Until Series(164)
“Is that a car?” Kara asks, turning on the lamp. I can see the terror in her eyes.
“Kara, I want you to go into the corner, tuck yourself into a ball, and turn off the lamp.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I have no idea. Just, please, listen to me. Get in the corner and tuck yourself into a ball.” Once I see that she is tucked away and turns off the light, I follow the wall to the opening of the stairs. Listening, I can hear the vehicle stop, then the sound of chain against metal, then the creaking of the door above opening. I see the beam of light from a flashlight shining down the stairs. My heart starts pounding so hard that I hear it in my ears. I hold my breath, waiting for when the person is at the bottom of the stairs, and then I wait patiently for them to notice me. I know it’s pointless to try and fight; there are two of them and one of me. They have already proven that they don’t mind hitting women. When the light shines around the room, it pauses on Kara for a second, before flying in my direction and shining right in my eyes.
“Liz?” I know that voice. I don’t know where from, but I know that voice.
“What do you want?” I ask, shielding my eyes from the bright light.
“I’m here to help.”
“Kai?” I ask, realizing who it is. “Do you mind lowering the flashlight?” The light immediately lowers, letting me lower my hands that were shielding my eyes. “What are you doing here? I mean, how did you find us?” I look over my shoulder at Kara, who is now sitting up in the corner.
“Tim helped me out, so I am returning the favor. You’re bleeding.”
“It has slowed down,” I say, touching the back of my head. “How did you find us?”
“Been watching for a while now.” He takes a step toward Kara, and I automatically step in front of him.
“I’m just gonna help her off the floor.”
“No, I’d rather you not.”
“You don’t want my help?”
“I never said that. I just need to make sure that you’re a good guy.”
“Ms. Hayes—”
“Mayson.”
“What?”
“Mrs. Mayson…I got married.”
“Jesus, you’re nuts.” He shakes his head, laughing. “As I was saying, Mrs. Mayson, I’m definitely not one of the good guys, but I’m here to help you.”
“Why?”
“Your brother gave me what I wanted in exchange for my help.”
“Not again.”
“No, Mrs. Mayson, you’re safe. Now, if you’re done, I would like to help Kara off the floor. That can’t be good for her or the baby.”
“How do you know Kara?”
“I make it my business to know everyone, but in this case, Tim told me. Now, if you would please move.” I swallowed; my gut is telling me that he is being honest, but his energy is so scary that I don’t know what to do.
“Liz!” Kara cries. I turn around to find her on her hands and knees.
“Oh God, what’s wrong?” I run over to her and kneel down.
“I don’t think these are Braxton Hicks; I think I’m going into labor.” Her breathing is choppy; she cries out again, holding her belly.
“Do you think your water broke?” I ask, rubbing her back.
“I don’t think so.” I look at Kai, who has knelt down next to us.
“I’m going to pick you up and carry you out of here.” Kai gently picks her up, and once we’re outside, I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with fresh air. I look around and see a large, black SUV, and a guy who looks like a sumo wrestler standing next to the open driver’s side door.
“Any word?” Kai asks the guy, who shakes his head.
“Where is Tim?” I ask, following Kara into the backseat, her face sweaty and pale.
“Don’t concern yourself with that right now.”
“He will want to be here for Kara.” I say softly, watching the sumo guy squash himself behind the wheel.
“We need to get to the hospital.”
“I thought you—”
“Remember what I told you, Mrs. Mayson; I’m not a good guy.” His voice is so low and gravelly that it sends a chill down my spine.
“Liz,” Kara whispers.
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not. I think my water just broke.”
“Are you sure?”
“That, or I peed on myself.”
“Okay.” I look around, trying to see how far away we are from the hospital, but there is nothing around, just forest and fields. “Do you know how far from town we are?” I ask anyone who is listening.
“About an hour.”