Madeline ignored the pain and suddenly shot to her feet.

“Hey, why are you ignoring me?” upset, Eloise grabbed Madeline’s hand. She had no idea what was happening behind her.

“Why would I ignore you, Mom?” Madeline held Eloise’s hand tightly. Her heart ached at the sight of the dirt and dust on Eloise’s innocent child-like appearance.

She did not have a clue what happened while she was unconscious, except that Eloise had woken up and the man was now unconscious on the floor by the door.

M