Page 52 of Hidden Ascent

“It’s the least we can do.”

A million thoughts ran through Isla’s head, but the most invasive and insistent was questioning whether this was God’s way of opening the door for her. It had never occurred to her that He’d actually do it.

She controlled her breathing as she made her way down the hall, following the officer to the front door.

He left her in the waiting room, and she walked cautiously outside, waiting for someone to pounce, but no one did.

She squinted at the sun that peeked its way between two buildings across the street. She’d have to find her way back to Peter’s and regroup.

“What are you doing out here?”

Baker appeared before her on the steps. He pulled his gun but held it to his side.

It hadn’t been God setting her free after all. This wasn’t her freedom. This was her death.

“Answer my question,” he said when she didn’t respond.

“They let me go.” What else could she say?

“Why?”

“Because I was being held unlawfully.”

He smiled. “You really are something. How’d you do it? How’d you convince them to release you?”

“I have no idea.”

“Then it’s a good thing I got here when I did. And don’t get any ideas. There’s no way I’ll let you get away from me again. You are a woman not to be underestimated.”

“You’re going to go down for this. One way or another.”

“No, I won’t. You’ve made it so easy for me. Let’s go. My car’s just around the corner.”

She looked at his gun, but he kept himself at a safe distance from her, which meant she had no choice but to obey.

“You’re making a big mistake.”

“And you sound like a broken record.”

He followed several paces behind her down the sidewalk. When she turned, he raised his weapon. “Keep moving. It’s around the corner up here.”

They turned onto a nearly empty side street.

“It’s not too late to let me go,” she said.

“Yeah, sure. Go stand by the car.”

She walked slowly, wondering where he’d take her to kill her.

A loud clang was followed by a grunt, and she spun around. Baker was on the ground, and Jay was standing there holding a metal pipe.

Someone screamed for help.

“Jay? What are you doing?”

“Saving your life.” He tossed the pipe aside and dragged her down an alley.

Chapter12

---