Karly didn’t allow herself to cry. She couldn’t. Not here. Not surrounded by women who’d visited the grand halls of hell and survived.

The van slowed and came to a sliding stop. “Is everyone okay back there?” Dr. Abbott asked through the front sliding window.

Why do you care?

No one answered.

Karly and Sung were the only two not chained. Karly crawled toward Sung, and brushed the hair off her face. The heat from Sung’s skin made her pull back. Concern replaced her fear.

“Sung. You have to hang on.”

Karly glanced at the van window, then made her way to the front. “Everyone is okay, but Sung doesn’t look good. I think she’s got a really high fever, and she keeps going in and out of consciousness.”

“Good to know. I need to find a safe place where we can wait this out.”

“Wait what out?” Karly asked, not totally sure if she was prepared to know.

Concerned eyes met Karly’s through the rearview mirror, but the doctor didn’t reply. Karly studied the road ahead. Like a fence, trees lined both sides. Ahead, a rock formation jutted out of the ground, its outline black against the night sky. The monolith looked familiar—very familiar. She leaned closer to the window. “I know a place that’s safe.”

“It can’t be in town.”

“No, it’s secluded. There’s a small cabin about a mile from here.”

“Perfect. Give me directions. I need to get to a phone and call this in.”

The doctor pasted words together like a CSI character on television. Was the doctor an undercover cop? “Who do you want to call?”

“My boss.”

Her boss. Karly studied the eyes reflecting in the mirror. Dull as a rock. She still had no idea which side the doctor landed on—the good or the bad. She’d hold onto the distrust a little while longer.

Thad didn’t have a phone, but she wasn’t about to blow her only chance of landing in a place she knew like the lines on her palm.

A few minutes later, after taking a right just after that tree, and a left on that dirt road, the van bounced and rocked up a familiar dead-end road and stopped next to Thad’s cabin. The wooden structure stood strong against the darkening night. If only she felt as strong.

Oh, Thad. He’d come for her. He tried to save her, and she’d gotten him killed. Guilt swarmed into every nook of her soul, and wept for a precious life cut short. The pain seared her heart and throat and eyes. She wanted the agony to cut her open. Surgically remove her remorse. Allow the pain to shrivel her insides into small, crumbling pieces until she disappeared.

But she couldn’t.

These women needed help. She wouldn’t just leave them. They all reminded her of a precious pup that had been abused and abandoned and needed to find a forever home. She wove through the knees of the women and searched for a weapon, anything to help free them. She tugged and pulled an inch-thick chain loose from the wall and wrapped it around her hand, then crouched in a ready position, waiting for the back doors to open. She’d punch, claw, and scratch her way to freedom if she had to.

“Karly?” Dr. Abbott sounded firm and in control. “I’m going to open the doors slowly. I need your help getting these women inside the cabin. They should be looked at. Are you willing to help me with that?”

Damn. She maintained her calm.

“Karly? I know you are there.”

Karly glanced back at the women, and then again at the door. “How do I know I can trust you?”

“You don’t.” There was no movement on the other side of the door. Sung groaned and rolled her head back and forth, pain flickering in her eyes.

A thrum-thrum-thrum pounding in Karly’s ears blocked out sound. A hand landed on her shoulder. She flinched, and nearly screamed. Karly turned. A frail woman withdrew her shaky hand.

Someone had called the woman Julia, but she didn’t look like a Julia. Thin as a stick, with sunken eyes, and long, oily hair. Add a hot shower, plus twenty pounds, and some makeup, she’d look like a Julia, but not today. The hostage stared at Karly, then her gaze moved toward the door. The silent message was clear. For some reason, Julia trusted the doctor.

She released a resigned breath. “Do I have your word you will not harm these women?”

“You have my word.”

Karly pushed back to sit on the bench beside the frail woman.

The little voices in Karly’s head mocked her efforts to be superhuman. Her head dropped back against the van’s interior wall. “Then I’ll help. You have my word.”

There was a click of a mechanism engaging, then the back doors swung open. Seeing the raised gun, Karly froze. Her rage escalated. She’d been a fool. Then Dr. Abbott opened both hands, palms out, gun pointed at the sky.

The heat of Karly’s anger turned down to a low boil.

“It will be okay.” The doctor studied each woman in turn. “You’re safe.”

Karly gasped when the doctor placed the gun in a holster hidden by her oversized white coat.

