Page 82 of Unseen Danger
The blows would come next.
The crushing, bone-splitting—
“Nev!” Destiny’s shriek cut through the panic that flooded Nevaeh’s system.
She focused on the little girl, the fear on her face. Bear’s wide eyes. Sam’s brave hold on them both.
Alvarez moved away from the kids, snarling and spewing barks as he neared Nevaeh and the attacker who gripped her.
“Al, no! Stay on guard.” The dog whirled around and darted to the other side of the kids just in time to stop the gunman from reaching them.
She had to fight. It wasn’t Walter. She could do this.
Step back. Wrap the leg. Take him down.
She started to execute the moves she’d practiced with Phoenix.
But another man appeared. Walked in front of her like he was going for the kids.
“Hey! Freeze!” The deep shout had to be Darren. And the shot that rang out, probably taking down the gunman.
A siren sounded nearby. Police.
A new burst of adrenaline surged through her, and she tried to pivot around the big guy. But the new attacker lunged at her and grabbed her shoulder, stopping her movement.
“Let’s get out of here. Just take her.”
Her legs swung off the ground as the big thug picked her up.
She kicked and thrashed.
A cloth pressed hard over her mouth. The stench of chloroform seeped into her nostrils.
She should fight. Use a jiujitsu move to slip out of the hold. Deadly to get in the vehicle.
But if she kept them there another moment, the kids could get hurt. It could be them or her.
She went limp, faked the chloroform was working as he carried her into the seatless back of the dark van.
But her bluff was too late.
Her vision blurred.
She’d be unconscious in a second. Panic rushed in her ears.
The kids were safe. If she died, at least she could know it was worth it.
Branson’s heart stopped. He couldn’t have heard Darren right. “What do you mean they took her?”
“They shoved her in the van when I threatened to shoot and police sirens sounded.” Darren coughed. “They already had ahold of her. I think they panicked. Wanted to cut their losses and scram.”
Nevaeh. Kidnapped. The victim of the attackers’ panic move when she thwarted their plan.
“Excuse me.” A female voice came across the line.
“Who is this?”
“A paramedic with Saint Paul Emergency Medical Services. Your friend is badly injured and cannot talk on the phone. You’ll have to come to Districts Hospital and see if you can speak to him there.”