“Not sure,” I whisper. I pick at the blood built up underneath my fingernails. Disgusting.
“Do you think Sutton’s looking for us yet?” Cole cracks his neck and rubs his biceps.
“Why would he? He’s not expecting us to be back for another two days.”
“True, but with all the connections that man has, he had to have gotten wind of something. He has to know the safe house didn’t work out and we’re on the run.”
“I hope you’re right.”
He touches my hand, and I fight my emotions. I will not cry in front of him. Not now.
The sound of a roaring engine drowns out the hammering of my heart against my chest. It sounds close. Slowly lifting my head above the ditch, I squint through bleary eyes to try to make out the vehicle. Cole smashes himself against the embankment and rests next to me, an intense gaze on his face. As I look him over, I wonder if we will ever stop running, if we will ever be able to just sleep and dream and muse.
Cole’s gun is cocked and ready.
I turn my attention back to the road.
It’s another black Jeep. My heart stops, nerves on edge. I just don’t know if I have any strength left to run.
Then I see him.
Hanging out of the back driver’s side window is Zeus, his ears perked and tongue hanging out to one side, slobber flying in the air. It’s the most beautiful sight I’ve seen in a long time.
Instantly, a squeal of joy rushes out of me as I pull myself out of the ditch, and Zeus sees me. I practically run into the road.
Cole grabs my arm, but I shake him off. The Jeep slows down, but before it stops, Zeus hurls out and races toward us.
“Zeus!”
He runs into Cole’s open arms and knocks him onto his back. After a brief moment, he turns his attention toward me, pouncing on me, knocking me onto the ground. He smells like mud, and his warm slobber coats my face. I let him lick me as much as he wants because his love is unconditional and his presence warms my soul. If anyone had ever told me it was possible to love a dog this much, I would’ve laughed. I can’t imagine not having Zeus.
Two doors slam one after the other as Bruno and Grace exit the vehicle. Bruno’s face is painted with concern; his mouth drops open and his eyes widen … but I’m sure one look at Cole and me would do that to anyone.
“My God, guys … what happened to you?” Grace asks, her forehead scrunching up.
“Zeus, move.” Bruno pulls him away, but Zeus just parks his butt right next to us, licking his hand. “Are you hurt?” I watch Bruno’s eyes. He squints as he scans our blood-spattered clothes and our broken faces.
Cole and I lock eyes, unsure of what to say. Am I physically hurt? Sure, I’ve got some bumps and bruises, but nothing like in the Hole. Am I scared out of my mind? Yes, most definitely.
“We’re in one piece, no limbs missing.”
“That’s always a plus. Because you’re going to need them,” Bruno says as he pushes me forward. “Guards are everywhere, like the nasty roaches they are.”
I can’t help but raise an eyebrow, being that he used to be a guard. Thankfully, they’re not all evil.
“Hey, girl,” Grace says to me. “Boy am I glad to see your face.”
“Likewise,” I say. There’s something about Grace that puts me at ease. Besides Alyssa, she’s the one person I’ve met since this whole thing started who I feel I could become close friends with, if we ever get a chance.
Grace wraps a blanket around me and ushers me into the backseat of the Jeep before sliding in next to me. Of course, Zeus lays across our laps, his head in mine and his butt in Grace’s. I nestle my hands in his fur as I lean my head against the window and watch my breath fog it up. Zeus whines, and I kiss his head, right between his ears.
“How’d you find us?” Cole asks Bruno.
“Why, I used the incredible tracking skills I honed as a guard,” Bruno says with sarcasm. He turns the key in the ignition and pulls a U-turn. Grace exhales.
“Oh please, more like you used Zeus,” Grace says. Bruno laughs.
“Well, he helped, that’s for sure. That dog was hell-bent on finding you. His ridiculous barking was so loud I was half tempted to shoot him.” I raise an eyebrow at Bruno, who’s eyeing me in the rearview. “I’m kidding.”
“So what happened at the safe house?” Grace asks.
“Damn thing, it was compromised,” Cole says sharply. Bruno shifts in his seat.
“But how did they know you were going to be there? It doesn’t make any sense,” Bruno asks in a higher pitch.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” Cole says.
“How many were there?” Bruno’s brows furrow together.
“Quite a few,” Cole says shortly. From his silence, I can tell Bruno’s processing something.
“Did you know any of them?” Bruno asks in a lower tone.
I wish I could block the entire conversation out. I don’t want to relive the massacre or the way Cole looked with a knife to his neck.