"If you move, I can make your life miserable," said the guard.
He was overweight and his run had slowed to a walk. His eyes were on them, and they didn't waver. Maddie didn't know what to do. With a firm hand, she scooted Joseph behind her. As far as she was concerned, this was between her and the guard. As far as the guard was concerned, for his sake, Joseph didn't exist.
At least, that's how Maddie saw it.
The guard was within ten feet, and Maddie saw his magnetic gun on his waist. Dangling. He hadn't grabbed it yet, which meant he was going to teach her a lesson with his nightstick.
Maybe that was a good thing.
When the guard was within five feet, Maddie made the first move. She dove at his belly, giving it a good punch before wrapping her arms around his waist and pushing him back.
Maddie was fourteen and tall for her age. Tough for a girl. But this was a man. A guard. Taller, bigger, stronger. With a grunt, the man sent Maddie sprawling to the floor.
"Big mistake, girly," said the man, raising his nightstick over his head.
Nightstick--fifteen pound club.
Instant pain!
The guard had hit her just above the kneecap. He'd probably been aiming for her kneecap, but she'd flinched. He brought the stick up for another whack. Maddie, still on the floor, kicked him in the gut with the sole of her foot. Then she rose to her feet.
Her leg was sending signals all over her body. Despite the pain, she didn't make a noise. Didn't want to alarm any more guards. This guard hadn't called in any backup. Probably was too prideful to ask backup for a teenage girl and her little brother.
"Hahaha," laughed the man. "Big mistake."
He lunged at her. Swinging the nightstick.
For some reason, Maddie hadn't anticipated the trajectory of the club.
It smacked her across the side of the head, and she fell to the ground.
The dark hallway became darker. And in a matter of moments...
Unconscious.