AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She squirmed to reposition her hands, but with them tied behind her back she couldn’t do much. Mustering all her strength, she stretched until her muscles screamed, feeling around the bottom of the trunk for something she could use to cut her hands free. Nothing. She scootched so that her head was facing the rear of the car and her back was along the side.
Sweat dampened the scratchy sack against her face. Her shoulder blades ached and every muscle in her body wanted to give up and rest. But she couldn’t. Every second counted. Any minute now he could stop, drag her into the trees, and put a bullet in her head.
Fight mode fired up inside her. She wouldn’t leave this world easily. No friggin’ way. She ran her bound hands along the wall of the trunk.Come on, come on. Please, God.
Her knuckles brushed a net. She had something similar in her car, to stow items so they didn’t roll around in the trunk. Pulling at the strings, she got her fingers over the top of the net and touched something cold and hard. She dragged her fingertips over the handle and down to a pointed end: a screwdriver.
Her fingers trembled as she clung to the weapon. But dammit, she couldn’t use it with her hands tied behind her back. She had to free herself. Placing the screwdriver on the floor at her back, she focused her attention on the bindings. All her movement combined with the dampness of her skin had loosened the glue on the tape—but not enough. She stretched her wrists apart, letting out a loud grunt as the tape stayed in place.
She panted, and the material of the bag stuck to her lips, stealing what little moisture she had in her mouth. She shook her head and struggled to take a few deep breaths. If she didn’t get enough oxygen she’d pass out. Then she’d really be screwed.
Summoning all her power, she rubbed her wrists together vigorously. The tape pulled on her skin and fine hair, rubbing her raw. But after a minute or so the glue gave way and the duct tape loosened. Her damp shirt clung to her chest as she wriggled one hand free.
Hallelujah!
Tears of relief misted her eyes as she yanked off the remainder of the tape and brought her hands to lift the sack off her head. The air of the trunk was several degrees cooler than the air inside the bag, allowing her to breathe more normally. She wiped the moisture from her face with trembling hands. Her skin burned and her arms and neck tingled from exertion, but now she had a fighting chance.
The vehicle slowed.
Her pulse shot through the roof. Gravel crunched beneath the tires as the car made a turn. Red-hot panic buzzed through her brain, bringing her near a state of delirium. Her vision waned with fear so great her sanity threatened to snap.
She couldn’t lose it.
Blinking rapidly to force away the mind-crushing hysteria, she reached behind her back and grabbed the handle of the screwdriver. The vehicle lurched to a stop, bringing her heart to a screeching halt with it.
She inhaled a breath of stale air, repositioned the sack over her head, and rolled to face the rear of the car so he wouldn’t see her freed hands when he opened the lid. She tightened her grip around the screwdriver behind her back. Her sweaty palms were slick on the smooth plastic.
The car door slammed shut and rocks and dirt crunched beneath her attacker’s footsteps. One shaky breath after another wheezed through her nose. His footsteps stopped and her blood pressure skyrocketed.
She had to move fast. Couldn’t hesitate.
The lid flung open.
Cool air rushed in, forcing out the sweltering heat. She stifled a gasp as her attacker grabbed her bicep and hauled her into a sitting position. Only the outline of his frame was visible through the cloth on her head. She’d have to take aim and pray. His other hand caught her under her arm, and he hoisted her out of the trunk.
Terror chomped at the base of her spine as she drew her arm from behind her back and stabbed the screwdriver at his neck.
“Ah, Christ!” he howled. He let go and she staggered away, ripping off the sack. The night air rushed against her warm skin as she broke into a run.
“Bitch!”
She clutched the screwdriver as her feet pounded the gravel. Her brain worked in triple-time, taking in her surroundings. A lone cabin stood among the pines in front of her. Familiarity struck her.
I’ve been here before.
Shoving the thought from her mind, she raced into the shrouded arms of the woods.
Leaping over logs and ducking under needly branches, she didn’t stop running. She sent a frantic glance over her shoulder and fear split her sides.
Her pursuer stormed along her path, the ski mask still covering his face. Tears stung her eyes. He was going to kill her. “Help!” The scream ripped from her throat, echoing through the forest. Birds cawed and scattered, fleeing from her torment.
His footsteps pummeled the earth. He was getting closer.
“Someone, help!” she cried again, straining her vocal cords.
Her breath came out in rapid pants, abrading her already raw throat. She wouldn’t give up. Couldn’t stop running.
She skirted a bush and her arm scraped against a tree, throwing her off balance. A root caught her toe and she went down hard to the gnarly dirt.
