Page 39 of Cass' Vow

Giving my arm a tug, Arin leads me around to the crawlspace entrance. The ground has been disturbed around it, so it must have been used recently.

We edge it open then I leave Arin to watch as I get on my belly and squirm under the cabin.

Using my cell phone as a flashlight, it doesn’t take very long before a set of feet come into view.

Following the legs up towards the head, I realize it’s Jake.

His hands are tied together but his feet are free. He looks at me wildly, pulling his foot back as though he’s planning to kick out at me.

Shining the light at my own face to let him see that it’s me, his body relaxes but only for a second. He’s probably going to be pissed that I'm here.

We quickly figure out that I’m going to have to grab him under his arms and pull while he pushes with his feet.

How the hell did Lincoln get him under here?

The struggle seems to take forever but I finally get him to the exit. Just when I think we are free, the sound of voices stops me.

“Have you seen my dog? She’s a little brown chihuahua that answers to the name Mouse.” Arin asks.

“Aren’t you the lady that did my tattoo? No, I ain't seen a dog.”

“Yes, I got done early tonight and was walking my dog when she got off her leash and ran this way.”

When their voices fade away, I peek out first to be sure they’ve walked away, then pull Jake from the crawlspace.

Once he’s free, I untie the ropes on his hands and help him stand up. He isn’t even fully up when his legs give out and he falls back down.

It takes a few tries before he’s finally on his feet and I’m helping him get across the yard as fast as we can.

Just before we reach the treeline in the backyard a hand grabs my shoulder and spins me around.

Without even thinking about it, I use the techniques Jake taught me at the gym. Before I’m fully turned around I swing out with my fist hitting Lincoln in the throat.

When he doubles over to gasp for air I lift my knee and nail him in his balls, bringing him down.

I spin back to Jake so I can get us out of there when I hear a familiar voice call out, “Hey new little sister, remind me to wear a cup under my kilt when you're around.”

When I look up, I see Taylor, Atka, Eagle and Mac coming around the cabin.

Taylor looks pissed off, Mac is laughing and the other guys are holding their hands over their privates.

Eagle walks over and grabs Lincoln by his hair, lifting him off the ground, “I’m taking out the trash.” He smiles at me.

In less than a minute, he and the guys from his crew are gone.

Taylor starts to say something to me but then he sees Arin peeking around the corner.

“Arin, go back to the car. How many times do I have to beg you not to put yourself in danger?”

Arin shrugs her shoulders, “My sister needed me.”

Atka steps up pulling Jake's arm over his shoulder, taking the weight off me. “Come on bro, let’s get you to a Doctor.”

I’m stunned. Everything was over so fast, I feel like I’m spinning in place. Looking at my friends, I don’t know what to say or do.

Taylor and Arin walk away wrapped up in each other. Atka is practically carrying Jake and I’m just standing there wondering, “Where do I go from here?”

I don’t see her walk up to me but suddenly Mika is at my side. She takes my hand and pulls me along behind the others. “Mika what will they do to him?” I ask her.

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