Rescue

She burst out of the woods just in front of the fugitive. "It's all right," she said. "I'll handle him. Get behind me."

The woman gave her a wondering glance, then did as she was told. The man, some 6' 3" tall and 250 pounds, came to a stop in front of her. "Out of my way, woman," he said roughly. "This is no concern of yours."

"I'm making it my concern," she said. "I can't let you treat a helpless woman so."

"I warned you," the man said. Then he took a swing at her.

There was a lot of strength behind the blow, but a minimum of skill. She easily dodged. Then she did something that seemed to come naturally to her. She kicked out, leading with the heel, and rammed it into his groin. He collapsed to the ground, moaning in agony.

"Now I'm warning you," she said. "Treat her properly from now on, or next time I'll break your arm." She didn't know why, but she was confident that she could do it if she needed to.

"Come on," she told the woman. As they walked away from the stricken man, she asked her: "What's your name? Is he your husband?"

"I'm Janet. We've never made it official," the woman replied.

"But he's the father of your unborn child?"

Janet nodded.

"Do you want to stay with him? You can come with me if you'd rather."

1. "I'll stay with him. My child must have a father." Astra had been afraid that this was the answer which she'd get. She didn't want to stay around here, and as soon as she left no doubt the man would go back to mistreating the girl.
2. "I'd like to come with you." "Good." Not that I've any idea where I'm going, she thought.

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