The plan is a simple one.
I’ll wait at the top of the hill where we allsupposedlyfell to our deaths and scream bloody murder until the Axeman returns to finish the job. Once he’s within sight, the rest of the group will come running out of the tree-line and attack him until he doesn’t get back up, or until he stops breathing.
We’re hoping that by doing this before the sun sets, it’ll lure him out of wherever he’s hiding, giving us the upper hand by seeing him before it gets dark. If that doesn’t work, then we will just have to try again tomorrow.
Simple enough, right?
I can do this.
They won’t let me die.
They can’t let me die.
I really wish I could remember what happened before I woke up at the bottom of said hill. Something is nagging at the back of my brain, something I feel is essential, but every time I try to focus on that faded memory, it eludes me yet again.
Flashes of blue, tantalizing caresses…then nothing.
Trying to conjure up a memory I’m not sure I have anymore is futile. I stare at my haggard reflection in the bathroom mirror as I give myself one last pep talk. My blonde hair is lifeless, limp, and frizzy. My eyes are sporting bags larger than the ones I packed for Scotland. Really, the only thing I have going for me is this once-hideous outfit that’s been turned cute. I cut the oversized purple hoodie into a crop top and chopped off the sleeves. If I’m going to my potential death, I refuse to be caught looking like that stupid purple dinosaur all the kids used to rave about.
Lochlan and Lee are waiting for me outside the bathroom once I finally emerge.
“Killer outfit, Lex,” Lee muses with a sly smile.
Lee and Lochlan are both dressed in matching black cargo pants and fitted black V-neck t-shirts. I suppress a giggle when I realize we all have the same style of combat boots. This creepy bunker literally had everything we needed. We look like a trio that you’d find in some sort of video game. I must admit the style suits us for what we’re about to endure.
“It’s nice to see you out of that robe,” I tease.
“Here, take this just in case.” Lee hands me a large knife tucked into a black sheath. We don’t acknowledge the tremble in my hands when I take it from him.
“What’s this strap thing for?” I ask, inspecting the black nylon bands attached to it.
Lee shrugs before Lochlan reaches for the knife. “May I?” I nod, handing it over to him. He kneels before me and taps the outside of my thigh. “Are you a lefty or a righty?”
“Lefty,” I tell him, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion. “Why?”
“Just watch,” he says, wrapping the strap about my left thigh. He tugs it tight enough that it won’t fall while I’m running, but not so tightlythat it cuts off my circulation. He stands and flashes me a lopsided grin. “Attagirl, lass. Now you’re properly prepared to take on the world.”
I tug the knife out of its holder, attempt to twirl it, then slide it back in before I chop my own fingers off. It feels good to have this by my side, even if I have no clue how to use it. I guess I’ll just have to stab first and ask questions later if it comes down to that.
“How’d you know how to work this contraption anyway?” I ask Lochlan. “What kind of kinky nonsense are you into, Lochy-boy?”
“Lara Croft,” Lochlan says proudly with a big, stupid grin on his face. “She was my biggest crush as a wee lad.”
“Mine too,” I smirk, earning surprised looks from both men. Whatever. Lara Croft was hot. Anyone who denies it is a liar.
The fun mood turns serious as Lee steps forward and places a hand on my shoulder. Lochlan does the same. We form a tight-knit circle and bow our heads together. “Whatever happens today,” Lee whispers, “just know that I’m glad that I got stuck with the two of you during this twisted goose chase. I’m with you both until the bitter end.”
“Way to be inspirational. Clearly, Capri’s epically inspiring pep talks haven’t rubbed off on you yet,” I respond with a weak laugh. “But, I’m also glad that you’re both here with me. Just try to keep me alive.” I swallow hard against the lump in my throat. “Please.”
Lochlan snorts. “We got you, lassie. Now let’s go give this axe-douche a taste of the L-team.”
“You’re such an idiot, Lochy,” I tease as I wrap my arms around him and Lee. “You guys better stay safe.”
“You too,” they say in unison, hugging me tighter.
We join Kristi and Sammy at the entrance of the bunker. Then the five of us head out and make the trek back up the hillside.
We raided the small weapons arsenal, but there wasn’t much in it. It’s clear the bunker’s used for hunting. I shudder as I realize thatwemight be the game now.
