Chapter 11

Ashley decided she had heard enough, even before the girls finished their long story, complete with fits, starts and sobs interspersed with gulps of cold water and food. She noted they drank thirstily, like parched creatures and devoured the food rations like ravenous animals who had been put on a starvation diet. It made her feel sorry for them and more determined than ever to get them justice.

As soon as the girls finished their story, Ashley began issuing orders.

“You two,” she pointed at Toni and Marshal who the girls seemed to have already formed an attachment to because they had a big hand in rescuing them. “As soon as we secure the other two girls, I want you to bundle them up so that they are completely unrecognizable, get them into the helicopter and deliver them to the safe house where you will watch over them 24-7 until this is over. Make sure they don’t go outside or their faces aren’t even seen in a window lest the word about their rescue gets out. We gotta keep everything top secret until we get to the bottom of this.”