“We’re set. We just need a diversion now,” Clutch whispered finally.
I tried to think of anything I could do to distract the bandits. Outside, I could hear the sounds of big engines, signaling the approach of New Eden. I hoped they saw through the bandits’ charade, but I couldn’t count on it. As I concentrated on thinking of a diversion, I noticed Vicki watching us intently. Her cheeks were splotchy from crying. With the slowest movement, she gave a nod like she knew Clutch was up to something. I supposed, since she was sitting in between Clutch and the other scouts, chances were she was quite aware of exactly what was about to happen.
Vicki stood abruptly.
The bandit nearest us swung Clutch’s rifle around. “Whoa there, lady. What do you think you’re doing?”
Vicki pointed to Deb, who was lying on her side. “She’s pregnant. If she doesn’t eat soon, she’ll lose the baby.”
“So? Why would I care?”
Vicki took a deep breath and then untucked her shirt. “I’m buying her a meal.”
It took a moment for her offer to register, and then a huge grin spanned the bandit’s face. He looked up to his partner. “What do you think?”
The other bandit shrugged. “As long as you do it in here, the boss won’t care. Just keep your rifle on them.”
The bandit turned back to Vicki. “You got yourself a deal. A meal for the broad. Come here.”
She stood adamant, and her jaw jutted out. “Give her something to eat first.”
He thought for a moment and then shrugged, reached into his vest pocket, and tossed a small bag to Deb. “Okay. Done. Now, get over here,” he motioned to Vicki. “Grab onto that clothes rack. Face your friends.”
I found myself holding my breath as Vicki took slow, tentative steps to the bandit. I slowly pulled away from Clutch so he could make his move, whatever it may be. My arms wrapped around my abdomen on their own, and I swallowed back fear and hate.
The bandit grabbed Vicki’s belt and yanked her to him. He almost put his rifle down to go for her pants, and then seemed to realize he was still guarding us. “Pull your pants down.”
She moved stiffly as she undid her belt and unbuttoned her jeans, one slow button at a time. He watched her, but every second, he glanced nervously up at us. As soon as she unbuttoned the last button, he turned her around and yanked her pants down. “Grab that rack. Don’t let go or else.”
She reached out and grabbed the silver bar. I felt Clutch move away from me, and I’d nearly forgotten why Vicki was up there. I heard the sound of big engines outside. The New Eden squadron had arrived.
Vicki stood there. Her determined gaze leveled above our group while the bandit struggled with unfastening his belt and pants with only one hand. The other bandit had leaned forward, captivated by the scene and oblivious to Joe and three other scouts inching closer to the rock. Clutch still sat next to me, but I noticed he now had his feet poised under him, like he was a sprinter at the gate.
The bandit finally had his pants undone, and he grabbed Vicki’s hip. As he moved close to her, she shoved her head back and nailed him directly on the nose.
“Uh! Bitch!” he cried out, taking a step back, momentarily stunned.
She grabbed the barrel of his gun, and he tried to yank it from her. Clutch shoved off and closed the ten feet to them with more strength and agility than I thought he had regained. I jumped and ran after him. A couple shots fired from the direction of the other bandit, but I didn’t look.