Page 39 of Colorado K-9 Rescue

M ckenna lay quietly, the only sounds her shallow breaths and Rex’s moans every now and then. When she was certain that Keith had left, Mckenna rolled over and sat. He’d tied her hands behind her back, but while she was trying to free Rex, she’d seen a sharp edge of glass and grabbed it.

She’d managed to hang on to it even through the stun gun. Her neck ached where he had connected with her, but she ignored the pain and focused on the task at hand—escaping. Again.

The ties loosened as the sharp piece of glass started sawing its way through. That and the idiot hadn’t done a very good job of securing her. He should have used cuffs if he really wanted to keep her captive.

Footsteps echoed on the front boards outside the building.

Mckenna paused, wrapping her fingers around the glass, careful not to cut herself.

She had to pretend like she was still tied and unconscious.

The door opened, hinges creaking again. Footsteps came closer and closer.

Mckenna closed her eyes and hoped he would be fooled.

The stench of body odor and cigarettes wafted toward her again. Then she heard him say, “I know you’re not asleep. Or knocked out. Sit up.”

Keith grabbed her by the shirt and hoisted Mckenna to a sitting position.

She worked hard to pretend like she was still tied.

That was her advantage, and she knew from previous experience that she needed to bide her time.

Wait it out. There would be a moment when she could attack him.

Maybe she could even hit his jugular with the piece of glass.

Staring at her with dark eyes, Keith said, “I saw your dog up there. Sorry, but when this is all over, I’ll have to dispatch him. You know what I mean by that?”

Mckenna wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of answering, but she did. The term dispatch was one that wildlife officers used instead of euthanize. If anything happens to Mocha, I’ll kill this guy. Mckenna wanted to say that out loud, but she knew that he’d enjoy it. It would only make him happy.

“I want to see that tattoo again,” Keith said, lifting her shirt. Now Mckenna was furious. That was her tattoo. Her phoenix. And there was only one other person who was allowed to touch it.

Keith tilted his head and then said, “I guess it’s growing on me. I’m not usually into tattoos.”

Taking his finger, he was about to touch it, when Mckenna kicked her foot and nailed him in the groin.

It wasn’t enough to give her a chance to get to her feet, but it got him away from her.

No one touched her without consent. Anger flashed through Keith’s eyes, and he took his fist and punched her in the jaw.

Pain exploded and she saw stars for a moment. It was hard to breathe as she gasped in surprise.

“That’s what you get for that,” Keith said, standing.

At least he had backed away from her. Mckenna couldn’t stand it anymore.

“I’m not a teenager. I’m much stronger and you should be careful,” Mckenna said, breaking her silence.

At Mckenna’s threat, Keith started laughing and shaking his head. “I’m so scared.”

He thought so highly of himself that maybe if she got him talking, she could find the moment to lunge for him. “Why are doing this? What are you, some sort of loser?”

His laughter stopped and Keith balled his fist again. Mckenna was certain he was going to hit her, and she closed her eyes and braced for the impact.

“I’m not a loser,” Keith said.

“Then what are you? Why are you doing this?” Mckenna felt behind her. She gripped the piece of glass and slowly scooted back, trying to put some distance between them.

“What? You trying to psychoanalyze me now? Figure me out?”

“I guess,” Mckenna said, deciding to try a direct approach.

If it made him mad, she might be able to get him close enough to swing the board around and nail him in the head as hard as she could.

“I mean, if you’re going to kill me, then the least you could do is explain why you take people.

This whole stupid catch and release thing. ”

“You know…” Keith came closer, but not quite close enough. “You women and all your manipulation.”

“What do you mean?” Mckenna asked. “Who’s manipulating you? I’m the one tied up.”

“Exactly, you’re the one tied up and I have complete control over you. There’s nothing you can do.”

Keep him talking. He’s just about in the right spot to hit with the board.

“Control? Why do you want control?”

“Why do you have so many questions?” Keith asked.

Now he took a step back, in the wrong direction.

Mckenna needed him close enough to hit him while she was sitting down.

If she tried to stand, he would grab her or hit her with the stun gun again.

She’d only have one chance at this, and it better be perfect.

He’d caught her again, but there was no way he was going to release her.

This game would end today—one way or another.

“I figure if you’re going to kill me, I have a right to know. ”

“No, you don’t.”

“You said I was your first. Why me?”

“Because you were that whore’s favorite student. At least for that year,” Keith said. “Of course, now I know that she tells everyone they’re her favorite. Right, Rex?”

Rex groaned. Mckenna wondered what part he had to play in this. “Whore? Who are you talking about?”

“Seriously? You don’t know?”

Mckenna thought about it. “Are you talking about Penny Gardner?”

“Now see, you know more than you realize.”

“But I don’t understand,” Mckenna said.

“You’re not meant to understand,” Keith said, hitting Mckenna again before she could react.

Everything went black.