*Astrid*
Back in my own slice of hell, I shove the fear for Zac's safety to the darkest corner of my mind. It's just me and Pjuske now, and the door is splintering under the onslaught of bullets and boots.
I desperately look for a way out, knowing that even if I am a pretty decent shot, trying to shoot my way out will most likely get me killed.
"Okay, boy, we're about to go for a Hail Mary," I say to the dog, who watches me with eyes that are too knowing for comfort. My hands are steady as I grab a couple of spray cans from under the sink and toss them into the microwave. I swing the oven door open next, the smell of gas hissing into the room, a dragon waking from its slumber.
I set the microwave timer, praying this makeshift bomb buys us time. "We need to hide in the bathroom, now, Pj
