“Lance, you're hurting me! Why don't you just let us go?” Erika implored.
“I said shut up! Do you hear me, woman? We are remaining here, all of us, until the heat is off! Then we are heading out!” Lance tugged tighter on the ropes attaching her wrists together.
When they reached the stream, Lance sat down on a log and dipped his handkerchief in the cool water. Sweat was beading upon his forehead. He wiped the perspiration off his brow and leaned back. Trevor looked over at Erika as if to signal her to make a break for it. She returned the glance and shook her head “No”. Lance saw the motion and stood up suddenly, pointing the pistol at Trevor.
“Don't get any crazy ideas, Trevor! I mean it!” Lance warned.
Erika heard a noise, which sounded like dead leaves rustling, in the distance. The
