The leader paced back and forth, boots heavy against the marble floor. His jaw was tight, his fists clenched, his nerves stretched thin. "This bitch should be back by now," he muttered, anger flaring in his eyes.
He stopped in front of the vault, slammed his fist against the thick steel door.
BANG!
The sound echoed through the hall.
"Get out, bitch! I know you can hear me!" His voice was a roar that made even his own men flinch. "I'll start blowing brains out for real if you don't come out now!"
Silence.
Not even a whisper came from the other side.
His throat tightened as an ugly thought pushed its way into his mind. What if she already got what's inside? What if she's gone for good?
"Shit… shit… shit!" He stomped once, glaring at the vault door. "That bitch played us!"
The men exchanged nervous glances, none of them daring to speak. The hostages, gagged and bound, started shaking violently, their muffled cries filling the air.
