“I can’t find my phone.” I tried to keep the hysteria out of my voice. I had to call Dad. He’d know what to do.

“We don’t have time.” She grabbed my arm again and pulled me forward along with her. Shiloh’s head popped out of her wrap, and she let out a wail. Mom slapped her hand over her mouth. “Shh, be quiet.”

She was losing it. Nobody could hear us.

We hit the street, and she broke into a run, gripping my hand as we moved down the pavement just as a black van sped around the corner. It came to a screeching halt in front of us. We froze. The front doors flung open, and two men jumped out of the cab. Terror filled my insides as they moved toward us. Mom put her arm around my waist, gripping me tightly.

“Mom?” I whimpered.

“The Lord is with us. Don’t be afraid,” she said.

They were on us within seconds.

I let out a bloodcurdling scream when one of them grabbed me by the wrist and twisted my arm behind my back.

“Shut up, kid,” he hissed within inches of my face. His eyes were wild. Dirt crusted his face; his hair was bushy and uncombed. His skin was tanned and leathered, peeling in parts.

“Help! Somebody help! H—”

His hand smacked my face, snapping my jaw shut. My heartbeat exploded in my ears. I shoved him away and took off running in blind terror, screaming wildly. He pummeled me from behind, smashing me onto the concrete. I flailed against him, biting and clawing at him, trying to jab my finger in his eyes, kick between his legs. It was no use. He was too strong.

“Scream again and I’ll hurt you.” His breath was hot on my neck. He smelled like rotten cheese. I fought the urge to pull away again. My entire body trembled.

“Please, what do you want? Just tell me what you want,” I cried. He ignored me. He yanked both arms behind me, and something sharp cut into my wrists as he tied them together. He worked in silence. “Please let us go. Please don’t hurt us.” What did they say in class? Appeal to their humanity. Make yourself human if you can’t make yourself repulsive. He lifted me up like I weighed nothing and spun me around. “Do you have kids?” I blurted out.

Sweat dripped down his chin. He ignored me and pulled me back in the direction of Mom. His partner had his arm around her waist. He was whispering something in her ear, touching her. I squeezed my eyes shut. I didn’t want to see it, couldn’t.

“Please go away. Leave us alone,” I begged, dragging my feet as he pulled me along.

The man with Mom turned around. A scruffy layer of facial hair covered his face. “Hurry up.” He peered at me with beady blue eyes.