“I’ll get all of you to safety, but have patience.” The authority in Dr. Abbott’s voice sent a wave of calm through the huddled women. “We need to get Sung inside first. I don’t want her hemorrhaging.” The doctor looked at Karly. “Can you find something to cut through those chains?”

“Why don’t I just drive everyone into town? They’ll be safe there.”

“Because they won’t be safe.”

The doctor’s adamant statement stalled her plans for driving off in the van. “Why not?”

“That town is more corroded than a car in a junk yard. There is no one there you can trust. Not in this town. Staying here is our best chance of getting out of this alive. We are a liability now. If they find us, we are all dead.”

Karly moved in to help lift Sung. “Please tell me this nightmare is over.”

“We’re almost there. I hope it will be wrapped up soon.”

Karly jumped out of the van, then stopped when a hand clamped to her forearm. She looked at the fingers gripping her and turned back to the doctor. “You asked me to trust you. You’ll have to trust I won’t run.”

“Then let’s get these women inside and fed.”

The doctor released her, yet she didn’t move away. “Dr. Abbott isn’t your real name, is it?”

Sung groaned, just as her eyes fluttered and she regained consciousness. The doctor shifted her patient to get a better grip. Once she got Sung standing, she turned to Karly. “For now, just call me Sandra. Let’s get everyone inside. I don’t know how long we can stay here, and I want everyone unchained and able to move if we need to relocate.”

Question after question zipped through Karly’s mind. She wanted answers, but instead nodded and went in search of something to cut through the chains.

Bolt cutters would have made life easy, but she had to settle for a mallet and tire iron. Forty minutes later, she washed her hands in the kitchen sink while observing the women, whose names and brief history she now knew, sat or lay crowded in Thad’s small living space. The nine women were safe inside. All were exhausted, scared, and doing whatever worked to maintain control over their shattered lives.

“Ladies. There’s food here,” she announced while peeking around the corner into the living room.

Three women stood. The others held back. She picked up a plate containing soup, crackers, and cheese, and managed to give them a fake smile, the kind that says everything’s fine when it isn’t, then headed toward the bedroom.

“You’re looking better.” Karly set the plate on top of the dresser and turned back in time to see Sung’s attempt to smile. The doctor pulled the blood pressure cuff of the woman’s arm.

“There’s a fire going,” Karly continued, “and I’ve handed out all the blankets and clothes I could find.”

“There’s no phone here.” The doctor’s frustration ebbed into the room. “I need a phone, anything to call for help. Do you know if there’s a radio, anything like that?” Sandra helped Sung by propping pillows and an old blanket behind her.

“Many of these old cabins don’t have phones. There’s a cell tower. We just need to find a working cell phone.” Karly sat on the edge of the bed and handed Sung the soup bowl and spoon. “About four miles from here is the Newhalls’ place. I could run for help.”

“Newhall.” A flash of anger flared and ripped across Sandra’s face. She shook her head. “You wouldn’t be safe. I can’t risk you going. We need to stay here. Together.”

“Buck Newhall is a lawyer in town.”

“Still, you’d be surprised how far the corruption has spread. We still aren’t sure of all the players.”

“I could go to the Bryant’ or Clairemonts’.”

“No. It’s not safe.” Her emphasis on the word safe became more pronounced. “My boss will be looking for me. If we don’t hear from someone within an hour, I’ll go for help. I don’t want any of you risking your lives.”

“It’s dark out, and I know these hills, because I’ve lived here all my life. I could be gone and back in an hour.”

“Please, let’s just wait an hour. Then we’ll reassess.”

As soon as the women are fed I’m going, whether you like it or not.

Sung pushed to a seated position. “Is my baby safe? You promised me my baby would be safe.”

“Your baby is in good hands. I was able to get him transported out before we were forced to move.”

“He? It was a boy?”

Sandra smoothed back Sung’s hair. “You had a healthy baby boy.” She leaned in closer. “You need to stay strong for him. I have a feeling you two will be reunited soon.”

Sung eased back onto her pillow, the tension around her eyes and mouth easing. After several seconds of silence, she rolled her head toward Karly. “What kind of soup is this?”

“Tomato. It’s all I could find that I could warm up.”

Thad wasn’t much of a cook after all.

The past tense drove a knife into her gut. He was gone, and it was all her fault. Grief welled, and she tried to push the sharp, aching guilt into a dark corner for now. She had to survive—for him.

Karly took Sung’s hand.

“You did good for a newbie,” Sung squeezed her fingers. “You’re still a bit green.”

