Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“Then, why don’t you two try and work it out?”
“Things are different now. We’re older, wiser, and we both know our time has come and gone.”
“Are you sure?”
“Never say never.” She shrugged. “Either way, we have some pretty good memories and a son who makes us both very...”
Her words trailed off as her attention was drawn to the window. She squinted and looked at the ground like she was trying to hear something. “What’s wrong?”
“Didn’t you say that Ghost had a shift at the Vault?”
“Yeah, it’ll be a couple of hours before he gets home. Why?”
“Nothing, I just thought I heard someone pull up in the driveway.”
“Oh, really?”
I stood, and I was about to go over to the window, when I heard a door shut and a muffled pop. And then another. I turned to Kay, and her eyes were wide, and the color was draining from her face. “What was that?”
“Those were gunshots!”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Shit.” Alarms started going off in my head, screaming at me to get the hell out of there, but there wasn’t any time. I had to make sure Kay was safe, and then I had to find Toby. I rushed over and opened the laundry room door, motioning for Kay to move. “You need to hide!”
“What about Toby?”
“I’ll get him. Go. Now!”
Kay nodded, then got up and rushed inside the laundry room. When I heard the door click behind her, I ran down the hall to Toby’s room. I opened the door and stepped inside, quickly locking it behind me. Toby jumped up from his bed and rushed over to me. His voice was barely above a whisper as he muttered, “Mom?”
“Someone’s here. I need you to get in your closet and...”
“Caaa-sey,” a man’s voice called out.
I knew who it was.
I knew that voice anywhere, but I didn’t need to hear it to know that it was Dylan. I knew the second I heard those gunshots that he was there.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are!”
He was getting closer.
I didn’t want him to hear me, so I pointed over to the closet and urged Toby to get inside. Panic washed over him as he darted over and opened the door. I pushed his clothes to the side, making room for him to hide, and once he was in the far back, I moved the clothes back. I closed the door and prayed that Dylan wouldn’t find him.
I knew that was wishful thinking.
I was in his bedroom, and it was only a matter of time before he came through that door. And once he did, he would find us both. I stood there, listening as his footsteps grew closer. I could hear him opening one door after the next, all the while taunting, “Caa-sey. I know you’re here.”
He was getting closer.
I could feel it.
Time seemed to still when I heard him turn the doorknob. I knew then it was only a matter of time before we were face to face. “Ca-sey. I know you’re in there. Open the door.”
I didn’t move.
I couldn’t.
I was too terrified.
So, I just stood there and awaited my fate.
I heard a loud thud and then another. The door creaked and groaned, and after one last blow, it burst open, and Dylan came stumbling into the room with a gun in his hand. He looked awful.
Both of his eyes were dark, with old bruising beneath each. There were more bruises along his jaw that were turning a greenish-yellow, and his hair was oily and matted. His clothes were wrinkled and dirty, and his laces weren’t tied. He reeked of alcohol. It was odd. Dylan had always taken great care in his appearance, and even though he was wasted, it didn’t explain why it looked like he hadn’t bathed in days.
His dark, beady eyes fixed on me with an unsettling glare that sent a chill down my spine. “There’s my girl.”
“Dylan, what are you doing here?”
“I came to find you.” His eyes narrowed. “I don’t know why you’re surprised. I told you I would, and I always keep my word.”
He was right.
He’d told me he was coming for me, but I’d let myself forget. I’d gotten comfortable, let my guard down, and now, he was finally going to finish what he’d started. He stepped over to me and ran his knuckles down my cheek. “I missed this pretty face.”
“Please don’t do this.”
“This is you. All you.” His eyes were glassed over, and his hands were trembling. This was more than booze. He was on something. “I just wanted to love you and take care of you.”
“This isn’t love, Dylan. This is sick... You’re sick.” I kept my voice calm and steady as I told him, “You need help.”
I saw the anger flash through his eyes and knew what was coming even before I saw his hand moving towards my face. His palm connected with my cheek, causing my head to rear back, but I didn’t stumble or fall. I kept my footing and managed to look back at him, trying to appear unphased.