My breath hitched in my throat, a strangled gasp lost in the wind's mournful cry. Terrence. The name alone was enough to conjure up the chilling memories of my childhood, a time when fear was a constant companion. My mother's gambling addiction had painted a bleak picture, one where men like Terrence, with their predatory eyes and promises of easy money, were the villains of our story. He was here to collect me, a debt payment in flesh and blood.
Ricardo's grip tightened on the gun, his eyes narrowed as he peered into the inky blackness beyond the cabin windows. "Stay behind me," he murmured, his voice barely audible above the wind. "And stay quiet."
I obeyed, my legs suddenly heavy and unresponsive. My mind raced, trying to piece together how Terrence had found me. Had Daniel, in his spiteful rage, revealed my location? Or was it something else, something more sinister?
"Hailey, I know you're in there!" Terrence's voice cut through the night, laced with a cruel amusement that sent shivers down my spine. "Your mama left you a little IOU. Time to settle up."
I pressed my hand against my stomach, a silent promise to my unborn child. I wouldn't let Terrence take me, not without a fight. Not when I had so much to protect.
Ricardo moved swiftly, positioning himself by the door. "I'm going to try and get you out the back. There's a snowmobile shed not too far from here, hopefully the keys are still in it. You drive, I'll distract him."
"No!" I protested, fear lacing my voice. "I can't leave you. What if he hurts you?"
Ricardo offered me a fleeting smile, a flash of reassurance in his dark eyes. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Just get yourself and that baby to safety."
He pulled open the back door, the sudden rush of cold air stinging my lungs. "Go! Now!"
With a deep breath, I plunged into the darkness, the snow crunching beneath my feet. The wind whipped around me, obscuring my vision and stealing my breath. I stumbled through the trees, my heart pounding in my chest, towards the snowmobile shed.
Inside, I located the snowmobile instantly. My fingers fumbled with the ignition, my hands shaking so badly that I almost dropped the key. The engine sputtered to life, the roar echoing through the silent woods.
Just as I was about to drive away, I heard a gunshot, followed by Ricardo's pained cry. My blood ran cold. I couldn't leave him.
I slammed on the brakes, my mind reeling. I had to go back.