Page 11

TEN

KNOTTY PINE HILL

As Claire came to, she searched the darkness, wondering how long he’d been gone. Her body ached from the beating and she was so sore her limbs felt heavy and weighted.

But she had to get to the twins. Save them.

A sob tore from deep in her gut as she realized one hand was tied to the bed post. She jerked and yanked at it, but the lock only clanged against the metal frame. She pulled and twisted until her wrist was bleeding, but she couldn’t stand or free herself.

Despair overcame her as she pictured her twin daughters in her mind. They must be so terrified.

God help her. All she’d ever wanted was a baby of her own. A little one to hold and love, someone to love her in return. Something that was hers, that no one could take away from her.

Joel had wanted that, too. They’d planned for it ever since their engagement. But pregnancy had been challenging.

But finally she’d had Taylor and Heidi. Not one, but two darling precious girls. She’d been elated and doted on them. Had vowed to protect them with her life.

But now… they were in danger.

Pain, anger, sorrow and rage ate at her insides, as fierce as the snowstorm blazing across the mountains.

Barb had called and warned her that an intruder had left her a message. A threat that he knew her secret. Was he talking about what they’d done? Or did Barb have other secrets she hadn’t shared with them?

Liar in lipstick on Barb’s bathroom mirror. That was his message.

That word hit home with her. She’d lied to her husband. And now… was he really gone?

A fleeting memory of the first time she’d met Joel floated through her mind. Who’d have thought she’d find the man of her dreams in line at the coffee shop? He’d ordered black coffee. She’d loaded hers with sweetener and cream. Then they’d both reached for the same cinnamon roll. There was only one.

“Why not share it?” he’d suggested.

A ten-minute coffee and pastry had led to an hour-long chat then a date.

The romantic gifts, dinners and trips followed. They’d lived a good life. Been happy and in love.

Then she’d tried to get pregnant.

And things had become strained. She’d seen a different side of her husband.

Finally, the pregnancy test showed positive. And for a while they’d been ecstatic.

He’d said he loved the babies, but she’d seen questions in his eyes when he’d held them. Occasional bouts of anger and frustration during the sleepless nights.

She’d chalked it up to exhaustion. And fear, the fear of losing what they’d tried so hard to have. The family they’d wanted so badly.

Where were her daughters now? Still hiding in the attic? Or had he found them?

A sob wrenched her chest. With her free hand, she gathered the twins’ clothing from the floor as she knelt between their twin beds, and pressed the clothing to her face, soaking in the sweet scents of strawberry shampoo and fabric softener. Then she plucked the stuffed animals off the beds and curled on the floor, covering herself with their princess flannel pajamas, Taylor’s stuffed lambie and the purple unicorn Heidi couldn’t sleep without. She hugged them to her chest, burying her face against the soft fabric and soft plush toys, soaking in the comfort they’d once offered her daughters.

Footsteps echoed outside the room. The loose board in the hall creaked. Terror swept over her and she tried to bury herself in the blankets.

Too late. He thundered in. She pretended sleep, hoping he’d leave her alone. But he wasn’t fooled. He yanked her by the hair and screamed in her face. “Look at me, you bitch.”

“Where’s my family?” she cried.

“Gone. And it’s all your fault.”

Denial rushed through her. No, he couldn’t have taken her little girls. Not sweet Taylor and Heidi…

He jerked the clothing, toys and blankets away from her, then stuffed them into a garbage bag.

Then he left her on the floor to drown in her sorrow.