16

Chryssie sat on her sofa and stared at her packed suitcase. The knock she’d been expecting startled her. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. “Thanks for coming, Detective Dargols.”

“Please, call me Annie.” She said with a sweet smile that seemed genuine.

“I can’t believe you came as soon as I called. I just planned to leave a message and then make an appointment to see you tomorrow.” It was close to midnight.

“I wasn’t taking a chance on you changing your mind. Besides, you sounded sort of desperate. I was worried about you.”

“That’s because I am desperate. Come—”

A motion from around the corner drew her attention.

Roman.

Annie turned at the same moment, reaching for her waistband.

“Don’t make a sound. Either of you.” He aimed a gun at Chryssie. “Don’t try it. You touch that gun and she’s dead. In the apartment. Now.”

Annie held up her hands in surrender. “No problem.”

“I knew you couldn’t be trusted.” He motioned them through the door and then slammed it shut. “I tried to tell Marv. He wouldn’t listen.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t do anything.”

“Then why is she here?” He pointed the gun at Annie. “Give me your weapon. And be careful about it. I won’t hesitate to shoot both of you.”

“Don’t do it, Annie. Don’t do it.” Chryssie cried. “He’ll kill us anyway.”

“If you don’t, I’ll kill her right now.” He pointed the gun back at Chryssie. “Your choice, Annie.”

Using two fingers, Annie lifted the gun from her waistband and laid it on the dinette table.

Chryssie wanted to lunge for the gun but didn’t dare.

Roman started opening kitchen drawers. He tossed a roll of duct tape to Annie. “Tape her hands. And her mouth. I’m tired of hearing her talk.”

Annie’s expression seemed to be reassuring. As she wrapped the tape around Chryssie’s wrists, she mouthed the words, “Don’t worry.”

“Make’em nice and tight. No funny business.” Roman sneered. “Now her mouth. But first tell me where your keys are.”

Chryssie pointed at the keys with her head. “Over on the counter.” To Annie, she whispered, “I’m so sorry. I should never have called you.”

“Shut up. No talking.”

“You did the right thing.” Annie patted her cheek as she placed the tape across her mouth.

“Good. Now you get over here.” Roman motioned.

Annie walked over.

He lifted the gun and shot.

Annie’s eyes widened and then she stumbled. A red spot appeared on her shirt and then spread. She looked at Chryssie. “Run.”

Chryssie ran to her bedroom. As her taped and trembling hands tried to lock the door, Roman began pushing on it. She leaned her whole body against the wood, but inch by inch the door opened.

Annie moaned in the next room.

Please God, don’t let her die. Chryssie’s phone was on the kitchen counter. Maybe someone else had heard the gunshot and called the police.

One final shove from the other side of the door and he was in.

Chryssie ran for the window. It had been her escape before. Even with her hands taped, it might work again.

Roman grabbed her. “Let’s go. You’re coming with me.” He dragged her across the floor as if she were a rag doll.

Annie was on the floor, not moving. Or moaning. Dread filled Chryssie’s heart. Please, God…help her…

Roman dragged Chryssie toward the door. He snarled, “Get moving or I’ll kill you right now.”

He shut the door behind them then hauled her down the steps. If only she could yell, she might be able to get someone to help Annie. But the tape on her mouth kept her silent.

The gun pressed into her side as they walked out into the darkness. He was taking her to her car, not his. With one arm, he held her up against the car so she couldn’t move, then he unlocked the back door and tossed her in. A moment later he was in the driver’s seat and the engine started up. How had he even known which car was hers? He must have been following her for quite a while. He probably hadn’t ever planned to let her live. Where was he taking her and why?

“You might be wondering why I didn’t kill you back there.” He called from the front seat. “I’ve got a plan, you see. This is all going to work out. Just perfectly. For me. But not so much for you. Marv will see that I did the right thing. In the end, he’ll thank me for taking the initiative.”

Chryssie hunted for a weapon. If she could find something, she could hit him over the head. Unfortunately, the back seat was empty.

“They’ll think you killed that cop when they find her dead body in your apartment. But they wouldn’t think that if they found your dead body there at the same time. So, they’re going to find your dead body somewhere else. ’Cause you’ll kill yourself after you’re filled with so much remorse for killing the cop lady. It’s really sad.” He laughed.

The city lights faded and darkness crowded in on her. She managed to sit upright.

“Hey, what are you doing back there?”

Thanks to the tape she couldn’t answer. She simply shook her head—not that he could see her.

“You better not try anything funny. I’ve still got my gun. You might want to enjoy the drive. It’ll be your last.”

Chryssie picked at the tape on her wrists until she was able to pull it away. She wanted to shout in victory. But even though her hands were free, she couldn’t jump out of the car. Yet. Roman was driving way too fast. Of course, jumping out might be preferable to what he had in mind. She moved closer to the door. There would only be one chance. She had to be ready.

He finally pulled off an exit ramp and slowed for the upcoming stop sign. She readied herself for action. This would be her only chance of escape. She didn’t know if she’d succeed but she had to try.

For Gabriella.

The moment the car stopped, she opened the door and jumped. As Chryssie’s feet hit the pavement, she took off down the exit ramp.

It would take him time to turn around and get back to her. Roman screamed curses, but she didn’t slow down. She ripped off the tape from her mouth, sucking in air as she did. At the end of the ramp, she turned left into the traffic flow.

Roman would have to drive back on the highway, then turn the other way to get her. Hopefully, another car would come along before he could do that.

Please, God, let someone come. Before he comes back.

He wouldn’t make the same mistake again. He’d make sure she couldn’t cause him any more problems—he’d make sure she was dead.