"It doesn't matter what they want. Help is coming. Talk to me. What can you see?"
"There's another car pulling into the parking lot. Oh God, are there more of them?"
"Describe the car."
"It's not a car. It's motorcycles. Three of them. Big ones. They're pulling up between my car and the truck?—"
I hear the rumble of engines through her phone. Deep, throaty growls.
"Emily, that's Rampage’s men that were nearby. That's help."
"How do you know?"
"Because Tyler just told them exactly where you are. It's them, Emily. You're safe."
Through her phone, I hear male voices. Deep and authoritative.
"Step away from the vehicle." A deep male voice carries even through Emily's phone. "Both of you back the fuck away from that car and explain what you're doing."
"We were just checking if she needed help—" One of the men.
"By terrifying her? Try again."
"Listen, man, we don't want any trouble?—"
"Then you should've kept driving. Irish, get pictures of their plates. Savage, circle around. Make sure there's nobody else."
More engine rumbles. Movement. A second later I hear a familiar voice.
"Emily." Rampage's voice is gentle. "Can you roll down your window about an inch baby girl? Just enough so we can talk? I know you are terrified."
"Is it really you?" Emily's voice is small.
"It's really me.”
A pause. Then, "Okay."
"Good girl. You did everything right. Staying in the car, calling for help. You're safe now."
I hear Emily sob with relief.
"Chloe?" Rampage's voice comes through Emily's phone. "You still there?"
"I'm here."
"Your girl's safe. We've got her. But her car's dead and we're in the middle of nowhere. I'm going to have one of my guys tow it to the shop in town, and Emily's going to ride back with me. That okay?"
"Emily, is that okay with you?" I ask.
"I don't—I can't—" She's still crying.
"Emily, honey, you're safe. Rampage is going to take care of you. Let him help."
"Okay," she whispers.
"We're taking her back to our compound," Rampage says. "It's neutral ground, other people around. Several women, Tyler knows many of our crew. I’ll set her up in my officer apartment. She can call you from there, let you know she's okay. We'll figure out the car situation tomorrow."
"Thank you, Rampage. Seriously. Thank you."
