9

Chapter Nine: Kidnapped?

She woke just a few minutes later, certain it couldn’t have been longer than that, because the day didn’t appear any later, and the sun was where it had been, though obscured behind the clouds that had shadowed it all day. She was sitting in a van, and her arms were tied to the seat. She started struggling against them, trying to break the bonds, and a cool hand brushed across her brow. For some reason, she immediately felt less fearful.

It was the man with the sandy-brown hair, and he was smiling kindly at her. He didn’t seem to be frightening, but she was certain she should be terrified. The ropes binding her to the seat were evidence of that.

“Just relax, North. We aren’t going to hurt you.”

She didn’t speak but glared at him and made no attempt to hide her skepticism.

“I’m Ryland DiFarness, and I’m honored to be one of your guards.”

“Enough with the details, Ryland. Let Caius explain before you delve too much into it,” barked the one with flaming-red hair