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“Shut up.” His voice was hard. “Keep moving.”
She dragged her feet, hoping to slow him down long enough for Ryker to realize they were missing. How long would it take? The Texas Ranger would come for them, but given the bomb threat, he might be prevented from re-entering the building until it was secure. “The police will look for me. I’m an Assistant District Attorney. That makes me an officer of the law. Kidnapping me is a felony.”
“I said shut up!”
His grip on her arm tightened until it felt like he was grinding her bone. Hannah muffled a scream fueled by pain and terror. Tears pricked her eyes. It took every ounce of strength inside her to wrestle them back. Now was not the time to fall apart. Not while Charlotte was in danger. Whatever came next, Hannah had to keep a level head in order to protect her niece.
No one was going to hurt Charlotte. No one.
It was unimaginable that only a few months ago Hannah had fretted over becoming her niece’s temporary guardian. She read baby books, joined parenting groups online, and talked to other mothers in the DA’s office. The responsibility of caring for the little girl wasn’t something she took lightly and, ultimately, Hannah worried that she’d be incapable of providing the love that Charlotte needed. Prayer had been the way through those fears. It would be her way through this too.
Heavenly Father, give me the guidance I need to protect Charlotte. Help me find a way out of this. In You I trust.
The petition eased some of Hannah’s terror as they entered the open doors to the courthouse cafeteria. Chairs were overturned, half-eaten meals forgotten in the rush to escape the building. Someone had spilled coffee. The lid rested on the floor next to some of the dark liquid. The rest of the drink coated the table.
No one was there. Hannah had no ability to signal anyone for help.
She glanced over her shoulder again at the man as he forced her toward the rear of the cafeteria. His blond hair was stringy and long, some of it hanging in his meaty face. She cataloged his features. Crooked nose. Thin lips and ruddy cheeks. A distinctive scar sliced his neck, as though not too long ago, he’d nearly had his throat slashed. Despite his rough appearance, he was dressed in nice clothing. Professional clothing. He could’ve passed for a defendant, a juror, or even a witness.
Nothing about him was familiar. Hannah didn’t think their paths had ever crossed before. “Why are you doing this?” She took a gamble. “Money?”
He growled in response and kept shoving her forward. They were heading toward a service exit. Did he have a vehicle waiting? This side of the building faced an alley that was used for delivering supplies. Hannah dragged her feet more. The only thing more terrifying than being held at gunpoint was the prospect of leaving the building with this man. “Whatever you’re being paid, I can double it.”
That comment earned her a laugh, but he didn’t refute her assertion that he’d been hired to kidnap her. Was this the same man who’d attacked her in her house last night? She believed so.
The intruder had ignored Charlotte after breaking into the house.An idea formed in her mind. Hannah swallowed hard as the delivery bay came into view. Sure enough, there was a white van waiting. The side door was open. She slowed her pace even more. “Wait, please. You want me, you don’t want the baby. If I can leave her somewhere safe, then I’ll get into the van without causing you any trouble.”
He paused. Hannah, sensing she was on to something, added, “She’s innocent. Please.”
His gaze dropped to Charlotte, and then he growled again. He shoved Hannah toward a supply closet. “Put her in there. And make it snappy, or I’ll lose my patience, and kill you both.”
The threat sent Hannah’s heart rate spiking. She nearly tripped in her hurry to deposit Charlotte some place safe. The interior of the closet was dim, the only light shining from the hallway. Paper towels, cleaning supplies, and boxes lined the shelves. Her attacker lurked in the doorway. His face was cast in shadow, but the gun was visible.
Hannah quickly located several clean towels used for wiping down tables. She tossed toilet paper out of a half-empty box and lined it with the soft fabric before laying a still-sleeping Charlotte into the makeshift bed. Her dark hair curled over one smooth cheek, and her lips made a sucking motion, before she sighed. Fearing it was the last time she’d see her precious little niece, Hannah captured every detail in her mind like a snapshot.
A rough hand grabbed her bicep. Hannah nearly toppled over in her heels as the attacker dragged her to a standing position. The gun was once again shoved into her side. She winced but stifled the terror threatening to overwhelm her senses. As he swung her toward the doorway, her gaze snagged on a set of tools.
She stumbled. Pain erupted through her body as Hannah fell into the shelving unit. Paper towels toppled from the top rack, bouncing against the concrete floor. Her hand brushed against something sharp. She wrapped her fingers around the metal object.
A screwdriver.
Thank you, Lord.
The attacker forcefully yanked Hannah to her feet. Sweat beaded on her back as he pulled her from the closet into the delivery bay. The air was heavy with the scent of more rain. Heart pounding and chest tight, she maneuvered the screwdriver against her leg until her fingers gripped the handle. The weapon was poor defense against a gun, but it was something. It was a fighting chance.
“How are you going to get out of here?” She needed a distraction. One moment when he dropped the gun away from her body. “The courthouse is surrounded by police. They won’t let you pass.”
“Let me worry about that.” The gun barrel hit her kidney again. “Pick up the pace.”
“Police!” Ryker’s voice vibrated off the concrete walls of the delivery bay. “Drop your weapon!”
Still holding onto Hannah, the attacker retreated to a stack of boxes before whirling and pointing his gun at the Texas Ranger.
“No!” Hannah shoved him with all her might.
He pitched forward. She let her body go limp, forcing the gunman to release her. The concrete was cold against her skin. Hannah gripped the screwdriver and raised her arm. Without thinking, she stabbed the attacker in the calf with her makeshift weapon.
He screamed.
