Page 174 of Running to You

They bolted. No gunshots followed them. But an instant after they moved into the forest, an angry shout filled the air. The empty room had been discovered.

Linda and Levi were safe. Now, he just had to save Eliza.

CHAPTER FORTY

Jed’s furious roar sounded from down the hall.

Eliza had searched the darkness for a window, hoping she could free herself, but this room didn’t have one.

Were Levi and Mom safe? Had Sam gotten them out? Please God. I’m trying to trust You. I do trust You.

She had no idea what was going on, though fewer gunshots sounded now. Was it over? Were Jon and Grant and the rest of the men inside, freeing the women and children?

The door banged open, and she looked up, hoping to see a friendly face.

But Jed looked murderous. “Get up!”

Not waiting until she did, he gripped her arm in his huge hand and yanked her to her feet.

Pain stabbed her back, down her leg, and she stumbled.

He got in her face, jabbed something cold against her stomach. “Do not fight me or Levi pays.”

Levi. He wasn’t safe?

Oh, God. Help!

He pulled a roll of duct tape from a pocket, covered her mouth and bound her hands. Then, he propelled her into the hall and toward the door to the common area at the entrance. Two men stood guard there, weapons aimed and ready should anybody try to breach it.

But where were the women, the children? Had they been evacuated?

The doors on the right were all closed. Ahead, one on the left was open.

Jed stopped there, and she got a look inside.

Not evacuated. The women and children sat huddled in the middle of a room lined with dusty toys and cribs along the edges. There were fewer people than before, though. Jon and his men must have gotten some out. But not enough.

She scanned the faces. Nicole leaned against a wall, a smug expression when she caught Eliza’s eyes.

Lola stood not far from her, but she seemed far from smug. She looked horrified.

Mom wasn’t there. Levi wasn’t there.

They were free. She had to believe that.

Guards stood at a door opposite the one where Jed and she stood.

“Is this everybody?” Jed asked.

“All that we could get back here,” a guard said. “What’s the plan, boss?”

“We negotiate. Don’t have any choice.”

Yes. That was the only viable option.

Except…except something wasn’t right.

There’d been lights on in the living area and the bedroom.