Oh, God. She couldn’t hear kindness, or she’d just lose it.

“Don’t move. Hands up. Hands where I can see them. Now.” The command boomed through the room.

Karly’s heart raced. That voice. Oh, God.

Sandra raised her hands slowly. “You’re hurt.”

Karly turned. “Thad?” Her eyes opened wider.

You’re alive.

The words stuck in her throat. Excitement. Relief. Gratitude. A tumble of emotions piled one on top of the other.

“Karly, walk slowly to me.” Thad aimed his gun at the doctor.

His beautiful amber eyes flicked to her for a second, then back to the doctor. “Karly, move, now. Move away from the bed.”

Her mouth dried. “Thad, wait.” She stood with her hands out and took a step.

Pop-pdd-pdd-pdd. Thad screamed. His body stiffened. His face flushed red.

“No!” Karly screamed.

He flopped to the floor. His body convulsed.

Her heart skidded to a stop. “Thad?” She dove forward and landed on her knees beside his body. He didn’t move.

Please. Please. Please. Oh, God, please let him be all right.

She turned toward Julia. “Where did you find that taser?”

“In the cabinet by the front door.” Julia hovered near the door, looking ready to collapse. “He had a gun,” she said by way of explanation.

Karly looked up to see sorrow in Julia’s eyes. “I know. But he’s one of the good guys.” Karly motioned toward Julia’s hand. “Just put the taser down, and don’t let Cassandra hit anyone with that fire poker.”

Cassandra stood behind Julia, poised like a baseball player standing at home plate, ready to whack anyone within striking distance.

The doctor picked up Thad’s weapon, but it wasn’t necessary. He didn’t move. Sandra removed the electrodes sticking out of Thad’s legs.

“Thad?” Karly rolled him over. “Thad?”

His eyes flickered open. “Karly?”

She shifted toward the doctor. “Can you help him?”

“Do you know this man?”

“He came to rescue me. Macedo shot him.”

Sandra leaned and dropped Thad’s gun on the nightstand, then knelt beside Karly. “First things first.” She unplugged the headset from the mic to remove the handset from Thad’s vest and clicked. “Hello? Over? Hello? This is Dr. Abbott.”

Sandra pulled the Velcro on Thad’s vest and gently lifted.

“How did you get access to this channel?”

Karly recognized the voice and wiggled her fingers for Sandra to turn over the handset. “Sheriff Joe, this is Karly. We’re at Thad’s cabin. Dr. Abbott is in need of some medical supplies. She says it’s not safe to leave here. Is that true?”

“It’s true. Stay put. Karly, it’s damn good to hear your voice. Is Thad with you?”

“Yes, but he needs medical attention.”

“Okay. Hold for a second. Let me get people headed your way.” Joe shouted for someone. Another few minutes passed in silence.

Sandra continued unbuttoning and unbuckling so she could assess the extent of Thad’s injuries.

“This is Special Agent Bantner.” A voice finally responded. “To whom am I speaking?”

Sandra took control of the handheld.

“It sure is a nice day for a picnic,” Sandra said with a lilt. “The sun is shining, and the trout are running in the river.”

What the hell?

“What shall I bring?” Came the reply. “Fried chicken or sandwiches?”

“Neither. I like salads.” Sandra’s excitement was like watching a puppy waiting for chow. “It's good to hear your voice, sir. I’ve got nine females here, and one male. Two need medical attention. If you can arrange transportation, I’d be obliged.”

“Where are you?”

Sandra looked at Karly, who said, “We’re at Thad Lopez’s cabin on Lonely Ridge, just past the elk pasture on the right.”

“That’s not helpful.” A snort echoed through the radio. “The sheriff says he knows where you are. We’ll find you. Sit tight.”

Thad’s eyes flickered open again. This time he groaned and tried to move.

Thank you, God.

She had never been a religious person, but maybe today was a good day to start.

He reached out, and she grabbed his hand. “I’m here, Thad. It’s okay.” When his muscles engaged to rise, she pushed and Sandra also leaned closer to push his shoulders back to the floor.

“Stay,” Karly told him, and wondered if “sit,” or “down,” or any other command would get through to her wonderful blockhead.

Karly unbuckled his helmet while the doctor stabilized his neck with a rolled-up towel.

Sandra lifted the vest’s chest plate to look.

“Is there any blood?” Karly choked out, not wanting to know.

