Page 113 of Finish Line

As I walk down the hall, I read the numbers on the other doors and stop outside five-ten.

My hand lifts, but I hesitate to knock. I’m afraid of what I’ll find behind the door.

Before I can bolster my courage, a high-pitched scream comes from inside, followed by a shouted, “No!”

I grab my gun, then glance at Shelby, who pulls out her knife. I kick the door in when the next scream happens.

The first room we enter is bare. A couch covered with a sheet sits against one wall. I keep my gun low and ready as I continue to move forward. Another room off to the side must be the bedroom.

Leading the way, I head toward the commotion. I stop when a figure moves in the dimness of the bedroom. A woman holds someone behind her. Another moment passes before the figure exits the doorway, moving into the light of the main living area.

Lea.

She squints at us. “Luke? What the hell?”

“Lea, are you safe?” I scan the area with my eyes and gun.

The person, a toddler boy who Lea shoved behind her back, runs out. I lower my gun, pointing the muzzle at the floor.

The kid freezes, eyes wide.

“Mommy?” He sounds unsure of what is happening.

“Luke, put that damn gun away,” she says through her teeth.

Ashamed, I put my gun back in my jeans. “We heard screaming.”

“So, you thought you needed to bust my door down to save me?” She waves at the door. “And when did you start carrying a gun?”

I rub the back of my neck. “Um, yeah. Sorry.”

Shelby snorts.

I walk over to the door, examining the damaged frame that needs a new lock.

“Hi, I’m Shelby, Luke’s girlfriend.” Shelby waves from where she stands.

“Hi, I’m Lea, Luke’s sister,” she says. “That scream you heard was Carter and me playing. Let me put some toys down for him, and we can talk.”

“His name is Carter?” Shelby ruffles his hair.

“Yes. I’ll be back.” She picks Carter up and takes him farther into the living room, sitting him on the rug.

She grabs some toys and places them in front of him. “Now, you be a good boy while mommy talks with them, okay?”

He gazes up at her with the most loving, innocent smile.

“Carter is my dad’s middle name,” I explain to Shelby.

“He’s cute,” she says, a soft smile on her face.

“I screwed up, didn’t I?” I stare at Carter.

She touches my arm, drawing my attention to her. “We thought she was in trouble.”

“Which I wasn’t.” Lea moves toward us. “Why don’t you two have a seat and tell me what you are doing here?” She gestures to the couch.

We go to sit down on the couch when I notice she plans to sit on the floor. “Take the couch, Lea. I’ll sit on the floor.”

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