Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Preston laid out two demands in his ransom call—no guns and Landon had to come alone.

"Jasper, Lyse, and Cyrus," Landon said. "You guys handle the situation here. I'll go meet Preston."

Without a second thought, Landon turned and headed for the door.

"Landon!" Jasper cried out, his heart hammering in his chest. He lunged forward and grabbed Landon's arm. "This is Preston's trap! He might kill you; you cannot go alone!"

"I know he wants to kill me," Landon said with a humorless smile that quickly twisted into a grimace. It was a sight that tugged at the others' hearts.

"Landon, we'll go with you!" Alyssa declared with determination in her gaze. "We can stay hidden and wait for an opening. That way, we can save Lauren and Angelina for sure!"

Landon shook his head. "Lyse, thank you, but I can't take that risk. If giving up my life means Lauren and Angelina can come back safely, then that's a price I'm willing to pay."

with tears, and Jasper's

hand, revealing a tiny camera. "Take this. It'll allow you to stay in contact with the police.

slightly as he took the camera.

a deep breath, his small smile offering a warmth that felt like a hug. "Lyse and Jasper aren't the only ones worrying

was slightly taken aback. Then, he smiled and patted

cast a faint, silvery glow across the starless night sky, deepening

steadily into the parking lot, coming to a stop in the

fell on a half-built commercial building that

originally under Preston's responsibility. However, since Cornelius kicked him

the cost, he was determined to bring Lauren back to his side. Without her, life held little

the hall. Just then, Preston's message came through. It read, "Come to