A man’s cry had come from below. Derek sat on the main floor near the bottom of the stairs, rubbing his head. “What happened? You okay?” Mike knelt at his cousin’s side. “I’ll be fine. Just saw stars for a moment when someone hit me from behind.” “What are you doing here? I needed you to stay with Melissa at the center.” “I tried, but you know how hardheaded she can be. She insisted we come here and help rescue the women and children. She threatened to come by herself if I didn’t go along with her.” “Shit. Where is she?” Derek looked around. “Whoever hit me must have taken her.” “Fuck. Tito must have her.” The door to the room beside them was closed. Mike had left it open when the occupants had run out. He tried the doorknob. Locked. Maybe Tito took Melissa in there. “Let’s break this open.” Sirens shrilled loudly outside. He and Juan kicked the door repeatedly until the bottom panel splintered. He groped inside for the lock and found the bar across the door.
