It was only moments that Lavinia was gone to get a knife, but Casey felt her heart rate spike. She sighed in relief when the woman returned and cut the ties that held her to the chair.

Casey used her newfound freedom wisely and stood. Her rear was sore from sitting for the better part of the night.

“Lavinia.” She smiled and pulled the taller woman into an embrace. “I’m so sorry.”

She felt Lavinia pull back. The woman put both hands on ...