Another new voice joins the other two and I glance out the door’s small window. One well-dressed Asian and two in jeans argue, faces inches from each other. As they lean in, fists clench and eyes narrow.
It’s now or never.
Gritting my teeth, I reach under my arm, and grab my pistol.
I’ve never shot anyone but I’ve discussed it with Jack. At first, he didn’t want me carrying but I argued for weeks. One of my former cult members might come after me when he wasn’t around. Thank God he finally agreed.
Inching toward the door, his voice plays in my head.The trick is, never let anyone close enough to take your gun. They’ll use it against you.
With my nose to the window, I locate the last man to arrive. He’s not at all like Mr. Sneer or the others. This Chinese man oozes wealth from the top of his expensive suit to the tip of his designer shoes. He keeps pointing at the office and shouting but I can’t understand a word he says. The other man in jeans frowns occasionally, adding his two cents.
“As soon as I get free, Philip. I’ll send help.”
“Don’t do this.”
“I have to.”My baby’s depending on me.
I step out, steady my pistol with arms outstretched, and shout, “Everyone. Hands up!”
One moves his hand into his jacket and picturing him as a black shadow man on a white paper target, I shoot.
I can’t falter, can’t allow my gaze, my gun, or even my voice to waver. “Keep your fucking hands in the air and walk to that wall.”
My chin points in the direction of some yellow vehicles parked with their guts hanging out. While they walk, I do too, but backwards toward the exit.
I don’t want to shoot them all but if I don’t, what will happen to Philip?
The guy with the bullet in his gut moans and I feel bad until I remember these guys are ruthless. There’s no way they were going to let me live. Still, I can’t just commit cold-blooded murder.
I point at Mr. Expensive Suit. “Take your jacket off, real, real, slow. If I even think you’re reaching for a weapon, I’ll shoot.”
No one, not even Jack, ever told me how hard it is to have the upper hand. You can either be ruthless or run. I do neither.
What would Jack do?
“You.” I point to Expensive Suit. “Use the wire to tie up the other two.”
They both glance at each other, sending silent messages but I’m ready. When Mr. Sneer tries for his inner pocket, I shoot him in the leg.
Damn, I was aiming for his chest.
“You need a bullet, too?” I level the gun at Expensive Suit.
He hisses and presses his hand to Sneer’s wound. “Bitch. Go. But you better warn your husband to stay clear of things that don’t concern him. You have no idea what you’re up against.”
A male clears his throat at the office door and I turn, about to shoot but it’s only Philip. He found a shovel to lean on. I rush over and put my gun in his hand. “Careful, the safety is off. Just point and shoot if anyone moves. I’m going for help. Be safe.”
Without overthinking, I run out the metal door, dreading the return trip. Shit. I should’ve taken Sneer’s flashlight. I’ll probably be walking for hours in the dark. I may even get lost. Reaching my arm to the side, I use the wall to guide me.
After a while, with no one following, I begin to relax and find my pace. Then, my hand slips over cool round metal. Stopping, I feel around in the dark finding many rungs against the wall. Should I risk it?
When I picture fresh air right overhead, it’s a no-brainer. So, I climb for what seems like an eternity, resting every so often, glad I can’t see how high up I am. Suddenly, I bang the top of my head against something hard.
Wrapping one leg around the side of the ladder, I push up with both hands but it doesn’t budge.
What if I have to climb all the way back down and find another way out?
My heart sinks but I won’t give up, not when I’m so close. With a herculean effort I push and metal gives. Filled with hope, I continue until a round manhole cover moves aside.
