Lethal Standoff

The man hesitated. "Ms. Ashford, this is... uh..."

"What?" Isabella's tone turned sharp. "Didn't you just say you'd walk through fire for me? Now you're backing out?"

"No, I meant it—I'll get it done," he said quickly.

Satisfied, Isabella chuckled again. "That's more like it. The sooner the better. I'm counting on you."

"Yes, of course!" the man replied, eager to please.

As soon as she hung up, a