Ruelle's heart dropped at the sound of the stick breaking and the man's question. Even Hailey turned pale as though not expecting the stick to make that much sound.
"Our friends must have finally caught up!" Ruelle blurted before looking behind with a hopeful expression.
"Finally!" Hailey breathed, and this had the three men turn to look back. She quickly handed Ruelle the other half of the stick.
Ruelle shifted the wooden stick along her arm, steadying it in place, and at her slight nod, both women moved at once, stepping forward as they slipped free of their loosened coats in a single, swift motion.
The sudden weight in the men's hands made them turn. In that same moment, Ruelle stepped in, driving the sharpened wood into the man's side, the force pushing through into his abdomen.
On the other hand, Hailey jammed the broken stick into the man who reached for her, piercing into his open palm before he could grab hold of her.
"ARGHH!!!"