“Nope. The bullet didn’t go through. He’s going to be stiff and bruised, but he should survive.” She used the penlight from her coat pocket and went about her examination.

Fear, joy, and worry jostled for Karly’s attention. The past few hours had destroyed the world as she once knew it. Nothing would ever be the same. The only bright spot—Thad was alive.

“Will he be okay?” she asked, hoping for the best and prepared for the worst.

“He’ll be fine. Bruised and sore, but no bullet holes or breaks.”

He lifted a hand toward her face. “Karly?”

She reached for his hand and placed it against her heart. “I’m here.”

“I came for you.” He blinked a couple more times and tried to move his head. “I don’t ever want to live without you. Not again. Will you marry me?”

Her heart hopped and skipped then took a nosedive. He couldn’t mean marriage.

Thad blinked, then blinked again. “Karly?” He slurred her name.

“No, don’t move. Just lie here. I’m safe. You’re safe. Rescuers are on the way.”

“Thad.” Sandra angled in so he could see her. “Help is on its way. I need you to relax, okay?”

Thad didn’t respond further, or ask any more questions.

Good thing, or Karly might need some oxygen.

Thad couldn’t be serious. Marriage? He’s caught up in the moment. That’s all.

Besides, she couldn’t marry him. Now more than ever, she understood that.

Lights from a vehicle making its way up the drive made some women slink away from the windows, and look for a place to hide. Others sat immobile. Passive. As if their fate had already been set.

Karly rested her hand on Thad’s chest, grateful to feel its gentle rise and fall. Everything will be okay. It’s going to be okay, she repeated over and over again.

“Nobody taser or hit anyone who comes through that door unless I tell you to,” Sandra said, moving toward the living room. “Understood? My boss is one of the good guys. I expect there’s a medical helicopter and paramedics on the way. Help should be here shortly.”

A man in an FBI jacket with a bulletproof vest, thirty pounds of equipment around his waist, and the confidence to move mountains walked in. He scanned the room.

He wasn’t dressed for a picnic, but Karly was glad to see him regardless.

“Ladies, I’m FBI Special Agent Bantner. A team is on their way to escort you to area hospitals and see to your needs. We will need to take your statements. Rest assured, we will do everything within our power to keep you safe.”

“What about my baby?” Sung asked, barely able to stand, clutching the doorframe, doing her best to remain vertical.

Sandra rushed across the room and put an arm around Sung’s waist to prop her up.

The midsize man walked farther into the room. “Sandra, would you like to tell them?”

For the first time since Karly met the doctor, a sliver of emotion escaped and peeked out of her eyes. “I told you before your baby is safe, and I meant it.” Her eyes glistened with excitement. “In fact, every one of your children is safe.”

Julia stiffened. “Macedo told me he sold my baby. That I would never see her again.”

Sandra allowed Sung to hold on to the doorframe and moved across the wooden planks to crouch in front of the frail woman. Julia crossed her arms over her stomach, rocking back and forth in a self-soothing motion.

“Julia, look at me.” Sandra waited until the desperate face lifted and Julia returned her look. “That’s what we wanted Macedo to believe.” Sandra placed a hand on Julia’s knee. “I handed your baby over to an undercover special agent for marked, traceable cash. This money has helped the FBI track additional illegal activity. The babies they sold were all taken to a hospital, cared for, and have been waiting to be reunited with you. Or, if you choose, you can permanently surrender your rights, and we will make sure your children are placed in safe homes.”

Julia lifted a shaking hand to her face. “I can’t be a good mother. Not like this.”

Sandra looked to Bantner, who provided a nod. Sandra brushed away Julia’s tears with her thumb. “I understand. We’ll provide you with counseling and other assistance to get you back on your feet for those of you who want it.” She met the eyes of each woman in turn. “There isn’t any fine print. The offer’s legit.”

The sounds of chopper blades ended the conversation and jump-started a flurry of activity. Paramedics rushed into the house. Sung was loaded and rolled toward the Flight for Life helicopter. A minute after that, several ambulances came howling up the lane. The survivors, too overwhelmed, or physically incapable of standing, began getting the help they needed. Thad was the last to be loaded.

“I’ll go with this one.” Sandra made the statement in such a way that no one was going to argue.

“Is there room for me?” Karly asked.

Sandra put an arm around her shoulder. “We’ll make room.” She winked.

Thad had given into the pain medication for now, but she had things to say.

Things she’d left unsaid.

Things he needed to hear.