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I grabbed my glass of wine, heading onto the deck and taking a deep breath. The sun was just starting to set, creating a masterpiece of incredible colors. The ocean was lapping at the shore, gentle breezes flowing through the palm trees. A stunning backdrop. I snapped a few pictures, marveling at the beauty.

As I stood back, sipping my wine, I noticed something and placed my hand over my eyes to shield them from the glare. Was I seeing dolphins playing only a few yards out?

Excitement reminding me I could do anything I wanted with the right mindset, I placed my glass on the table and raced down the stairs to the beach. I’d been right about the dolphins. I was so thrilled my hands were shaking.

But I managed to snap picture after picture, even wading into the water. As the gentle waves splashed against my legs, I stood in awe of the majestic creatures. They were truly magnificent.

As with all good things, they disappeared a few minutes later, swimming into deeper waters.

While a touch of sadness rushed into my mind, I was still exhilarated I’d been allowed to be a part of their world.

If only for a little while.

Sighing, I remained where I was for a few minutes, doing nothing more than enjoying the moment. Yet as twilight began to shadow the sun, I headed back to the condo.

At least I had some incredible pictures to upload, perhaps even enlarging one or two to decorate my barren walls.

I headed inside to drop my camera on the bed, turning on some music before I walked down the hallway. Some jazz music was perfect for the night. Time for more wine before running my bath.

Before I left my room, I snagged a hair scrunchie, yanking my long strands into a ponytail. Just as I stepped into the living room, I heard a noise.

What was that?

I stood where I was, trying to ascertain if there’d been a change in the music. No, nothing like that could have made the sound I’d thought I heard.

Cautiously, I took a couple of additional steps, hugging the wall as I scanned the room. The safety training from years beforehad kicked in. Had my friends returned? Doubtful. They’d be laughing by now, eager to share in their escapades.

Unless they were playing a joke on me.

“Cami? Ashley? Is that you guys?”

I was suddenly nervous, several goosebumps popping down my arms. After taking a few more steps, scanning the living room and seeing nothing, I took a deep breath. Maybe checking to make certain I’d locked the front door was a good idea. Stepping into the foyer, I could swear I felt a strange sense that someone was standing right behind me.

They weren’t.

The door was locked. I could see the sliding door from where I was standing, at least a portion of it. My stomach lurched, but I chastised myself for being silly and headed into the living room.

I never saw who grabbed me because as soon as he did, a bag was shoved over my head. Screaming, I kicked out even as the attacker lifted me into the air.

“No. No!”

Muffled voices. A couple of deep, evil laughs.

Men.

There were at least three. But I couldn’t understand them. They were foreign, whatever language they spoke unrecognizable. I was no pushover. My father had insisted on self-defense classes. I kicked and twisted, managing to drive my foot into the groin of the man holding me.

His wail was followed by him dropping me like a rock to the floor. I tried to rip the bag from my head while crawling butwas suddenly yanked into the air and pitched aside. Something shattered as I crashed into it, the sound spurring me on. I screamed. I flailed. I kicked out, once again bumping into something.

Anguish tore down my leg and I tumbled to the floor.

“Get her!”

English.

More commands were tossed out, their angry voices echoing in my ears.

Even though I couldn’t understand all of what was being said, I knew instinctively they were enraged that I was fighting. Fuck them. I continued struggling with everything I had, sensing I’d scratched one of them.