Page 31 of Canyon of Deceit

THIRTY

THERESE

The dark climb to the hidden cave shoved dread into my bones. No satisfaction filled me for being right about Chandler’s location. Blane dead? It couldn’t be true. My knees nearly gave way. I’d heard the rifle fire, no denying it. Had the dear man sacrificed his life for Alina and justice?

Please, let Alina be alive.

Falin removed the brush concealing the cave’s entrance and a trip wire. He stepped aside for Chandler and me to enter. A flashlight showed a small figure leaning against the left cave wall.

“Alina,” I whispered.

Chandler snorted. “Hey, kid, I brought someone to keep you company.” He pushed me toward her. “Get over there by the kid.”

I stumbled beside her onto the hard ground. “Alina, are you okay?”

She nodded and attempted to talk with a filthy rag in her mouth. A tear trailed down her cheek. I brushed it away with my finger and drew her close. Sobs racked her little body.

“My name is Therese,” I whispered. “I don’t know if you remember me from the Christmas party at the college. Your daddy loves you so much. Many good people are looking for you.”

Chandler whirled to face me. “Shut up, or we can end this now.” He yanked Alina away from me and tied my hands and feet.

But not my mouth. “Cause me any trouble, and the kid watches while I peel back every inch of your skin. Your choice. I want to hear you scream.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and disappeared into the night.

I bent close to her. “I’m praying for God to rescue us.”

Alina closed her eyes and leaned her head against the cave wall. Had she given up on rescue? Had they hurt her? Fury burned hot in my soul. No child should experience the greed of controlling men.