It would hurt. Possibly even kill her. It was a risk she was willing to take.
From the corner of her eye, she watched Caleb closely as she slid her left hand down to where the buckle rested against her hip. If she didn’t move quickly, she’d lose her chance.
Covering her mouth with her right hand, Charlie coughed loudly several times to cover the sound of her releasing the seatbelt. She held on to its metal clasp to keep it from loosening and becoming noticeable.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Caleb looked over at her, concerned.
“I’m fine.” She nodded, coughing a few more times for good measure.
“We can’t stop, but I’ll get you a drink as soon as we get to where we’re going.”
Her eyes bounced back and forth between him and the upcoming curve.
“Where are you taking me?”
Caleb smiled, the crazy in his eyes more prevalent than ever.
“Why, home, of course. I found us the most charming house not far from here. You’re going to love it. It sits on over a hundred acres, so there’ll be no one around to bother us.”
She forced a smile. “That sounds...nice.”
“I’m so glad you think so. Once you’ve recovered from your punishment, I’ll take you shopping and let you pick out whatever furniture and decorations you want. It’ll be like starting a whole new life.” He smiled over at her. “Just you and me. Forever.”
Not a chance, you fucking psycho.
Caleb pressed his foot on the break to begin slowing down for the curve. Charlie checked their distance, her mind racing to determine exactly when she needed to act.
Realizing the curve was sharper than he’d anticipated, Caleb let go of the gun and put the other hand on the wheel for more control. With his entire focus on the road ahead, Charlie used the opportunity to carefully slide the seatbelt across her body and slip her right arm through it.
The closer they got, the slower Caleb drove. Charlie worked hard to control her breathing as she prayed this crazy idea would work.
Caleb turned his head slightly to the left. His gaze followed the direction of the road, she knew it was time.
Though they were moving much more slowly than before, they were still going over forty miles an hour.Please don’t let me die.
With one last thought of Derek and the love they’d shared, Charlie began the silent countdown inside her head.
Three...two...one...
****
