Page 106 of The Girls in the Snow

Nikki flattened herself against the back of the closet, holding the bar tightly. She could get out of the closet if she pushed Bobby far enough. “A good prosecutor’s going to paint your mother as the mastermind behind this. I just can’t figure out where Janelle comes in.”

“I said shut the fuck up.” Bobby used both feet this time, and the door buckled, its cheaply made hinges snapping off the wall.

Nikki jammed the wood rod between the hinge and door, forcing it away from the frame.

Bobby’s frightened blue eyes appeared in the gap she’d created.

Nikki shoved the rod into his face as hard as she could, and then reared back and nailed him a second time.

He screamed and stumbled back. Nikki used the rod like a crowbar, snapping the top hinge. She kicked the door far enough away from the frame for her to squeeze out.

Blood poured from Bobby’s nose.

Nikki dug her knee into his chest and pressed the bar across his throat. “Give me your phone.”

“It’s in my back pocket.”

“Get it out and dial 9-1-1.”

“You’ll have to kill me first.”

Nikki pressed down on the bar with all her strength. “You terrified my daughter.”

“Not me.” He gagged.

“Another charge for your mom, then.”

Bobby wriggled the phone from his back pocket.

“9-1-1, now.”

Tears welled in his eyes. “I’m not going to jail.”

“Cooperate, and the prosecution will work with you. But kidnapping an FBI agent won’t help your case. Make the call, and I’ll talk to the DA on your behalf.”

Bobby closed his eyes. “My mom’s gonna kill me.”

“No, honey. I’m going to kill her.” Mindy stood in the open doorway with a pistol pointed straight at Nikki. “Leave my little boy alone.”

Nikki stood, holding the wooden bar like a baseball bat. Bobby rolled onto his knees, sobbing. “Your little boy’s a murderer. So are you.”

Mindy stomped into the room until the gun was just a few inches from Nikki’s face. “This isn’t an air gun. And I’m pretty sure I won’t miss at this range.”

How quick were Mindy’s reflexes? Would she be able to react and pull the trigger before Nikki slammed the bar against her head?

“Think about your little girl,” Mindy said. “Do you want her to grow up without a mother? You know how that feels, don’t you?”

Nikki dropped the bar, shaking with anger.

“Good,” Mindy said. “Bobby, stop crying and use the bungee cord to tie her hands.”

Bobby obeyed, blood congealing at the end of his nose. He looped the nylon cord around Nikki’s wrists until her circulation was nearly cut off and then tied it.

“I’ve got zip ties in the kitchen.” Mindy looked at her. “Start walking.”

Forty-Nine

Nikki’s legs ached as she stumbled down the stairs sandwiched between Mindy and Bobby. Mindy seemed to vibrate with rage. Bobby was still her best shot at getting out of this alive. A part of him knew what he’d done was wrong. Mindy had already passed that point. She only cared about her family’s survival. Her son was all she had left, and Nikki knew she would do anything for him. Just like she would do anything to protect Lacey.