* * *
The damp mineral smell of the earth enveloped the girls and woman, making it difficult to breathe. With only one direction to go, Kristin took the lead. Sher limped behind them. After walking for a few minutes, Sher stopped and pulled on the shirt of the woman in front of her who, in turn, pulled on Kristin’s arm in front of her.
“Let’s rest a minute.” Sher leaned against the wall, unlaced her boot and pulled out the knife tucked away next to her ankle. She slid it into her jean pocket knowing that the woman would not be able to see it in the dark. Sher did not know if she would prove trustworthy.
“I’m Sher,” she said, pressed against the tunnel wall. “This here is Kristin.”
“Where the hell are we?” the woman asked.
“In a tunnel.” Sher double-knotted her boot.
“Nah. Really?” th
