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A single tail thump and I glanced down at my faithful companion.

“Maybe I really am losing my mind, Shadow. And you know what? That’s fine by me.”

CHAPTER 7

Isabel

“Never trust anyone, Isabel. Now that you’re in my life, there will be people who pretend to be your friend for no other reason than to get to me.”

Maxsim’s words and his voice had left a haunting impression. He was right. That much had been ingrained in my mind and for all the wrong reasons.

“I’m tired,” Mina whispered while her grip on my hand tightened.

“I am too, sweetie.” I stopped walking and she collided against my leg, her ragged breathing sounds having intensified over the last hour or two. I’d lost track of time other than I could swear I noticed a warm glow of light on the horizon.

I had no idea where we were other than confirming we were still in the United States. At least I thought so. I’d found a road and we were walking parallel with it while keeping in the shadows. A few cars had passed, but given I’d seen no other roads, I’d remained fearful anyone coming from the direction of the warehouse would be one of the bastards who’d held us prisoner.

Wherever the location, it was far removed from anything else, as if civilization didn’t exist other than the single building.

No wonder the building hadn’t been surrounded by barbed wire fencing. There was no need given the location.

“Why don’t I carry you for a little while.”

Thank God the sky was clear, both stars and a bright full moon guiding our way. I was fearful the flashlight would give out and had decided to save the batteries. With no water, when the sun rose, our situation would become desperate.

Mina allowed me to pick her up and I trudged forward as she clung to me. She felt so tiny in my arms yet at the same time with her arms wrapped around my neck and her face pressed against my chest, the real weight was that of our situation.

The glimmer of hope I’d felt before was beginning to fade.

I kept my head down, following the road and found myself humming some tune I’d heard. The sound seemed to soothe her and within seconds, I could tell she’d fallen asleep.

That’s the only moment I allowed tears to fall. I didn’t want her to see how much despair had furrowed deep within me. She needed me to be strong for both of us. As soon as a single tear slipped against my lip, I dragged my tongue across it. The salt mixed with the tang of blood and a jolt of anger pushed me, dragging what little resolve I had left to the surface.

Keep walking. Just keep walking.

I did, following a curve in the road, a hill blocking whatever was around the corner. The light seemed brighter, boosting my energy. I walked faster, coming close to jogging a couple hundred yards until exhaustion was close to claiming me.

A slight gasp left my mouth. A diner. A real diner complete with a neon lit sign was just ahead.

Oh, my God.

I sucked away the tears, moving as quickly as I could, but by now, I was stumbling. A part of me was terrified I was seeing things.

By the time I was directly across the street I was confident I wasn’t hallucinating. There were more businesses including a gas station and others that were closed. But the diner was open, the flashing sign in the window as inviting as the scent of greasy food wafting toward me.

“Mina. Wake up. Look.” As soon as she lifted her head, I pointed across the street. She was sleepy, stunned, and as I’d been, in disbelief.

“Where are we?”

“I don’t know, but inside they’ll have a phone. We’re going to be okay, baby girl.” Careful as I crossed the street, by the time I was close to the entrance, I noticed a few people sitting at the counter. Men.

Shit. Shit. Shit. What were the chances they were workers from the warehouse? I glanced around me, wishing there was somewhere else to go. There wasn’t. I put her down and felt for the knife in my pocket. At this point, I’d fight to the death to protect us both.

“Hold my hand. Squeeze tight.” As soon as her little fingers were wrapped around mine, I moved to the door, catching sight of my reflection. Blood stained the light-colored sweatshirt I was wearing. What could I do?

I was a killer. So what?

When I walked in, a bell tingled.