Page 66 of Colorado K-9 Rescue
Evan knew she’d have a hard time holding the gun and backing them up going down the incline. Mocha continued to pull on the leash and whine. “I think he is.”
“Then, let’s do this,” the sheriff said. “I’ll be okay.”
“So will I.” Evan gave some slack in the leash and worked to not lose his footing. Just when he was thinking that Mocha was taking them on a wild-goose chase, he saw a grove of aspens.
They had curved trunks and appeared to be dancing.
Footsteps echoed as Keith came down the hall toward them. Mckenna prayed her plan would work. If it didn’t, there wasn’t a plan B. She forced herself to slow her breathing, to concentrate. Her timing would have to be just right. Rex’s breathing remained haggard and harsh. She’d made him talk too much, but she had to know the truth. Now that she did, she knew Keith was ready to end his game of catch and release. After killing Autumn and shooting Toby in cold blood, there was no going back.
But if she was successful with her plan, he might not be able to ever hurt anyone again. If she hit him hard enough, other young women wouldn’t lose their lives. Other women wouldn’t feel the terror that had possessed her for so long.
She would swing as hard as she could. For her. For them. And for Evan. She wanted to see Evan again so she could tell him her feelings.
Even if Evan decided to leave, like Cassidy said he might, Mckenna didn’t care. They were meant to be together. She was certain. She could only hope he felt the same way.
The door hinges creaked and groaned as Keith peered inside. Mckenna sat huddled in the corner just like he’d left her. The board was behind her. Rex hadn’t tried to move. Mckenna didn’t even know if he could move. The only good part was that Keith hadn’t noticed that they were both untied.
A sly smile spread across his face. There was something different about his expression and it made Mckenna’s heart pound. Keith came over.
Crouch down, you bastard. Go ahead, get close to me again.
Keeping her head down, Mckenna had her eyes open, but with the darkness of the room and the fact that Keith thought she’d had some of his “special” water, he wasn’t paying attention. Shewas glad she had poured some out. Hopefully, the spot where she’d dumped the water had dried.
He stood there for a minute, Mckenna staring at his boots. If she concentrated on them, she could still pretend that she was sleepy from the water. She had to make him think she was groggy and unable to fight. Taking the toe of his boot, he nudged her.
Trying to see how asleep I am? Just wait until you find out.
Mckenna kept an eye on his boots as they stepped back. She didn’t dare look up and give away that she was fully awake, but she waited and watched until his feet turned around.
Now, she thought, leaping to her feet, and before Keith could realize what was going on, Mckenna took the board and swung as hard as she could. The board connected with Keith’s head, giving a satisfying crack as it connected. He dropped to the ground and Mckenna rushed forward, hitting him again and again until she drew blood.
Horrified at what she’d done, even though she knew he deserved every bit of the beating, Mckenna rushed for the open door. She was about ready to step out when Keith’s hand grabbed her ankle, his fingers wrapping around her and then pulling with such strength that Mckenna smacked the ground, falling hard.
She had the wind knocked out of her for a second, but her flight instinct continued to kick in. She was a survivor. She was strong. She was no longer a victim, and he would not get the best of her.
Mckenna took her free leg and began striking his face with as much force as she could. For a moment, his hand tightened, but then she connected with his nose, hearing another satisfying crack. She hoped she’d broken it, her horror at hurting this man long gone.
His fingers loosened and Mckenna took the opportunity to pull her leg away and scramble to her feet. Pushing with all her might and forcing her legs to work, Mckenna bolted out the door. Despite the head injuries, Keith was right behind her and gaining fast.
Mckenna glanced over her shoulder, stumbling and tripping. She fell to the ground and was scrambling to her feet when Keith grabbed her again by the ankle. This time Keith was full of rage and fury, and Mckenna knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get away.
CHAPTER 43
Mckenna kicked hard again, but Keith was ready for her move and ducked to the side. She hadn’t noticed until now that he had grabbed the board Mckenna had hit him with. Raising it above his head he slammed the board down, but Mckenna managed to roll out of the way.
The board split in two as it hit the hard, rocky ground. Mckenna tried to free herself from his grip, but he was too strong, his fury-fed adrenaline making her no match for him. When the board split, it had created a sharp, spear-like side, and fear coursed through Mckenna as Keith pulled his arm back, ready to stab her.
“No,” Mckenna screamed, trying again to get away. “No!”
She writhed on the ground and saw that same sly smile cross his face.
“You’re mine. You thought you got away, but I’ve been waiting to catch you again. This time, there is no release.”
Mckenna was about to scream when she heard a female voice.
“Put that down or I’ll shoot.”
Mckenna managed to turn and wiggle, escaping Keith’s grip as he was distracted. Coming toward her was Mocha, Evan and the sheriff with her gun pointed straight at Keith.
