She froze at the sound of a male voice. He gave an ordinary greeting, nonthreatening, but she hadn’t expected anyone to be standing there. His physical presence added to her unease. He was a dark shadow of a man, tall and broad-shouldered. Although she couldn’t see his face in the gloom, she knew he was a stranger. She faltered on the next step and lost her footing. She might have tumbled over the railing if the man hadn’t reached out to steady her. He grasped her elbow, quick as lightning. He’d probably saved her from a fall, but she didn’t thank him for the courtesy. She was too stunned by his speed and strength. His unyielding grip manacled her forearm, holding her prisoner.

The contact triggered something inside her, something twisted and tortured and long-buried. Adrenaline surged in her bloodstream. She forgot about Ruth and the insurance issue. She forgot about the stressful day at work, and her plans for a quiet evening. Her thoughts raced to her worst-nightmare scenario:

They’d found her. After all these years, they’d found her.

In her mind’s eye, she saw flashes of her childhood home. She remembered the rituals, the punishments. The horrors she’d escaped from. They couldn’t take her back there. Not without a fight. She reset her feet on the slippery landing, bracing for a struggle. She’d protect her freedom with whatever means necessary.

Instead of hauling her away, the man released her arm. “Sorry,” he said in an even tone. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

He had a faint Spanish accent. It was quite pleasant, really. Avery’s jacket slid from her slack hand, but she managed to hang on to her purse and briefcase. She glanced from the shadow-man to his less intimidating companion. A trim woman in her fifties stood at his elbow. They were both wearing raincoats over business attire.

These people weren’t from the cult. They were insurance agents.

Avery wilted against the railing, weak with relief. Laughter bubbled from her lips. She was still in a state of panic, her pulse pounding in her ears. She just needed a moment to collect herself. The deluge continued, unabated. The man studied her with interest. Rain plastered her hair to her head as she stared back at him. He looked like a professional. Even so, he didn’t fit her mental picture of an insurance salesman. He was too alert, too imposing. There was nothing jovial or benign about his expression.

The woman at his side flashed a badge on her waistband. “I’m Special Agent Richards. This is Special Agent Diaz. We’re with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

Avery blinked a few times as she digested the information. They were FBI agents. No wonder they were here after hours, standing in the rain with somber faces. She was afraid to ask what they wanted. Her tension resurged, making her shiver.