Aaron's hands clenched tight, his knuckles whitening as he glared at the man on the phone. Every muscle in his body screamed to lash out, but he held his anger back with a force that almost made his head throb. "Mike, don't mess with innocent kids. This is between you and me. Let them go."
From the other end, Mike's voice slid through the speaker, dripping with cold amusement. "Aaron, Aaron, don't you have any manners? Didn't I offer you a way out before?" His voice dropped, dark and sinister. "I don't enjoy dealing with innocents either, but your stubbornness forces my hand. You leave me no choice."
Aaron inhaled sharply, fighting the surge of helpless fury swelling inside him. He shut his eyes, trying to calm his pulse pounding like thunder in his ears. His fists were clenched so tight his nails bit into his palms. Yet, despite his desperation, no words of agreement or defiance escaped his lips.
