Defending Bridget - P.J. Fiala Page 0,36

or nephews or niece and nephew. Whatever."

Josh laughed. "Damn, I never dreamed I'd be this excited."

Axel smiled. He didn't have siblings, so he didn't know this feeling. But he now understood being part of something bigger than himself and being responsible for a human he was part of making. He relished the opportunity to be part of Aidyn's life. To help mold a human life.

The GPS sent updates and they both settled into their own thoughts while they drove. Within thirty-five minutes they were turning onto a country road. They drove past the driveway to the cabin to see if anything could be seen. The driveway was gravel, there were tall grasses on one side and woods on the other.

Stopping at the nearest driveway Axel turned the vehicle around and slowing inched down toward the driveway. Turning the headlights off on the vehicle, they both looked closely for any movement.

The sound of a smaller motor, racing toward them, could be heard and both men looked for any sign of the direction it was coming from. Axel put the vehicle in reverse and slowly backed up as they both scanned the trees. Finally, a headlight could be seen coming down the driveway around a bend.

They watched to see who would be on the four-wheeler. Both of them pulled their weapons and Josh got out of the vehicle and stood at the edge of the woods. Axel put the vehicle in drive and waited to see if he was going to have to chase the vehicle or if it would stop.

As it approached the end of the drive, Axel sat up straight and turned the headlights on the driver.

"Holy shit."

Slamming the vehicle in park, he jumped from the SUV only to have Bridget pull her weapon on him.

"Don't shoot. It's me, Axel."

"That will not prevent me from shooting you."

Josh stepped from the edge of the trees, hands up. "Bridget, it's Josh. We're here to bring you back."

Bridget seemed uncertain for a moment, then she lowered her weapon.

"There's more. About seven more as far as I can tell."

Axel stepped toward her, "Get in the car and we'll drive down and get them. Where are your captors?"

"One's dead, one unconscious."

"Is that all?"

"Yes. But there was at least a third man so there may be more coming in a van soon."

"Okay. Get in. We can't waste time."

She seemed hesitant. Josh then urged her along.

"Bridget. Leave the four-wheeler there. It may buy us some time if it's blocking the drive should someone come. Get in. Now."

She hopped off the four-wheeler and walked toward the rental. Axel stood still watching her. Bridget's eyes locked on his and held as she moved forward, and his heart hammered in his chest so hard it hurt.

Reaching the vehicle, she walked past him. Josh got into the SUV as Bridget said, "Thank you." Then opened the back driver's side door and climbed in.

Axel drove around the four-wheeler as best he could then sped down the drive as Bridget instructed him on the curves.

"Are there more armed women?"

"Just one as far as I know. She's a student of mine."

Halfway up the drive Bridget said, "Stop here."

Axel stopped and Bridget got out of the truck and yelled.

"Come out. I've got a ride to get us out of here."

Women began coming out of the woods, crying, some hung back more fearful. As they neared the vehicle, Bridget opened the door and ushered them in. Some of them climbing into the back area. What he noticed about them all is they had blood and abrasions around their wrists. Some had bruises on their faces. They all looked scared and relieved at the same time.

The vehicle was crowded as they all piled in. None of them complained. Axel turned the vehicle around in the driveway and they headed out toward the road. The only sounds from the back were women crying and others consoling. Unfuckingbelievable.

Bridget sat directly behind him in the vehicle. When he looked into the rearview mirror he could see her face clearly. She sat next to the other woman with a gun and he wondered if she wanted to shoot him right now. Doubtful since she wanted him to get them all out of here.

As they weaved around the four-wheeler still parked at the end of the driveway and turned out onto the road, a white van met them. Bridget hissed from the backseat.

"That's them."

He looked back at them as they saw the four-wheeler in the driveway. Josh turned to watch them and