Vanishing Girls

Chapter Forty-Eight

Three sharp knocks and a boy’s voice called, “You in there?”

Another loud thump on the door and the hand on her throat relaxed. She sucked in as much air as she could. As painful as breathing was, it was a sudden and sweet relief. Another thump and hope filled her battered chest. She tried to call out, but her words were weak and barely audible, even to her own ears.

The voice came again, clearer now. “Dad, you in there?”

This monster had a son? She wondered how old he was and if he would help her. Surely, if he found her, he would help her, take her home.

The man picked up his flashlight and swung open the door just long enough for her to see a boy’s slender frame in the ultra bright sunlight before she was slammed into darkness again and heard the lock click into place. Her hope disintegrated. New tears stung her eyes. The boy was so close. Rescue. Home. She dreamed of being back in the arms of her mother and sister. If only the man hadn’t beaten her so badly, she could have cried out. She lay like a broken doll discarded on the dirt floor, listening for the boy’s voice again.

“I just want to know what you’ve got in there.”