Chapter 65

The three kidnappers had bought a carload of food and supplies for their escape. As they parked and opened the door, Joey Knox shouted, "Not good, Mr. Vance. The kids are gone!" Rico shoved past Duke and Joey and rushed forward, turning toward the window where he saw the chair beneath it. He immediately realized the kids had escaped through the window. "What now, Mr. Vance?" Duke asked. Rico waved a hand. "Go. Start searching. There's no one around here. We weren't gone for very long, so they couldn't have gotten far." The three of them turned and split up to search the area. Cameron and Nora huddled together inside the dry well, their arms wrapped tightly around each other as footsteps drew closer. They both understood that if they were caught again, things could end badly. They might never see their mom again. Cameron held Nora even tighter, offering silent comfort. Sure enough, Rico made his way near the well. Luckily, Cameron had covered the opening with dry grass and branch