“Why don’t you just accept the inevitable?” he sneered. “You’ve made my life more difficult, but you can’t escape your fate.”

She suddenly spied a crowbar among the hay and dirt on the ground and reached to grab it, then turned to face him. God, please help me! she prayed silently. He was only about ten feet away now. She knew she probably wouldn’t win this battle, but she was going to go down fighting. And she knew God was with her. Her terror was starting to ebb, and was replaced with an intense fierceness that strengthened her resolve. Regardless of how this turned out, she knew she wasn’t alone.

“I don’t believe in fate. God is with me.” She brandished the crowbar, even as he approached her.

“You think that little piece of metal is going to stop me?” he said, his voice rough and odious. “I always liked a challenge. Keep on fighting me. It will make everything more fun.” He took a step toward her...