It’s enough to make me crumple, to change my mind.
* * *
Oh, Sterling …
take him along(go to 71)
keep him safe(go to 73)
go back(go to 42)
I’m never going to win a hand-to-hand fight on my own—I know that.Hal is bigger and stronger.But that can’t mean it’s over; I won’t let it be.
I just have to think of something … use something …
Searching frantically, I knock a pen to the floor.Hal reaches for it, but I’m faster.
It sinks into his thigh.
“Ah fuck!”
I scramble away, but he doesn’t stop, pulling the pen from his flesh, soaking his jeans in more blood.
He throws the pen to the side, lunging again.
I’m ready this time.
My foot catches him in the stomach.I don’t stop; I can’t pause long enough to think beyond my next move.I need to get out of here, need to find Sterling.
There!
I see them.The scissors are in front of me, where Sterling was sitting, and I crawl faster.
I’m almost there.
Hal grabs my hair, pulling me back.Pain shoots through me, but I keep moving.
He pins me to the ground, straddling my back, the force punching the air out of my lungs.
I feel his hands tight on my throat.
I just need to stretch a little more.
My fingers graze the handle of the scissors.
So close.
Just one more inch …
Spots appear in my vision.
Hal’s grip tightens, and tears flood my eyes.
I’m running out of time.
I make one final reach and …
Yes!Got it!
