“I … air …”

“Are you having trouble breathing? Why would that be?”

He said something unintelligible. His fight weakened. His arms fell to his sides.

She let go of one side of the rope.

Boone stumbled, gasped, his eyes wild.

Rita shoved him and ran for the door. Fumbled with the lock.

It twisted.

She turned the knob. Opened the door.

Ran outside.

Freedom.

“Rita!” Boone called, his voice scratchy.

Not quite free yet.

She headed for the nearest house and pounded on the door.