The Innocent Witness Read Free

Her heart raced. “This isn’t anywhere near the field office on Fourth Street.”
    The driver, Agent Jones, replied, “Relax, Mrs. Grant. This will be over soon.”
    Over soon? That sounded ominous. What was going on?
    Anxiety revved along her veins. Were these menSteven’s killers and not really FBI agents? Were she and Mikey next? A fresh rush of adrenaline pounded through her heart, making her blood race. She had to do something to protect her son and herself.
    Lord, what do I do?
    Her bag lay at her feet. She inched down on the seat until her fingers snagged the strap and pulled the bag onto her lap. She cautiously rummaged around inside, careful not to make any noise, until she found the two items she sought. Her small Taser and an ounce-sized bottle of perfume. Steven had thought her foolish for insisting on getting her firearm permit and carrying the miniature protection device. He’d mocked the self-defense classes, as well.
    But foolish or not, she’d known being the wife of a politician put her and Mikey at risk.
    And her caution was about to pay off.
    She readied herself, needing to wait until the vehicle stopped before attempting to disarm her abductors. The last thing they needed was an accident. With her left hand she gripped the seat belt and coughed to cover the noise as she undid the buckle. Agent Thompson, seated on the passenger side, briefly glanced back.
    â€œTell me what is going on.” Viv leaned forward to keep the agent from seeing that her seatbelt wasn’t buckled.
    â€œOnly following orders, ma’am,” the agent said before turning back around.
    â€œWhose orders?”
    He ignored her question. Though she hadn’t expected a reply, frustration pounded at her temple. She had a bad feeling that their orders weren’t in line with hers andMikey’s well-being. If her suspicions were true, these men could very well be Steven’s killers and she and Mikey were the next victims.
    Panic threatened to consume her. She tamped it down. Mikey needed her. She had to keep a cool head and be ready to act the second she had a chance. She forced the rising fear to the back recesses of her mind.
    The SUV left the paved road and rattled down a dirt drive until it rolled to a stop in the gravel lot of a big warehouse. There were no other cars. No people. Her fist clenched the belt as she eased the strap back into its holder.
    As soon as the engine died, Agent Jones removed the keys from the ignition and dropped them into the pocket of his suit coat. He opened his door.
    Agent Thompson opened the passenger door. Viv tucked the Taser against her leg and readied herself. Both men climbed out of the vehicle.
    Viv reached across Mikey to lock the back door on his side just as Jones reached for the handle, the sound of his trying the locked door handle echoed inside her head.
    â€œMikey, hold your breath, like swimming!” she instructed.
    Thompson opened the back door on her side and reached inside for her. “Get out, Mrs. Grant.”
    â€œNot on your life.” She brought the perfume bottle up just like she’d been taught and gave a short blast, while at the same time planting her foot into the agent’s chest and shoving with all her might.
    With a scream of surprise, Agent Thompson tumbled back and landed on the ground, wiping at his eyes.Counting on the perfume to keep his eyes watering and him disoriented, Viv pulled the door closed and hit the lock. The air filled with the scent of her expensive perfume. She coughed. One glance at Mikey, his cheeks puffed up with air, assured her he was doing as she asked. She dropped the bottle and palmed her Taser.
    â€œHey!” Agent Jones reached for his holstered gun and moved to open the driver’s side door.
    Without hesitation, Viv scrambled between the captain’s seats, locking the passenger door before quickly sliding into the driver’s seat. Jones made a grab for her. She