Page 180 of Running to You

Keller muttered something Sam didn’t make out. Probably telling Eliza what to say.

Her voice was weak when she spoke again. “I can’t lose you too. I have to know you’re still here. Even if Levi…” Her words hitched.

Sam heard a thump and an oomph.

“Don’t hurt her!”

“Come out here where I can see you,” Keller said.

He leaned against the side of the building, breathing hard, praying hard. He didn’t want to get shot. He didn’t want Eliza to get hurt.

He called, “Levi and your mother are safe.”

“Oh. Oh, thank God.” Her voice was stronger. “Go, Sam. Levi needs his father—”

“I’m his father!”

Sam ignored Jed, but Eliza’s words were a stab to the gut. His son did need him.

So did the woman he loved.

What would Keller do if Sam refused? He might hurt Eliza, but he wouldn’t kill her. He couldn’t.

“Come on out,” Keller said. “Now.”

Sam didn’t move.

A thud.

Another gasp, this one definitely Eliza.

Sam flinched, got low, peeked around the corner.

Eliza’s arm was hanging at an unnatural angle from her shoulder. One hand covered her mouth like she was trying to hold in her reaction.

Trying to keep Sam from hearing, from knowing what that man was doing to her.

“Don’t hurt her!”

“I’ll keep hurting her until you show yourself.”

The police were coming. Sam just needed to hold off another few minutes.

But Eliza screamed.

“Stop it!” That from Lola. “You’re going to kill her.”

Sam couldn’t take it.

No matter what happened to him, the police would find the Kellers and stop them. They’d rescue Eliza.

Sam had to believe that.

Help me.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Eliza couldn’t move her arm. She’d had a moment of hope when Jed had unbound her hands and removed the tape on her face.