Page 47 of Callow

There was no ladder down to the other balconies. And a fall… God, a fall or jump could be deadly, right?

“Baby, it’s okay. The police will be there in two minutes,” I assured her, even though I had no idea.

Callow was already in the kayak, waiting for me to climb in as well.

I rushed toward the edge of the water, slipping a leg in, but I wasn’t focused enough.

I went down into the shallow water, falling with one leg in the kayak and one out, soaking my whole front.

Callow’s hands shot out, grabbing me, and dragging me into the kayak.

“What’s happening?” I asked my eerily silent daughter.

“They’re… they’re trying to open the door,” she said, voice tight. “I’m not strong enough,” she whimpered.

“Baby,scream,” I demanded.

I knew the statistics said no one came when you screamed. But what other choice did she have? Maybe if someone came out to check things out, the guys would spook and run off.

I knew I told her to do it, but the sound of your kid screaming bloody murder still made a mom’s heart shatter.

“No,” she cried.

“What?” I asked.

“He has a gun,” she said. “He’s… oh!” she shrieked as I heard a loud pop.

“Is he shooting at you?” I asked, voice strangled.

“Yes. I… I have to get off of here,” she said.

There was another pop.

A slam.

Then… nothing.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Callow

Sabrina was in shock.

She was practically catatonic in front of me in the kayak as I paddled as hard and fast as my body would allow back across the bay.

I only got snippets of what was happening.

But there were men involved.

Ones with guns.

Who were actively shooting at Sabrina’s teenage daughter.

That was enough to make any parent’s heart fucking stop.

We hit the sand on the bay with a jolt, and I rushed out of the kayak, grabbing Sabrina and dragging her out.

I didn’t get shit but her purse out of it.

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