Chapter 12 · The Next Scapegoat

"Take it." Lucas shoved the sidearm into my hand.

I stared at the weapon, then at the blood running down his temple. "Why?"

"Because if the executioners get through that tunnel, you need something better than an empty gun."

"You still think I'm leaving you?"

His eyes held mine through the smoke. "I think you'll do whatever keeps the truth alive."

"You don't know what I want."

"I know you keep choosing evidence over your own safety."

"Maybe I learned it from you."

His jaw tightened. "I haven't earned that."

"No." I snatched the gun from his hand. "You haven't."

The tunnel shook.

Pebbles bounced off the steel beam pinning Lucas to the floor. He sucked in a breath, but he didn't cry out. The man had too much pride to give the collapsing tunnel even that much.

"Evelyn." He pushed the weapon toward me again. "Listen to me. If you hear boots, don't come back."

"If I hear boots, I'll shoot the lock and drag you out."

"You can't drag me."

"You weigh less than your ego. I'll manage."

A rough laugh escaped him. Pain cut it short.

I looked at the beam.