I don’t know what to do… Should I go downstairs and warn him? Try to help him? Maybe I can grab a knife from the kitchen, but then what? Do I just stab him and hope I hit where I should?
Looking down through the window and at the man on the lawn, I wonder why he is not going inside. He looks up again, then to the other windows as if he is looking for something. No, not something, someone.
He pulls something out of his pocket, which I quickly realize is a phone. The screen lights up, illuminating a small amount of his face. I can’t see enough to recognize him.
When he puts the device to his ear, I see it. The tattoo of a snake’s head on the top of his hand, almost like it’s crawling out of his sleeve.
I recognize it immediately. It’s one of my kidnappers. He was the younger man who took me from the campus. I completely forgot about that tattoo until now, but I know it’s him. He is talking to someone on the phone. Fear and elation swirl inside my stomach like a sinister cocktail. These men are here for me, not Markus, and they know where my sister is. I need to talk to him. I need to tell him I need more time.
When I make my next move, I don’t think about the consequences. All I’m thinking about is my sister. I open the door and leave my secure hiding spot against Markus’s wishes. Pulling open the bedroom door, I briefly stick my head out into the hallway. When I don’t see anyone, I walk out, sticking close to the wall as if it will somehow protect me. Sounds echo from downstairs and into the hall.
I can hear two men grunting and the sound of more stuff breaking. They are still fighting.
With only one way downstairs, I have no choice but to go down the stairs. As soon as I reach the bottom, I see them. Two men, one Markus, the other I don’t know. They are in an even fight, both getting in some good punches with neither one budging.
Markus’s eyes find mine in an instant, and my heart stops. It’s only a brief second that our gazes lock, but that’s all it takes for me to know he is angry with me. I betrayed him again by not listening and putting myself in danger. The worst part of all and the part that has me second-guessing myself is that I know he’s not going to forgive me this time.
No matter if he will forgive me or not, and minus whatever feelings have been growing between us, my sister is the only thing that matters. I have to save her. I’m here because of her.
Shaking that dreadful feeling away, I dash through the open space and out the door without another glance.
The cool night air washes over my skin, and a shiver wracks my body in an instant. Only then do I realize I’m wearing nothing but a pair of panties and Markus’ shirt.
Why didn’t I grab something to wear?
“I see her. She is still alive,” the man from the window’s voice drags me from my thoughts. My head snaps up to where the sound is coming from. He lowers his phone and starts walking toward me. An evil grin spread across his face.
Even though every fiber in my body tells me to run away, I force my feet to walk toward him instead. The grass feels soft and cool against my bare feet as I step off the porch.
“I just need some more time,” I tell him when I’m closer. “I can still get it.”
“It’s been more than three weeks, and you still haven’t gotten it. We figured he had you locked up or already killed you, but here you are walking around without restraints. Interesting.” His voice is low and threatening. The sound has the small hairs on the back of my neck standing. My mouth dries, and my knees start to shake.
He takes a step toward me, and I come to a sudden halt, not wanting to get any closer than necessary.
“He never lets me out of his sights, and there is no phone. I’ve been trying. I swear. Please, don’t hurt my sister.” My voice just as shaky as my legs now. I’d give up my own life at this point to protect my sister.
“I think it’s too late for that. You didn’t honestly think we would keep her for so long and keep our hands off her, did you?”
“No…” I shake my head, not wanting to believe what he is saying.
“Maybe I should give you a taste of what’s been happening to her.” He grins, and his eyes flash with lust and mischief.
He takes yet another step toward me, and that’s when I snap. Run—my brain screams.