Despite the heat, a shiver runs down my spine. I glance toward the trees. The tall pines sway at their tips while the clouds in the sky drift lazily above. I could make another run for it. I know I probably won’t get any farther than last time, but I could try, and maybe just maybe, I would find a way to outsmart him.
But then reality sets in. Collin’s right. Even if I did manage to escape, I would be leaving one possible death for a much more probable one. I have no idea where I am and without food, water, a map, and compass, how could I ever get home?
I finally settle into the sedan even though my instincts are telling me I may never make it back alive. Just don’t trust him, Bri, and don’t let your guard down. Mr. Hyde can return at any moment.
With that thought firmly in place, I slam my door and fasten my seatbelt while Collin fiddles with some wires under the steering wheel. A moment later, the growl from the starting engine penetrates the quiet mountain air.
I cock my head, eyeing the loose wires. “No key, huh? Did you lose it?”
He won’t meet my eyes when he shifts into drive. “Something like that.”
I shake my head. Right. He stole this car. It’s not even his. No wonder he doesn’t seem to care about the broken door.
He pulls away from the cabin, and we begin the long lumbering trip down the mountain. Several times, he drives up the embankment when the road thins. Each time, I grip my seat in alarm.
After the third one, his lips curve into a crooked smile. “Don’t worry. I’ve driven on rougher roads than this.”
“From your other kidnapping escapades?”
His crooked smile turns into a chuckle until he realizes I’m serious. “Um, no.” He sobers. “I’ve never … uh … kidnapped anyone before. You’re my first. I just meant from back home the roads can be like this. I grew up driving mountain passes.”
He returns his attention to the narrow dirt path in front of us, and I only fully relax when the car is back on an even keel. But despite the harrowing road, that would be a nightmare to navigate if it turned muddy, he seems at ease.
“So where’s back home?” I ask, trying to distract myself from the sharp turn coming up. I then reason that maybe keeping him talking is a good idea, even if it’s self-serving. He seems pretty normal right now, more human than vicious animal, and maybe conversation will keep him that way.
“Wyoming.”
“Anywhere in particular in Wyoming?” My eyes widen more when the turn approaches.
“Hidden Creek.”
“Never heard of it.”
He shrugs. “Most haven’t. It’s not exactly a tourist destination.”
We hit a huge rut, making me bounce just before he steers up the embankment again. The car tips precariously. “Is your family still there?” I squeak.
“Yeah, they all live there.”
We make it around the turn, and I try to untie the knot in my stomach. Maybe being in the trunk was better.
“Where did you grow up?” He glances at me and the sunshine makes his blue eyes sparkle.
“A small town in southern Arizona. My dad’s still there, and most of my high school friends are too. It’s one of those towns where everyone knows everyone. I couldn’t wait to get out of there and explore the world, but now that I live in a city, I’m not sure that city life suits me.” I realize I’m babbling and bite my lip, but now we’re headed straight for a huge crack in the dry road. How the hell are we going to get over that?
But Collin doesn’t slow. The bottom of the car scrapes, and I’m pretty sure the tailpipe falls off, but the car keeps going.
Still, I can’t help my, “You couldn’t have stolen an SUV?” complaint.
He grins. “The easiest model in your area to break into happened to be this one. Beggars can’t be choosers.”
My hold on the door handle loosens momentarily when I let out an anxious laugh. I then realize I just laughed with my abductor, as if we’re old college buddies, and I swallow the sound.
I frown and immediately sober. Don’t let your guard down, Brianna.
Collin, however, seems immune to my waxing and waning moods. He asks, “So if your dad’s still in your hometown, where’s your mom?”
“Um,” I debate how much to tell him, then remember I’m supposed to keep him talking, while