Again and again.
Too many times, it seemed.
And no matter how many times I explained it, it was never less terrifying.
The guy was quiet and forceful, like he’d done this before and knew exactly how to use my shock against me.
I did as he asked, pulling out the blue zipper envelope that my aunt used to make her bank deposits. I put what little cash we had in the bag.
The guy grabbed the pouch and made me hand over my cell phone. He told me to count to two hundred, and then, he said, I could call the cops. But he said if I followed him or tried anything, that he wouldfilletme.
Those were his words.
I told the police exactly what he’d said, and they traded a look, like maybe it was something they’d heard before.
My worries race through my mind as I crunch mindlessly on a mint. The sweet bite of the candy does nothing to calm my nerves or settle my stomach.
I just can’t stop the feelings of panic. I don’t think, as long as I live, I’ll ever forget that kind of raw fear.
How I’d felt when I’d realized what was happening.
How alone I’d felt.
How terrified.
Even now that I am safe, now that it is truly all over, as the moments tick past, I grow more and more angry.
I just can’t stop seeing it. Watching it again and again and going through every little detail.
I must be breathing hard or something, because I feel Franco’s hand on my shoulder.
“Chloe?” Franco’s voice breaks through the endless loop replaying in my mind.
“Sorry?” I blink and watch his face as he stares at me.
“We’re here. Your place.”
I realize that we’ve stopped, and we’re parked outside my apartment. That means it is time to go inside alone.
“He has my cell phone,” I whisper, a violent shiver shaking my body so hard I can’t hide the tremor. “What if he…”
“Come on.” Franco leaps out of the truck and comes around to the passenger side. He holds out his hand to me. “I’m going to walk you in, and you’re going to pack a bag. You can’t stay here tonight. Not by yourself.”
I shake my head as the reality of what is happening hits me.
Where am I going to go?
Where can I possibly stay? I can’t afford a hotel. I don’t have friends in town yet. I’ve only been in Star Falls a couple of weeks.
All I have is my aunt’s apartment and her landline. Maybe one of the ladies would let me crash on her couch, but God, I can’t impose.
And even if I could for one night, what then?
Staying here alone while some psychopath has my phone? He didn’t get what he wanted from my café. Maybe he’ll come back.
The heat of the truck starts to feel stifling, and I break out in a sweat.
“I… I…” I don’t know what to do. I can’t move. Can’t think fast enough.
