Page 181 of Running to You

Then, he’d pulled her arm out of its socket. The pain was hot and sharp. But she’d managed to keep quiet.

Not so much when he whacked her on the head with the butt of his gun. That had sent her to her knees, the action so fast and shocking that the scream escaped before she could stop it.

She was on her feet again, only standing because Jed was holding her up. Using her as a shield.

Her head pounded. The pain in her arm stabbed even as she held it against her torso. She wasn’t going to survive this. She knew that, and she could live with it. Levi was safe. Her mom was safe. All those women…

She had to believe Jon and Grant and Michael and the rest of the men were freeing them. Otherwise, they’d be here.

It wasn’t the way she’d wanted it to work out. She’d dreamed of being with Sam and Levi, dreamed of being a family. She’d imagined them filling Sam’s big house with love. More children. Laughter and peace.

But if the people she loved were safe…

She’d entrust them into God’s hands.

Thank You, God. Thank You for protecting them, just like You promised. Be with them. Teach Levi the Truth.

“It’s okay, Sam.” She swallowed, tried to make her voice stronger. “Be with Levi. Raise him well.” She couldn’t keep the emotion out of her voice. “Don’t let him forget me.”

“He’s not going to forget you because you’re going to be with him.” Sam stepped out from behind the building, hands raised.

“Sam, no!”

“I knew you’d do it.” Jed’s voice was filled with scorn. “Weak. You can never achieve greatness unless you’re willing to fight for it.”

“You seem to think strong means hurting innocent people to get what you want,” Sam said. “But your definition is flawed. Strong men sacrifice themselves for the people they love. True strength comes from knowing there are worse things than death.”

“You’re wrong. Death is the end for people like you, small-minded and pathetic.” To Lola, he said, “Open the trunk.”

Eliza couldn’t see her and was surprised when she didn’t sense the woman’s quick obedience.

“What are you going to do?” Lola asked.

“Obey me!”

A moment later, the car opened, and the trunk popped.

“Get in. You’re driving.” A moment later… “Are you in?” He didn’t turn to check. “Close the door and start it up.”

The engine roared to life and the door slammed, filling the air behind it with exhaust.

Maybe Jed didn’t want his wife to see what he was going to do next. As if shooting a man in cold blood could be worse than trapping women and children in a room and setting it on fire.

He was insane.

“I guess this is it.” Jed sounded eager.

The gun exploded.

At the same time, Sam dove to the side.

And Jed stumbled, letting up his grip on Eliza.

She hit the pavement, catching herself with her good arm, thank God.

But Jed kept his feet, kept ahold of the gun. Before he could take aim…

Sam pulled a handgun from a holster, aimed.