Salvation

Amanda had no idea how long she had been in the same position since her refusal to aid Aaron in his request, she was sure by now that Santa Claus must have figured out she was missing and she could only imagine what he was doing and hoped he did not think she had deserted him.

She turned to the child sitting silently beside her; this was Aaron cruel joke and she wished she could free the innocent girl.

"Are you okay?" she whispered.

The men did not want them speaking to each other and so she was trying not to be overheard by them. She watched them play games from the corner of her eyes, betting and laughing loudly.

The child raised her head up from where it was slumped and smiled bravely, she knew what was at stake

"You do not need to worry about me but you cannot give him what he wants" she whispered back, b raving another smile even as her eyes filled up with tears.