A round, ugly face, barely lit by the weak glow of the streetlight. His eyes were dark and flat. The large scar on his forehead was impossible to miss.
My body went still.
Myers.
He looked shocked for a moment, and his grip on my throat loosened.
Finally, air filled my lungs in the form of a violent cough.
This was it.
My chance.
The only one I would get.
I gathered every last bit of air and strength. And screamed.
“HEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLP!”
The sound was so loud, I scared myself. It split the night. My ears rang from it.
A bark exploded two houses down. Ginny the Doberman.
Myers’ eyes snapped toward the Warner house just as the porch light flared on and the front door flew open.
“Hel—”
I tried again, but Myers’ fist slammed into my face.
There was a loud crack as a hot metallic taste flooded my mouth and poured down my lip.
The bastard broke my nose.
In the distance, Mr. Warner shouted Ginny’s name. And I realized that her barking was surging closer.
Suddenly, Myers jumped off. I was free again and rolled onto my side. In the distance, Myers was already sprinting down the street like prey that knew it was being hunted.
“Ginny!” Mr. Warner screamed. “Ginny, no!”
She didn’t listen.
Ginny launched herself at Myers, all muscle and teeth. She hit him hard, jaws clamping onto his leg. He went down hard, slamming onto the road as she shook him wildly like a toy.
Myers screamed. High-pitched and raw.
Moments later, Mr. Warner reached them, barefoot and in boxers. He grabbed Ginny’s collar with both hands, bracing his weight back.
“Stop!” Mr. Warner shouted as he pulled at Ginny. But Ginny wasn’t having it and dragged Myers violently over the concrete.
“No! Bad dog!” Mr. Warner yelled. “Let go or no treats!”
Finally, she released him just as porch lights turned on one by one.
Myers scrambled up and limped down the street as fast as he could. Mr. Warner was holding on to Ginny’s collar as she strained after Myers, barking in short, vicious barks.
“Mr. Warner, help!” I called out.
He turned fast. “Oh my God,” he shouted. “Mrs. Kolter!”
