Sold, Packaged, and Shipped

Chapter 31: Dash for Freedom

Melinda was lost. The forest was thicker and much larger than she imagined. She wandered through the trees, looking for a trail, but mostly trying to get as far away from the lodge as she could. It bothered her that she lost track of Darlene, whom she had believed to be right behind her. But she was not about to double back looking for her. If Darlene were caught, Melinda would free her when she returned with the cops. It made her feel a little less miserable to think of the delight she would have as she watched the police lead away Reggie in handcuffs.

Almost out of breath from her frantic rush, she finally had to sit down. She looked at the high heels on her feet, locked on by the ankle strap and small lock. She could break it with a rock but was not sure that she would make better time barefoot. There were rocks and twigs and such that would make barefoot walking rather unpleasant.

The rain did not let up. If anything, it become more intense as the day wore on and was accompanied by thunder, at first off in the distance, but then nearer. She tried to keep to a straight line but it was difficult with the hills going up and down, and the trees providing obstacles. She could not see the sun through the overcast, but as the day was dimming and she knew night was approaching, she came upon a road. It was paved, only two lanes, but held the promise of civilization. She began down the road, hoping that she was moving in the right direction.

During the last few weeks, she had grown used to her foot being held permanently in an arch by the high heels. But she had also not done this much walking in a long time, and her feet were aching something terrible. She was also hungry. Thirst was no problem, for whatever consolation that was.

corner and saw two red lights ahead. Picking up the pace, she neared the truck stopped by the side of the road. The hood was up and a man was leaning into the engine compartment. She almost ran the last few steps in her eagerness. She was well aware of her nakedness but was not afraid. After what had happened to

began,

straightened up and turned to

It was Angus!

and a cold

see you, lassie,” he told her. “Figured you would make it to the road, there not being anything else

She was cold, shivering, hungry, and incredibly despondent over this change of fortune. She could not believe how easily she had been caught. The idea of turning and running flashed across her mind but died as soon as it was born. She was tired, still locked