The heavy sound of combat boots echoed loudly up the wooden staircase of the safehouse. Each step felt like a heavy hammer hitting the floor, coming closer and closer to the master bedroom.

Evelyn's heart hammered wildly against her ribs. Her breath caught in her throat, but her brilliant mind did not freeze. She knew running down the stairs was impossible. She had to fight for her life and for her unborn baby.

She stood up from the bed in total silence, her blue eyes scanning the dark room for anything she could use as a weapon.

Her hand brushed against a small ceramic bottle of strong tactical pepper spray...