CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE - DESPERATE MEASURES

Jake nodded grimly, disappearing up the stairs. David lingered, his expression troubled. "Marcus," he began hesitantly. "Maybe we should reconsider – " "Shut up," Marcus snarled. "I'm done listening to your whining. Either get on board or get out. Your choice." David's shoulders slumped in defeat. With one last regretful glance at Anna, he followed Jake up the stairs. Left alone with her captor, Anna felt a chill of genuine fear run down her spine. The unhinged look in Marcus's eyes told her that he was rapidly losing control of the situation – and of himself. "What are you going to do to me?" she asked, hating how small and scared her voice sounded. Marcus's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Don't worry your pretty little head about that," he said. "Just know that by this time tomorrow, you'll be someone else's problem. And I'll finally have the resources I need to take Erik down once and for all." With that ominous proclamation, he turned and stomped up the stairs, slamming the