PROLOGUE

"You better open this door Jane, I know you're in there", the rough male voice screamed as he banged on the door violently. Jane was white with fright as she stared at the door, wondering just how long it would hold against the man's renewed assault.

She slowly crept away from the door into her daughter's room, she was used to the drill by now, all the curtains in the house had been let down and both entrances were locked and secured with the bolts she had installed a few days prior, she hoped that this would be enough to keep them out.

She found little Stephanie seated on the bed with her headphones on full blast as she enjoyed her kid's show. Jane had made sure that this was the case as soon as she had seen the suspicious looking men approaching through the window. The little girl smiled back at her mother totally unaware of what was going on, she was never going to turn down the chance to watch her favourite show and Jane knew this.

" Jane!", the voice shouted once more as its owner struggled with the door handle in a vain bid to get it open and gain access to the house. Jane exited the room, leaving her daughter alone now that she was sure that the girl couldn't hear any of the commotion, she shut the door behind her and went to her kitchen, she picked up a pair of knives and walked to the living room waiting for the door to give way as the men outside repeatedly pounded on it.

With each hit, Jane's heart quaked. She knew she didn't stand a chance against the men who were trying to break into her house but she was determined to put her life on the line to ensure none of them got close to her daughter.

"Hey! If you guys don't leave the premises, I'm calling the cops", a voice called from the other compound. All the racket was undoubtedly beginning to disturb the neighbors and Susan, a sweet old woman who lived beside Jane was the first to object.

The pounding had stopped and Jane heard the shuffle of their feet walking away. She could still see a pair of shadows in her doorway; she knew it was him, he didn't give up that easily.

" You best thank your stars young lady", he whispered maniacally.

"This is a long way from over though, I'll be back and trust me, it will take more than your nosy neighbors to stop me from getting my hands on you bitch", he threatened angrily, giving the door one final shove before walking away. In a short while, the engines of their respective vehicles revved as they drove away.

Jane sank to the floor, letting both knives fall from her hands as she hit the ground. She was living her worst nightmare, she was alone in all this with a young child to take care of, and from the look of things, there was no end in sight.