The cabin was small and rustic, nestled deep in the woods. It had one main room, a small kitchen area, and a tiny bathroom. It wasn't much, but it was safe. For now.
Ricardo's friend, Dr. Ito, was waiting for us. He was an older man with kind eyes and a reassuring demeanor. He examined me quickly, checking my injuries and listening to my heart.
"You're lucky," he said, his voice calm. "You're bruised and shaken, but the baby seems to be fine."
Relief washed over me, so potent it almost brought me to me knees. The baby. My baby. I would do anything to protect it.
Dr. Ito gave me some medication to help with the pain and told me to rest. Ricardo helped me into the bed, tucked me in, and sat beside me.
"I'll stay here with you," he said, his eyes never leaving mine. "I won't let anything happen to you."
I drifted off to sleep, exhausted but feeling safer than I had in days. But even in my sleep, the fear lingered, a dark shadow lurking at the edge of my dreams.
The next few days were a blur of sleep, medication, and quiet conversation with Ricardo. He told me about his life, his dreams, and his unwavering loyalty to Christian and Haiden. He knew that what he was doing was dangerous, but he couldn't stand by and watch me get hurt. He saw a goodness and kindness in me that I had almost forgotten.
I started to relax, to let go of some of the fear. I walked around the cabin and looked to see if anything could use some work. I scrubbed away at the walls, not wanting to sit still. But I knew that this peace couldn't last. Christian and Haiden would find me eventually. I just hoped that when they did, they would understand.
One evening, as we were sitting by the fire, Ricardo suddenly tensed.
"Someone's coming," he whispered.
My heart leaped into my throat. "Who?"
"I don't know," he said, grabbing a gun from under the table. "But they're close."
We waited in silence, listening for any sound. The wind howled through the trees, carrying with it the scent of snow.
Suddenly, a voice called out from the darkness.
It was Terrence...I heard about him once. He came over my house when I was a kid due to my mother owing him debt for all the gamble games she lost. She never paid fully only her body. This can not be happening. How did he know I was here...