Underwood stepped up to the mike. “At approximately three o’clock this morning, convicted Irish terrorist Zack McKinnon murdered two fellow inmates and, with the help of a female corrections officer, escaped. Lockdown, Inc. is using every resource available, including local law enforcement and our own SORT team, to apprehend this convicted killer and his accomplice.”
A second stark black-and-white photo flashed on the screen. Emily’s stomach began to churn. It was the security-camera photo taken in the prison locker room the moment Zack had kissed her. Her arms were around his neck, their bodies locked in a tight embrace.
“Oh, no,” Emily whispered.
The reporter continued. “Mr. Underwood, how do you explain this photo from the prison security cameras?”
Underwood frowned. “We feel that this female officer is confused and has inadvertently placed herself in grave danger. We appeal to her to turn herself over to authorities.”
“What can you tell us about McKinnon?” the reporter asked.
“He is responsible for the deaths of many people in Belfast, Ireland, as well as a triple homicide in Chicago three years ago. He is a violent sociopath, a con and a highly persuasive liar capable of elaborate schemes.”
“Is it true that this female corrections officer helped him escape?”
“We believe he convinced her that he is innocent. We believe she may be trying to help him when in reality she has put herself and our community at great risk. We appeal to both Ms. Monroe and McKinnon to turn themselves in.”
“What should someone do if they see them?” the reporter asked.
“Above all else, do not approach them. Both individuals are armed and should be considered extremely dangerous. Call Lockdown, Inc. or local law enforcement immediately.”
Two phone numbers flashed on the screen, but Emily barely heard the reporter recite them. Underwood’s words about Zack rang in her ears as loudly as the report of a gun. He is a violent sociopath, a con and a highly persuasive liar capable of elaborate schemes.
Doubt once again rose inside her. Had Zack manipulated her? Had he lied to her to gain her trust? Was she making the same mistakes her father had made all those years ago?
Like father, like daughter….
She’d heard those words a thousand times as a teenager. Even though her father’s mistakes had been too complex for her to fully comprehend then, she’d hated him for humiliating her and her mother.
As an adult, Emily understood all too well what he’d done. Adam Monroe had sold his soul for a moment of physical pleasure with a female inmate. He’d traded his uniform, his self-respect and his dignity for sex.
And now she was making the same mistake.
“What have I done?” she whispered.
Rising, she darted to the bathroom, ripped off the robe and stepped into her clean underclothes. Yanking her uniform off the hook behind the door, she quickly dressed. Back in the room, she began to lace her boots. She wasn’t going to throw her life away because she was attracted to a smooth-talking con. She sure as hell wasn’t going to make the same mistake her father had made. She was going to go back to the prison and straighten things out.
She was striding to the door, yanking on her coat as she went, when it swung open. Zack stepped into the room. She froze as he took her measure. The boots. Her coat.
“Going somewhere?” he asked.
“I’m going back to the prison to get things straightened out.”
His gaze bore into her. “Why the change of heart?”
“Because I know what you are.”
“And what is that?”
“You’re a con, a liar and a murderer.”
His gaze flicked to the television and then back to her. “Don’t believe what you hear on television.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Logic told her he was right; she’d seen the evidence they’d unearthed back at the laboratory. But it was confusion and emotion driving her, a fire driven by fear because her feelings for Zack had grown to dangerous proportions.
“They’ll kill you if you go back,” he said evenly.
“I’ll take my chances. At least with Lockdown I know where I stand.” She tried to brush past him, but he caught her arm.
Emily was ready for him. Swinging around, she shoved hard against his shoulder, hoping to propel herself back and through the door. But Zack was faster and countered her move by tightening his grip and pulling her toward him. Momentarily off balance, Emily stumbled. The next thing she knew, her body was flush against his. His eyes were dark with anger as they searched her face.
“I can’t let you walk out that door,” he said.
“Did you lie to me, Zack? Use me?”
“If I was interested in using you, I would have had you in my bed by now.”
She drew back to slap him, but he caught her wrist before her palm made contact with his face.
“I don’t know what you think you know, but I’ve never lied to you,” he said.
“I saw a news report, Zack. I know about your past. I know you’re a murderer. A terrorist.”
His lips pulled back in a sneer. “That’s a lie.”
“The local police are involved. I’m in serious trouble. They think I helped you escape.” Emily tried to twist away, but he tightened his grip and shook her gently.