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."

tears, and Jasper's heart sank

in his eyes. He opened his hand, revealing a tiny camera. "Take this.

took the camera. "Thank

smile offering a warmth that felt like a hug. "Lyse and Jasper aren't the only ones worrying and waiting for

Then, he smiled and patted

faint,

drifted steadily into the

a half-built commercial building that belonged

project was originally under Preston's responsibility. However, since Cornelius kicked him out of

to bring Lauren back to his side. Without her, life held little meaning. He pushed the heavy door and strode in, his

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