They had failed.
Pamela had heard it from one of the men passing outside: Callighan and Ryan had been caught before they reached the water. Both were back in the basement.
For a while, she had remained where she was, unable to decide what to do with the news.
She had known how unlikely their escape was. Ryan could barely remain conscious, let alone walk, and Callighan had been beaten badly enough that getting himself out would have been difficult. Yet she had given him the hairpin and arranged for the boat, allowing herself to imagine that they might succeed if they were careful.
She had pictured the shore, the darkness concealing them, and the moment they would finally be beyond Gaspar's reach.
Now she kept wondering how far they had made it.
Had they seen the boat? Had they been close enough to believe they were safe?
Pamela pressed a hand over her eyes.
