Page 28

Rowan held her breath as a key sounded in the lock. It sounded like two people were talking on the porch. Maybe one guy and one woman. Her hands shook as she waited for either salvation or horror. The door opened, and she stilled, trying to hear what they were saying.

“It doesn’t look like anyone is here,” the woman said. “The lights are off.”

Suddenly light leaked into the bathroom like they’d turned on the light. “What the hell?” the man said and then Rowan felt a tug on the chain at her ankle.

Tears slid down her cheeks as she realized these people weren't looking for her. Hopefully, they would be kind enough to help her get free.

“Is someone here?” the man called out.

A sob wrenched from Rowan broke her silence. “I-I’m here. Please don’t hurt me.”

“Honey, shh. Let me,” the woman said quietly. “It’s okay. We’re not going to hurt you. My name is Ellen. What is your name?”

Rowan adjusted, then pulled open the door and peeked out. She felt like all the strength left her body. "Rowan," she whispered.

Ellen came closer, her eyes narrowing. “Jeff, call the sheriff. This is the woman.”

Rowan couldn't stop the tears. The longer they sat there without the police showing up, the more fear invaded. After about ten minutes, she met the man's gaze and spoke up. "What if he comes back?"

“Don’t worry about that. He won’t come back. The police are almost here. I know it takes them longer, but we are on the edge of their area. I promise that you will be safe.”

She nodded, unsure why she believed this man, but she knew she could trust him. Relief made it difficult to concentrate. She closed her eyes at one point and may have drifted a bit before she finally heard sirens in the distance. Her eyes flashed open, and Ellen was right there.

"You're going to be fine. Your boyfriend found my daughter. She used to date Charles. That's why we're here. We weren't going to come to the cabin. We were at a conference close by, but opening the place up would have necessitated cleaning. I didn't want to spend a half day cleaning. I'm so glad she told us to come out here. I can't imagine…"

Rowan wasn’t sure what to say. They knew it had been Charles who’d done this. Her boyfriend. Ellen must mean Shine.

Relief filled her. Shine wanted to be with her, or he at least wanted her found. That meant something. Would he still want her after everything that happened?