I glance out the side window, recognizing the route that we’re taking. It’s a back road through the forest, and if I’m not mistaken, it’s only a few miles from the cabin where I’ve been staying with the Ricci family.
The SUV pulls to an abrupt halt.
“One of our men is on the inside, working for us.” Vance stares at me grimly. “He’ll be watching you.”
I’m not whether to believe him or not.
There’s been no evidence of anyone working for Vance except for my abduction. Is it possible he knew that I was alone today? But then why grab me after lunch and not before?
I’ll have to tread carefully.
“Your employer won’t be around much longer. Let’s just say the smoke will be getting to him.”
Is this a game for him? A riddle? Is he talking about the fire that Nova set or another forthcoming fire?
Bile rises to my throat. “What do you expect of me?” I ask.
He wants me to do something. He’s not telling me this out of the goodness of his heart. I doubt the man has anything more than a heart of stone.
“If you want to save that little girl. You better get far away fast.”
He wants me to take the child from her home?
Is he crazy?
“Boom!” he shouts, his hands in fists and then opening fast like an explosion. “The Ricci’s will burn along with everyone inside.”
The door clicks to the vehicle. My heart is pounding wildly in my chest. I open the car door and bolt out before they can grab me.
Are they letting me go?
I don’t look back over my shoulder as I tear into the forest to escape.
All I hear is thick, deep laughter and shouts. “Run, princess!”