The Target Read Free

didn’t know where the hospital was, how far. And he didn’t know who had done this to her, who’d abused and beaten her, or where they were. No, tomorrow he’d take her, and he’d stay with her. He wouldn’t leave her alone. Tomorrow, he’d drive with her to the sheriff. There had to be a sheriff in Dillinger. Tonight he’d take care of her himself. If she awoke, if she was hurting, thenhe’d take her to the hospital, no matter what the hour. But not now.
    Had she saved herself, escaped somehow, and run into the forest? Had she tripped on a root or a rock and struck her head? Or had the monster who’d hurt her dumped her, leaving her to die in the forest? He leaned over her and gently ran his fingers over her head. He couldn’t feel any lumps. The pulse in her throat was still slow and steady.
    If she had escaped the man who’d done this to her, that meant he was still out there looking for her. Of course he’d known this in his gut when he’d brought her into the cabin and that was why he’d locked the door. He checked his Browning Savage 99 lever action rifle. It was already chambered with a .243 Win. On the table by the sofa was his Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver. He loved that gun, had since his father had given it to him on his fourteenth birthday and taught him how to use it. It was called the Black Magic because of its black finish on stainless steel. He liked to shoot it, but he’d never used it on a person.
    He picked it up. It was fully loaded, as always. He looked toward the door, the revolver in his hand, gauging the distance there.
    What man had done this?
    He fixed himself a salad and ate it, never taking his eyes off the child. Then he heated the soup. It smelled very good. He waved a spoonful beneath her nose. “Come on now, wouldn’t you like to have a taste? Campbell’s is good stuff and it’s hot, right off an old-fashioned woodstove. It takes a while to heat anything, but it does work. Come on now, sweetheart, wake up.”
    Her mouth moved. He got a smaller spoon, dipped it into the soup, and lightly pressed it against her bottom lip. To his surprise and relief, her mouth opened. He dribbled in the soup. She swallowed, and he gave her more.
    She ate nearly half a bowl. Only then did she open her eyes. She looked confused. Slowly, she turned her face toward him, and stared up at him. He smiled and said,“Hello, don’t be afraid. My name’s Ramsey. I found you. You’re safe now.”
    She opened her mouth and there came the strange noise he’d heard, a soft mewling that sounded of bone-deep fright and helplessness.
    â€œIt’s all right. No one will hurt you. You’re safe now with me.”
    Her mouth opened but no sound came out this time. Her arms came out from under the afghan and she flailed at him, the only sound her small mouth made was that awful mewling that made him want to pull this little scrap of humanity against him and protect her.
    He quickly set down the spilled soup and grabbed her wrists. Her eyes fluttered closed, but not before he saw the flash of pain. He released her wrists. Both wrists were raw. She’d been tied up. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m really sorry. Don’t fight me, please. I won’t hurt you.”
    She huddled into a small ball and turned her back to him, her arms over her head, and didn’t move.
    He sat there wondering what he should do. She was terrified. Of him. He couldn’t blame her.
    Why didn’t she scream at him? She’d just made those strange sounds. Was she mute?
    He said very quietly, hoping she could hear him, “Your wrists and ankles are in bad shape. Can I bandage them for you? They’ll feel better.”
    Had she heard him? She still didn’t move. He pulled an old undershirt from beneath the pile of clothes he’d brought and ripped it into strips. He felt every scrap of fear in her as