Page 8 of Finish Line

Oops, I guess he sees the broken window.

He quickly unlocks the door, running down the stairs.

“What did you do? Why did you let her go?” he growls, storming toward me. He wraps his hand around my throat, squeezing tightly.

“She wouldn’t stop whining and was so annoying. So, I let her go.” I gasp while shrugging my shoulders, trying to appear as if I don’t care. “You were the one who left her untied.”

Roger growls, releasing my throat before he starts to pace the room, running his fingers through his hair. “I told you we shouldn’t trust her, Roger.”

I snort. “Cut the Randell/Roger bull shit. You don’t have a twin brother. You’re the only one in that head.” I tap his forehead.

His shoulders relax. “Thank God. I was tired of being two people.”

“Why did you do it anyway?” I take a step back. Wanting space between us.

“I’m hoping Nick spends all his time trying to find my twin instead of looking for me.” He walks around in a small circle.

“He will find you, Roger. He’s smarter than you.”

“We’ll see.” He rubs his chin. “I know you thought you let her go hoping for her to lead someone back to save you.”

“Her, save me?” I laugh, feigning disbelief. “That bitch has hated me from day one. She’s probably out there now, praying you kill me.”

I’m not quick enough to protect myself from his first attack. He swings his leg around, and his boot hits me right in my face. I tumble to my side.

“You fucking bitch, you have to ruin everything!” he screams as he kicks me.

I curl into a ball, protecting myself as much as possible.

“Now, I have to stop what I’m doing and prepare the next place. We have to move early now. Dammit.”

Oh, God, no, we can’t move. If we move, then they will never find me.

Roger screams in frustration before turning to stomp back up the stairs, leaving me on the floor of the basement.

In the distance, the car starts, and he peels away.

I slowly uncurl my body, testing my injuries. My side is killing me, along with my face. My right eye is already starting to swell shut. My body shakes, and I don’t think it’s from the cold. I pull Nick’s jacket around my body as tight as I can and move as far away from the open window as I can get.

I will survive this. I will survive this, I keep repeating.

CHAPTER THREE

SHELBY

After Hannah escapes, time blends together.

Roger boarded up my only indication of whether it’s night or day. I’m sure it hasn’t been too long. Roger’s not stupid enough to leave me here when Hannah will be able to tell someone where to find me.

Nick’s coat is my only comfort, reminding me that people know I’m missing and keeping me warm during the freezing nights.

Tires crunching on the driveway. I shudder.

Gritting my teeth, I prepare myself by putting up the walls in my mind.

My stomach ties in knots waiting for Roger to come down. Bangs and scrapes echo through the near empty basement. He must be moving stuff.

When the locks click, I stand up from where I have been huddled, not wanting to give him more leverage over me.

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