I glanced up to see that maniac with a fire extinguisher in hand and a smile on his lips.
"There, you've had enough now," he said as he set down the extinguisher and reached for me.
The sound of sirens grew closer. My heart soared at the sound, hope blossoming in my chest, but Cameron was frozen on the spot.
The conflict on his face looked like he was deciding on taking me or leaving me behind.
"Fire and rescue, anyone in here?" a deep voice called out to me. The cavalry was here and he couldn’t escape with me unnoticed. His twisted game was over.
"Help," I tried to yell but not much sound came out other than a strained cry and rasp.
Their voices and heavy footfalls had Cameron moving. He bent down low and whispered in my ear, his voice cruel and promising pain.
"You haven't seen the last of me."
A shiver ran down my spine at his words and I didn't doubt that he would come for me again. I’d never be safe.
"Fire and rescue, anyone in here?" a new voice yelled out. They were closer now.
"Here," I was able to force out this time. More coughing hit me and its intensity made it feel like I’d swallowed the burning embers nearby.
Feeling was slowly returning to my fingertips and toes. My arms and legs had a tingle but there was no way I could sit up or stand yet.
"Anyone here?" the voice called again.
"Here," my voice was stronger this time so I added to it. "On the floor. I can't move. He drugged me."
"Keep talking," the voice ordered.
"I'm here," I choked out as tears started to fall. They were so close now.
"This damn smoke is thick. What did they make in this place?" a new voice asked.
They were getting close enough that I hoped that they wouldn't trample me in the haze.
"I'm here on the floor," I hollered again, forcing the words out louder yet.
"We’re getting close. Is there anyone else here with you?" the second voice asked.
Their flashlights glinted off the smoke but I could barely make out their shapes as they stopped in front of me.
All that mattered was that they’d found me.
I was saved.
"I'm alone," I answered with a sigh of relief at the sight of them.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, bending down to look me over.
"I have some burns and I was drugged and I can't move," I said in a rush.
"I'm going to pick you up after I roll you over. I’m so sorry if I hurt you," he said in a tender tone.
I gave him as much of a nod as my head would allow. His touch was so gentle that it nearly broke me.
Was this a bad time to get a fireman kink? That thought nearly had hysterical, pained laughter bursting out of me. A last-second attempt to cling to the sanity I was losing.
With a light touch the firefighter turned me over and lifted me into his arms. “Now, wrap your arms around my neck and hang on, I’m getting you out of here.”
