Chapter 54
Nina
Jay, Cate, and AJ are probably hurt. Ryan is probably dead.
I couldn’t keep track of how long we were in the back of the van. They’d emptied our pockets and taken Austin’s phone and any jewelry that might hide a tracker, so neither of us had any concept of time.
But that didn’t stop me from asking, “How long do you think it’s been? Where do you think they’re taking us?”
He sounded scared and angry when he said, “I don’t know. But I’m sure SSI will find us.”
I didn’t see how. They were in a ditch, and by the time anyone else got to where they’d left our car, we’d be long gone.
I’m sitting here like a fucking baby, sobbing my eyes out, while Austin bleeds.
Using a piece of shirt I’d ripped off, I applied pressure to his arm, silently thanking Madi for the Stop the Bleed class I was just now remembering.
Like me, he’d worked his handcuffed wrists to the front of his body, and now his hand was over mine.
I used another strip of wet cloth to clean his face with my free hand.
“I’m sorry I got us into this mess,” I said.
“None of this is on you, Cherry.”
He paused and looked around the van.
“If anyone is to blame, it’s me. Not only did I bring this to your door, I didn’t protect you like I promised.”
“You couldn’t have known they’d follow us.”
“No, but I should’ve anticipated it. John and I know enough to plan for the unexpected, and I should’ve let SSI provide more support.”
At the mention of SSI, I couldn’t help but pray that Ryan and everyone in the truck would be okay. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if they were hurt or worse, dead. I didn’t have to ask to know that Austin wouldn’t be able to live with himself either.
The van came to an abrupt stop, tossing Austin and me towards the wall separating us from the cab.
“Nina, listen to me.” Austin gripped my hands in his. “No matter what they do, no matter what they say, don’t tell them anything.”
“I’m not like you. I can’t do this,” I cried.
“You can. Think of your parents and how brave they were, risking everything to protect you. You have their courage, and I have faith in you.”
“But what if they hurt you?” I didn’t think I had any more tears in me, but I was wrong.
“Close your eyes and pray.”