Page 16 of Gripp

She could possibly never see her family again. Even though the relationship between her and her father was tense, with her mother always caught in the middle, she didn’t want to lose them. They were her family, after all, and they’d been through everything together. Her father even sent Gripp here.

But she was also feeling so much anger. Rage burned deep in her stomach, telling her if she and Gripp didn't do this, they would regret it. She would regret it. How often did she get a chance to make a change like this? How often was she able to save lives like this?

She had to do this. Those kids needed to be rescued and freed from the shackles that should never have been put on them.

The children should have been with their parents, enjoying breakfast surrounded by love, but instead, they were trying to survive, hoping they didn't get the blunt handle of a machete. Were they counting the days until they died?

She swallowed, looking at Gripp, who held the same anger in his eyes. They were going to fight and free them or die trying.

April couldn't believe she was walking back there, but she also was grateful she wasn't doing this alone. She liked the idea of Gripp having her back. Someone was there to hold her up when she felt weak.

She liked that he changed his mind because she wasn't sure she could have gone on knowing the kids were still stuck in that hellhole. It would have eaten at her until that was all she could think about.

"We’ll stop at the shed," Gripp spoke up, breaking the silence. They had crouched a distance away from the compound’s gate. She scowled, seeing the entrance was blocked now.

"How are we getting in?" she asked, scanning the area. She knew there wasn't another pipe to sneak inside like she did the first time.

"I'm going in." He gave her a smile. "You’re causing the distraction."

He headed toward the tool shed at the edge of the property. She followed after him, standing outside the door while he dug around inside. Her eyes remained glued on the activity around the mine and the guards coming and going near the main building.

She chewed on her cheek, her nerves getting the better of her. She needed to stay calm and keep a clear head.

"Aha!" Gripp came out with a massive grin on his face and a bag in his hand.

He looked at the gate. "All right, I'm going to go in through the side, there is a small entrance there, and I'm sure you'll make just enough of a distraction to get the guard's attention so I can get in."

"You're just so sure about that," she said, her tone dripping in sarcasm.

He grinned at her. "I am." He pulled a bag up, showing her sticks of dynamite. Her eyes widened. Holy shit!

"They just had those in the shed? The hell! Who leaves those in a tool shed outside?"

He shrugged, not seeming to care. "Better for us." He pulled one out, handing her a lighter. "Now, I want you to throw them at the gate, over the gate, actually. Maybe take out some guys if you can."

She frowned. "What about the kids? The kids are inside."

He nodded. "Throw them closer to the east since I'm going in through the west. The kids are close to where I am, so they’ll be fine. Frightened but alive."

He grabbed her shoulders, giving them a squeeze. "Do you think you can do this? If not, you need to tell me now so I can figure out something else."

She liked that he was thinking about her and if she could handle this. Honestly, anyone else would be shaking at the idea, but she wasn't. She wanted to make them pay. After everything, they deserved what they got.

April grabbed the dynamite and the lighter, giving him a grin. "I haven't had this much fun in years," she whispered. "Now, go."

He didn't wait. He turned and headed around the corner toward the other entrance. She took a deep breath and studied the main gate. It was large and built to withstand many things.

She squared her shoulders and hoped she could still throw really well. She pulled the dynamite up and flicked the lighter, lighting the end. She pulled her arm back and threw it with all her might.

She watched it take flight and fly right over the gate. It was quiet for a second. All she could hear was the wind and the creak of a tree before the boom hit.

The walls of the gate shook, and men's screams broke out. She heard something crumbling, like a small building falling apart. She didn't wait. She needed to keep going. Gripp should be entering, and she needed to keep the distraction going. She pulled out another stick of dynamite and lit it. The end sparkled for a moment before she hauled back and launched it over.

Boom.More screams filled the air.

The gate clanged open, and several men struggled to get out, some of them ready to charge at her. Blood soaked their clothes, and some held guns in nervous grips. None of them were prepared.

She lit another stick, narrowing her eyes on them. She didn't pause. She knew what would happen if she did. It was them or her.

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