," said Dennis. Vincent's glare faded and he grinned.

"That's OK. I'll get my jobs done and get out of here," said Vincent.

"Who's the second job?" asked Dennis. Vincent suddenly shot Dennis in the head. Blood splattered on the wall behind him. Dennis fell to the ground.

"You," said Vincent.

"Your father found out you actually did it. He was more then disgusted," said Vincent. He glared at the woman.

Carey couldn't believe it. Dennis Murdock was dead. There goes the trial.

"Come here," said Vincent. John pushed Carey towards Vincent. Zack and Cody were still on the ground.

"Now, let's introduce ourselves. I'm Vincent. And you are." Vincent pointed his gun at Carey's head.

"Carey. Carey Martin." Vincent nodded.

"The boys?"

"Zack and Cody." Carey let out a choked cry.

"Now, Carey, you're going to be punished for trying to escape. I'm going to shoot either Zack or Cody in the leg. It will be a nasty wound but they'll make it. They won't bleed to death. Now, think really hard. And you pick who I shoot. If you don't pick in thirty seconds, I'll kill them both." Carey's mouth dropped in horror. She looked down at Zack and Cody. They were both quietly crying and holding each other.

"Clock is ticking, Carey," said Vincent. "Zack or Cody." Carey gulped. She had to choose. She had to choose. Carey started crying and pointed at one of the boys.

So, who do you think Carey chose? Aren't I evil? Oh, I would like something answered. Who's scarier: Vincent or Dennis? I know Dennis is dead but just go with what he did before he got killed. Remember he raped and killed those two girls.