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“I…”

“How many?” I was more exasperated than I should be, and I heard the extreme terror in my sister’s voice. “Try and think.”

“Um… Okay. At least three. I saw three inside the vehicle.”

“Have they breached the house?”

“No,” she whispered. “I’m looking through the closed blinds. I can’t see anyone, but the van is parked across the street at my neighbor’s house.”

Fuck.

“Get to the safe room now. Unlock the bedroom window before you go inside.”

“No!”

“They’re coming in, Maria. There’s nothing you can do to stop them. Breathe and listen to what I’m saying. I have someone with me who I’ll send in. She will knock twice and wait then issue a third knock. Don’t you dare open the door until you hear that. Don’t argue with me, Maria. Those men who followed you mean you harm.” I made a sharp turn, pressing down on the accelerator as I constantly stared into the rearview mirror. At this point, I could be thankful no one was following us.

Subject to change at any point.

Carmella remained silent, but was paying close attention to the conversation.

“Okay,” Maria moaned. “I’ll do it.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” The one smart thing I’d insisted on and my sister had listened to was creating a false wall in one room, the only ingress and egress through another hidden panel in the walk-in closet. I said a silent prayer she’d followed my instructions and kept a radio, water, and a flashlight inside along with a few other life-sustaining items. She’d insisted there be no weapons in the house, but I’d convinced her to keep a steel bat in the safe room.

However, two years meant anything could have occurred.

I tossed the phone onto the dashboard, picking up even more speed. When I glanced over at Carmella, I could see her wheels turning.

The silence was awkward and for maybe the first time, it was killing me.

I veered around another corner, running my mind through a plan of action. It had been damn reckless of me to bring Carmella with me.

“A safe room? What were you expecting, Armageddon? A special knock? You have it all figured out.”

“You need to listen to me, Firesong. We’re almost there. There is a safe room inside the master bedroom only accessible through the closet near where she has a shoe rack. I made it as soundproof as possible, but there is a child involved and she’ll be scared. If Maria followed my instructions, they’ll be hiding in there. If I feel it’s safe for you to get in, go there. Stay with them. You have a weapon and other than a fancy bat, Maria has nothing. Someone followed her. Three men, but maybe more. I need to be able to count on and trust you. Can I do that?”

She slowly turned her head, taking shallow breaths. She’d placed her hair in a ponytail, which made her look even younger than before. “Don’t worry. I know all about safe rooms, Alejandro. I know what to do, but when this is over and they’re safe, you are going to tell me who the fuck you are.”

Exhaling, I pulled down the street, cutting the lights as soon as I did. With streetlights positioned every block on one side of the street or the other, I had no issue making my way. And the last thing I needed was for the fuckers to have advance notice of my arrival. I noticed the van more than a block away and slowed, parking further down the street.

She immediately reached for the handle on the door.

I grabbed her arm. “Take this flashlight. You can easily fit it into the palm of your hand. It’s high powered and if you press that button, the sound emitted will be almost as loud as any alarm. Keep your phone with you. I will track you if anything happens.”

“You’re scaring me.”

“Good. You should be scared. We’re not playing games here, Carmella. You are in danger.”

“So are your sister and your niece.”

I nodded. “Remember, you’re a lifesaver. Don’t try and be a hero.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll leave that up to you.”

Goddamn, this was a terrible idea. She followed my lead, crouching low and using the vehicles already parked alongside the curb to mask our advance. When I was close to the van, I threw my arm out, indicating she needed to stop. Then I placed my finger across my lips.

As I approached the van, I made certain to keep out of sight. With the weapon in both hands, I stood quickly, peering inside. There was no one in the cab. Without wasting any time, I threw open the side door, prepared to fire if necessary.