11:29 p.m. Sunday, December 31
“Darn it,” Sylvia said, closing the door against the rush of cold air after Lina raced out of the cabin. Retrieving her teacup of warm lemon-water, she hovered nervously near the door. Why did Lina have to run outside? It’s dark out there. Warner will be here in a minute. The corner of her mouth pulled up in a faint smile, the first since her son left them alone to search for Bella. Being cautious isn’t the same as being scared—it’s called wisdom. Her earlier tension began to lessen.
What if Warner didn’t find Bella? He must have. He wouldn’t return without his ‘little girl.’ Her face brightened with an unstoppable grin and her eyes crinkled in joy when she saw the flash of Lina’s orange-and-white dress pass in front of the French doors. A larger shadow trailed close behind and Sylvia’s sense of security returned—it’s like when I was six years old and got lost on our farm. Father found me and brought me home safe.
The French door swung opened and Lina, wearing a broad smile, entered the bright living room. The excited girl trailed her arm behind as if she were leading Sylvia’s son by the hand.
“Warner!” Sylvia cried with joy.
As she stepped back from the door to let them in, a large, powerfully built man in a black silky jacket stepped out from behind Lina. As the room filled with the man’s threatening presence, Sylvia gasped. The man at the back door!
The teacup slipped from Sylvia’s hands and shattered onto the hard tile floor. Fear filled her eyes and she raised her hand to her throat. Her chest instantly ached from the pounding of her heart. She wanted to run, but all she managed was a muffled cry. A look of equal surprise crossed the stranger’s face as he turned toward Lina.
“Damn you! You said the Renshaws would be gone.” He watched Lina close the door behind them. “Where in hell you get Holly’s dress and locket?”
Stepping up to Luke’s side, Lina replied in a sweet tone, “I knew you’d like it.”
Sylvia, frozen in panic, watched as Lina clasped the man’s left hand and turned to face her. I’ve got to run….
“Mama, you said you wanna meet my boyfriend,” Lina said with a proud expression. “Well, here he is. Luke, I’d like you to meet my Mama… official like.”
“What kind a freak show you putting on? That ain’t Holly!” Luke tried to pull his hand away, but Lina tightened her grasp and clung to his muscular arm.
“He’s the one I been telling you about, Mama. Ain’t he something? He come for me this time and this’ gonna be our home.”
Luke yanked his arm free and stumbled back, knocking over the side table near the door. The small vase and teacup crashed onto the floor.
Gripping the front of her blouse, Sylvia’s terror mounted. Do something! While inching toward the dim hallway, she searched for anything she could use as a weapon.
“Say something, Mama. Ain’t you happy for me?” Lina’s expression darkened. “You ain’t gonna do something stupid again, are you?” Stepping forward with a scowl, Lina seized the front of Sylvia’s blouse. “You want him for yourself, don’t ya—just like before.”
Sylvia’s survival instincts broke free, and with all her strength, she backhanded Lina across her scarred cheek. “Don’t touch me!” Sylvia shrieked.
When Lina staggered back in shock, Sylvia bolted down the hallway, determined to reach the bathroom and the one interior door with a lock. It was her only hope to hold them off until her son truly returned.
Hurry Warner!