Page 49 of The Sheriff & the Nurse

Jacob hit the button for park and jumped out. He rushed around and yanked open her door, grinning at her. “It’s time. We’re all alone and your sheriff boyfriend didn’t follow us. Nobody knows who rented this cabin and they won’t find you for a very long time.”

She shrunk back into the seat. He yanked on her hand, but she wasn’t budging. “If you fight me, your mom anddad are dead,” he reminded her, pulling out the device again. “Understood?”

Lily could only nod, her heart racing and cold sweat stinging her skin.

“I knew you were smart.” He slid the device back into his pocket. “You’ve been a lot calmer than Mary was. She wouldn’t stop screaming and fighting me. Her parents died for nothing. Mary still died.” An ugly glower distorted his face. “Your parents don’t need to die, do they, Lily?”

Bile climbed her throat. “Please don’t kill them.”

His eyes were wild, the hazel looking almost brown.

“Come on then.” He took her hand and she didn’t know what else to do but climb out of the SUV and pray harder.

He led her across the gravel drive and a small front porch. He pushed open the door and the smell of meat cooking made her stomach churn more violently. There were candles and flowers on the table, and it was set for two. A couple of lamps were on in the living room.

“I got everything ready for us,” he said, smiling. “We’ll have a nice dinner and then you’ll prove how much you love me. If you convince me, I’ll let your parents live.”

Lily couldn’t handle him and this horror much longer. She swallowed, but the nausea kept churning her stomach and climbing her throat.

He pulled out her chair. “You sit and I’ll bring you a plate of food.” He touched her cheek, scowling when she flinched and pulled away. “You’d better think about how you want to act, Lily. Not only did Mary’s parents die, but she died too. A very miserable death. I’d hate to have that happen to you. Your parents could live, and I will take you far away from here and make you very happy. After you pass the first test.” He pulled out the device again. “I just have to flip this open and click the button.”

“Please, no,” she whispered. “I’ll do anything you ask.”

“I know you will.” He patted her cheek, his grin restored. He whistled as he walked around the small bar and into the kitchen.

Curling forward, Lily couldn’t stop the violent shaking of her entire body. She didn’t know how to escape this nightmare. Her gaze darted out the windows. The shadows were deepening, and it was already dark in the forest. Was Clint coming? Even if he found them, he couldn’t rescue her or this man would kill her parents. Her fingers and hands felt numb as anxiety overcame her.

Please, Heavenly Father. Please help.

Instead of light and reassurance, she only felt darkness. Despair wove darkness like a cloak in her mind and all hope disappeared. Clint wasn’t coming. Nobody had followed them. She would die tonight because there was no way she could ‘prove her love’ to this beast. How could she save her parents?

“I hope you like chicken fried steak and potatoes,” Jacob said conversationally from the kitchen. “That’s all I know how to cook.”

“Sounds delicious,” she croaked out, praying he wouldn’t push that button.

“I told you I was going to make you so happy,” he said, pouring gravy over the potatoes.

She was going to vomit if she had to listen to him any longer, eat any of his food, or let him touch her.

Please, Heavenly Father. Please. I’ve never asked for a miracle before. I’m begging for one now. Protect my parents.

Glass shattered and the front door burst open.

Lily screamed. Jacob cursed loudly and dropped the gravy boat. It shattered.

Clint and three police men burst through the door and window, guns drawn.

“Clint!” she yelled, leaping out of her chair. She wanted to run to him, but she dashed toward Jacob and the button instead.

“Lily!” Clint leaped in front of her and pushed her behind him, standing between her and Jacob.

“You shoot me and I blow up her parents’ house,” Jacob threatened, lifting the detonator up.

“He will!” She clung to Clint’s arm as horror overcame her. She might be saved, but her parents would die. Please no!

“You got any other threats?” Clint asked, holding her back. “Cause that one ain’t workin’.”

“Clint,” she breathed. “No.”

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