Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Out of the Fire

ZANDER DIDN'T GIVE DANTE a second chance to surprise him. When he stepped into the cabin, Zander was already swinging his weapon. But the guy had quick reflexes. He must have glimpsed something from the window, because ducked and rolled, missing a deathly blow by millimeters. Quickly, he scrambled to his feet, reached behind his back, and pulled out a pistol before Zander could take another swing.

"No!" I gasped as Dante leveled the gun at Zander's head. His crazy eyes radiated pure panic and I knew any hope of escape was disintegrating fast. I felt completely helpless, but something inside me urged me to help Zander. When I moved closer to him, he stopped me with a small shake of his head.

Zander stepped toward Dante.

"Don't even think about it, superman," warned Dante. "Why don't you toss that stick of yours over there." He pointed to the left, away from me.

I met Zander's eyes for a second. Sadness. Regret. Disgust. He threw the rod against the far wall.