Closer than I wanted him to be.
I reached the corner of the porch.
Looked toward the tree line.
Nothing.
No movement.
No shadow.
Just grass moving in the wind.
Then the kitchen light came on behind me.
Sadie.
I turned.
Through the window, I saw her standing near the counter.
Her phone pressed to her ear.
Probably calling one of the Magnolia Ladies.
Probably trying to sound brave.
My chest tightened.
She should never have to be brave because of him.
Not in her own home.
Not ever.
A branch snapped.
Behind me.
I spun.
Too late.
A gunshot cracked through the night.
The kitchen window exploded.
Glass sprayed across the floor.
Sadie screamed.
Every part of me went cold.
“DOWN!” I shouted.
Another shot hit the porch railing.
Wood splintered beside my head.
