Page 21

Twenty

The Mine

Isabella so wanted to get away. All she could think about was her mom and dad.

Her little sister would be missing her so much and she’d promised to help her buy a dress for her birthday.

She needed to go home. There was nothing else left for her.

Her boyfriend had died in the limo along with the others.

The murderer was playing a cruel game with them.

It didn’t take a genius to understand him, really.

He’d threaten her and hurt her and then he’d let her go.

If he hadn’t planned to set them all free, he wouldn’t have covered his face.

Olivia was correct, but if the others had been set free, why were they all still locked in the cells?

Unless he blindfolded them and they’d have no idea where he’d taken them.

She moved to the front of the cell and stared at him.

His smug posture made her want to spew. How could she give herself willingly to this animal?

Her little sister’s face loomed across her mind again and she cleared her throat.

“I’ll do whatever you say as long as you promise to set me free. ”

“I promise, you’ll be sitting outside the old library tonight as soon as it gets dark.

” He moved closer to the cell, his breath ragged.

“The old library, the one that blew up a few years ago out near the Triple Z Bar. You’d be able to walk to the roadhouse and call your mom.

The deal is, if anyone asks, you say you don’t remember anything. ”

Confused, Isabella stared at him. “How would you know if I keep my word?”

“I know where you live. I was in the limo when we dropped by to collect you.” He moved so close she could smell his rank sweat.

“Say one word and I’ll break into your house and slit your parents’ and little sister’s throats.

” His chuckle was low and menacing. “Yeah, I know about your little sister. I know everything about all of you.” He moved closer. “Do we have a deal?”

Terrified and knees trembling, Isabella nodded and waited for him to open the door.

She cringed when he chained her to the wall, took out a knife, and sliced off her clothes.

Unable to stop shaking, she closed her eyes tight.

She couldn’t look at him. He’d become violent when the others screamed, as if it excited him.

Her teeth chattered and goosebumps rose on her flesh.

She could survive this—she must. Biting down hard on her bottom lip, she turned her head away. I’ll never scream.