Page 113 of Night Hawk
She moved, a wracking cough taking her, and he jammed the pipe into the drywall as he’d done before. He made a large hole and lunged through. The smoke was thicker in this room, but he could make out empty beds.
“Hello,” he yelled. No answer. “I’m Deputy Clay Byrd. I have an exit for you.” He kept calling out as he went into the hallway.
He found the girls huddled by the bolted door. The sight of so many girls clinging together, abject terror in their eyes, tore at his heart. “Follow me. I’ll get you out of here.”
One girl stood and woodenly walked his way. The others followed, looking like zombies in a cheap horror film, except they were coughing and gasping for air. He’d expected them to flood toward him, but their reaction mimicked Lisa’s fear of leaving or disobeying their captors.
“Come on, girls,” Toni encouraged from the opening, her mouth covered by her shirt. “I’m Lisa’s sister. I’m here to help.”
They picked up speed and headed toward her. He urged them to move faster. Faster.
The flames burst through the front wall. The desire to bolt hit Clay hard, but he swallowed hard and remained in place until they all passed him. The heat curled against his back as he dove into the back room. He raced across the space and plunged outside.
“Where’s Rachel?” In the darkness, Lisa picked her way among the girls, who were gulping in fresh air and coughing.
“My daughter, where is she?” She gripped Clay’s jacket. “Ursula took her from me, and she’s not here.”
“She has to be at the house,” Clay said, already planning to go after her. He looked at Toni. “You stay here with the girls.”
“I’m coming with you.” Toni’s voice was raspy but firm.
“You don’t have any protection or a weapon,” he said, but wished he hadn’t said a word.
Not when she cast him a tortured look. One that reminded him of when she’d learned he’d become a deputy. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again. He pulled his backup gun from an ankle holster. By the time he gave it to Toni, Blake had shrugged out of his vest and handed it to her.
Since she wasn’t deputized, Clay thought Blake might’ve objected, but he gave her a firm nod. She had to do this. He got that. So did Clay. Even if he didn’t like it. Clay texted Trent to tell him they were coming.
He replied.At rear of house. A woman and girl in front room. Guard at front and back. You take front. We’ll go on my command.
Will let you know when we’re in position.Clay texted back.
He shoved his phone into his pocket and looked at Toni, whose trembling hands were fumbling with the straps on her vest.
He gently moved her hands and fixed the Velcro then looked her in the eye. “Deep breath. You got this.”
She took the breath and gave a sharp nod. “I’m ready.”
Clay eased along the edge of the metal barn and followed the tree line. They would have to dart across the drive, so he made his way deeper into the woods. He kept going until they could take the guard sitting in a rocker on the porch from behind.
Clay waited for Toni to come alongside him. Their approach would be dangerous. They could catch a bullet from the guard. Or from Ursula when they got inside. He would do his best to stop that from happening.
“You ready to charge when Trent gives the word?” he whispered.
She nodded.
“Before we do, I want you to know I’m falling for you and I’m sorry—”
She silenced his words with a kiss. Her lips were cold, and yet, he couldn’t imagine not kissing her.
“All’s forgiven,” she said. “Let’s get this done.”
Elation worked hard to replace all other emotions, but Clay calmed his brain and texted Trent.In position.
Then we’re a go.
He signaled for Toni, and they shot out of the woods, careful to move as silently as possible. He climbed onto the porch, the wood creaking.
A gunshot sounded from the rear of the house.
