Page 103 of Mountain Refuge

Tears stung as she fought to open the locked door. “Hold on. I need to find a way to break in. How many of you are in there?”

“Six counting me.”

Taya shoved the Glock into her waistband and stretched her arm in front of her, sweeping the air for anything that would help her open that door. She felt the wall on each side of the door. Her fingers brushed a ring of keys dangling from a hook.

Bingo. Thank you, Lord.

The side door screeched. She ducked, holding her breath, pulling the weapon.

“You can’t take the girls yet, Bill.”

“Why not?”

“The Boss hasn’t given the order.”

“He said we’re fixin’ to clear out. We can’t do that without the girls.”

“Dude, I’d ask him first. You know how he gets.”

Bill cursed. “Fine.” The door slid closed, casting her once more into darkness.

She didn’t have much time. There was no help coming. This was all on her.

The fifth key she tried unlocked the door. She yanked it open. “Tracy?”

Something hit her in the back of the head, driving her to her knees. The keys fell from her hand. The gun skittered across the floor. A pretty red-haired girl promptly sat on it.

Taya glanced back to see Bill’s grinning face.

“Imagine seeing you again. I hope The Boss gives me another go at taking you down.” He snatched up the keys and slammed the door.

Tracy launched herself at Taya, dropping to her knees beside her. “You’re hurt.”

“A little bit.” Taya scooted against the wall to catch her breath. “I’ll be fine. Nothing a little rest can’t fix.”

“Is Ryan coming?”

“Sure, he is.” She really hoped so and prayed he was bringing the cavalry. “May I have the gun, please?”

The girl slid it to her. “How are you going to get us out of here since you’re locked up too?”

“With this.” She laid the gun in her lap and rested her head on the wall behind her. “Everyone okay?”

“Yes.” Tracy sat beside her and rested her head on Taya’s shoulder. “I knew you’d come. I knew they couldn’t kill you.”

They almost had. Still might, but she’d fight to her last breath to keep these girls from being sold and used. She just had to hold on until help came.

“You don’t look so good,” Tracy said.

“That’s the second time I’ve been told that today.” Her eyes drifted closed.

“Don’t go to sleep.” Tracy shook her.

“That hurts.”

“Sorry, but we need you.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” She opened her eyes and cupped her niece’s face. “I need to rest for what’s coming. While I do, is there anything in this room you girls can use to defend yourselves?”