His arm was like a solid iron bar, blocking her path.

“Do not touch her,” Richard said.

I didn’t wait to hear her response.

I turned and ran toward the heavy oak door at the far end of the basement.

My shoes slipped on the damp concrete floor.

My hands shook so violently I could barely find the right key.

There were three brass keys on the ring.

I forced the largest one into the lock and twisted.

The lock groaned.

The heavy door swung open.

The room inside was dark, smelling of dust and old cardboard boxes.

“Mommy?” a small voice whispered.

It was Lily, my youngest.

She was huddled on a dirty mattress in the corner.

Olivia and Grace were wrapping their arms around her, trying to keep her warm.

They were shivering.

“I’m here,” I choked out, dropping to my knees on the dusty floor.

“I’m right here.”

Olivia stood up first, her face streaked with tears and dirt.

“She locked us in, Mommy,” Olivia whispered. “It was so dark.”

“I know, baby, I know,” I said, pulling all three of them into my arms.