My dog.
“Run!” I scream at Lulu.
But her leash is tangled around the gear shift.
“No. No no no.”
I dive back in, fumbling to unclip it—
“Gotcha.” That viselike hand clamps around my wrist.
“No! Let me go! Help!”
The wind howls. The rain lashes sideways. Everyone’s inside, safe and warm in their homes. No one hears me.
He lunges and grabs my jacket. My foot slips on the wet pavement.
And just like that, I’m dragged back inside the car.
His hand is in my hair. He shoves me down against the center console. The gear shift digs into my ribs.
“I can’t—”
“Shutup.” He shakes me.
I peer in the dim light, trying to get a look at him. Aren’t people always kidnapped by someone they know? Statistically?
But like—where do I even go? Work? The pizza place?
“Are you from the cupcake shop?” I wheeze as I pull at the fingers in my hair.
He releases it to grab my wrist, forcing it behind my back, wraps the silk tie around it, and binds my wrists together.
I struggle against the tie. The silk cuts into my skin.
He floors the gas, and I jostle.
Lulu loves to be in the car. She perches on top of me, happy with her spot, peering out the window.
I can’t believe I came back for you, I fume.Stupid dog. Stupid late nights. Stupid pizza. Stupid me for not taking an Uber. And stupid kidnapper for kidnapping me.
He opens the window, letting the chilly air in and clearing out the last of the pepper spray.
Should have bought a gun at Costco, Mom.
I’m still half leaning over the console, close to the gear shift. If I can just bump it into reverse or neutral…
He sees me.
“Don’t you fucking dare.” His hand is back in my hair, jerking my head down onto his lap.
I bite my tongue. His elbow leans on my head, holding me in place.
“Don’t fucking move for the rest of the drive. You’ve been more trouble than you’re worth.”
I struggle against him. He jerks my head so my jaw bumps against his belt buckle.
“I said don’t fucking move, or I’ll make sure you’re sorry.”
