Chapter 5
She had no idea how they were going to get inside the house and save her sister when she couldn't communicate with Hunter. They'd already wasted too much time.
Hunter stood beside her, waiting for her signal.
His eyes locked on hers. She could feel the tension in his body since she explained that Leigh's husband was keeping her sister prisoner in the house.
She cupped the base of her tender neck. Hunter's gaze had flickered to the bruises on her when she'd informed her of the dangers of entering the house.
She couldn't hide the truth. Jason had used his hands on her, too.
Hunter nodded, letting her know he was with her whenever she was ready.
Inhaling deeply, she turned toward the house.
Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might crack her ribs.
He'd told her to walk up there with confidence—as if she belonged there.
She stepped out of the way, letting Hunter pick the lock.
There was a deadbolt. She thought entering through the sliding door from the backyard would be easier, out of view of the street, but Hunter thought he could open the locks more easily on a regular door. He told her not to worry.
Scared that Jason would come home, she faced the street and kept her back to the door. Hunter had informed her that all she had to do was touch his arm if she spotted her brother-in-law.
He worked on the door with quiet precision, using a tool from his keychain. Annie clasped her hands to keep from trembling. How many neighbors were witnessing them breaking into the house? If they called the police, it would only make the situation more dangerous.
The lock clicked. She looked behind her. Hunter nodded as he opened the door. Adrenaline surged throughout her. She grabbed Hunter's arm and pulled him through the living room and down the hallway.
The stale air was a mix of sweat, mildew, and dark secrets. Her stomach turned.
She stopped outside the bedroom and glanced at Hunter. There was a deadbolt.
Hunter reached over her shoulder and turned the lock, not needing a key. She turned the handle, afraid of what she'd find inside.
Looking around the room, it took her a moment to see her sister. Only her feet were sticking out from behind the bed. She gasped, hurrying around the furniture.
Leigh lay curled on the floor, her face swollen, one eye nearly shut, lips cracked and bleeding. Her arms were wrapped around her stomach like she was trying to hold herself together.
Annie rushed forward, dropping to her knees beside the bed. "Leigh," she whispered, brushing hair from her sister's face. "It's me. I'm here. I came back."
Leigh stirred, groaned, and blinked slowly. Her lips moved, but no sound came out.
Annie's throat tightened. That asshole had beaten her worse than ever, and it was all her fault for leaving. She should've stayed or waited until Leigh could escape with her.
Hunter kneeled beside her, pulling out his phone. His fingers moved fast, typing something.
Annie glanced over his shoulder. He was texting someone.
Need help. Bring truck.
A moment later, the screen lit up.
Where?
Hunter typed the street address.
Annie turned back to Leigh, who was starting to wake up fully. Her breathing came faster, panic rising.
Hunter was still focused on the phone, so Annie leaned forward. "What?"
"Time," whispered Leigh.
Despite her condition, her sister gripped Annie's arm with surprising strength. "We're going to get you out of here."
"No...time," said Leigh.
She looked at Hunter. "She's scared."
Hunter frowned. "We need to go."
Annie leaned toward her sister. "Do you think you can get to your feet?"
"He's coming," Leigh whispered. "The time."
She looked at the wall where the clock hung above the dresser. Her stomach dropped. "We'll get you out."
Hunter didn't hesitate. He tucked the phone away and scooped Lena into his arms like she weighed nothing.
Annie rushed ahead of him, heart racing.
They had minutes. Maybe less.
If Jason showed up, he'd kill them all.