With ruthless efficiency, he wrapped the rope around my wrists, tightening it until the coarse fibers bit into my skin. Blood welled up around the bindings, but he didn’t stop until I was fully restrained.
Then, they each grabbed one of my arms and began dragging me toward the elevator. My heart pounded wildly as I struggled, but it was no use.
Just as we reached the elevator, the doors slid open, revealing a familiar face.
Marilyn Howlett, a fellow expectant mother whose due date was close to mine, stepped out. Her round belly made her movements slow, but her sharp eyes landed on me immediately.
“Zara, what are you doing here?” She glanced at her watch, “At this hour?”
A flicker of hope ignited in my chest. I opened my mouth to scream for help, but before a single sound could escape, Ian clamped his hand over my mouth.
“My wife wasn’t feeling well,” Ian said smoothly. “She suddenly had stomach pains, so I brought her in for a checkup.”
Marilyn frowned. “That’s strange. She always said her pregnancy was fine. Why the sudden pain?”