“Shit,” Katarina whispered.
“They plan to trap us at the bridge,” Bill said grimly.
The children were crying louder now. Bill didn't even want to think about what these men may do to the kids, their mother, or Katarina.
Katarina took a deep breath, then said, “We need to do something now. ”
“Can you pull a Nerit and shoot out the tire?” Bill knew that Katarina had been training faithfully with the former Israeli sniper.
Katarina furrowed her brow, then said, “I'll try. ” She immediately began to roll down the window.
Bill concentrated on the road and kept the van steady. The truck was speeding ahead of them, kicking up dirt, heading straight into the sunset.
Katarina slid out and perched herself in the window. The Reverend scrambled forward and grabbed hold of her legs to keep her steady and provide a human safety line. Trying to balance herself, Katarina took aim at a tire.
“Don't swerve,” she yelled at Bill.
There was a long pause, then Katarina fired. The shot hit the camper and shattered the back window.
“Shit!”
She aimed again, trying to adjust for the speed, and the bumpiness of the road. A face appeared in the shattered window. It was a young girl, maybe thirteen. Her face was badly bruised and caked with blood.
Her hands were tied in front of her and her mouth was gagged. She tried to wave at them.
“Sweet Jesus,” the Reverend whispered.
Bill felt his gut coil as he stared at the captive in the back of the truck. He couldn't let her fate fall on any of those in his care.
Katarina saw the girl as well and hesitated, but the cries of the children behind her were a reminder of what they had to lose.
“Do it,” Bill said in a ragged voice.
She fired.
The truck tire unrolled like a ribbon and vehicle careened wildly.
The girl fell back out of sight. The driver fought the wheel, which tipped the truck. The camper went flying off the back and into the gorge that bordered the road. The truck slammed onto its side and went sliding off the road in a shower of sparks.
Directly ahead was the bridge.
Katarina struggled back into her seat and said thanks to the Reverend. She looked sick to her stomach, but took a deep breath to steady herself.
“You had to,” Bill said, and tried not to think of the girl's face.
“I know,” Katarina whispered. “I know. ”
The mini-van roared over the bridge, then sped around a hill. The hotel in all its lighted glory came into view. He sighed with relief.
“Almost home,” Bill assured the people clustered behind him.
Katarina picked up the CB. “We're almost home. We had some issues, so please keep us covered. ”
“I copy that and am passing on the word,” Peggy's voice answered, then said more softly, “What kind of issues?”
“Bandits” Katarina answered. “It's the bandits. ”
4. Watching the Board