Page 5 of Garr

“Macie, I love you…” The line went dead, and the others stared at him as they sped from the property.

“Hold on, brother. We’re going to get your girl.”

CHAPTER THREE

Macie was having a terrible time trying to find something for Garr. They hadn’t said anything about being exclusive, not officially anyway, or even about the level of gift giving that might occur. Were they buying gifts knowing they were a couple? Or was this going to be more of the ‘friend-zone’ Christmas gifts for one another. But if he wasn’t going to make a move, she would have to do it for both of them. Hell, they barely found time to be alone for kisses with everyone around them for the holidays.

He wasn’t exactly a sweater guy. More of a sweatshirt and jeans guy. She’d never seen him with a wallet. Did he have a wallet? Surely, he had a wallet. Grooming items were always good.

But that seemed impersonal. She wanted something that spoke to their relationship, whatever that was. Friendship, but more.

“Can I help you find something?” asked the salesperson.

“Oh, I don’t know. Honestly, I’m not sure what to get him. He’s not a guy that wants much, and he’s kind of traditional with his clothing.”

“What about jewelry?” she asked.

“Oh. Never. He wears a watch, and that’s about it.”

“Wow, he is tough, isn’t he? Well, we have some great men’s skincare and fragrance lines.”

“That seems very personal. We’re only just now dating or seeing one another.”

“How long have you known him?” she asked.

“All my life,” laughed Macie.

Suddenly, people were running by the store, and there were screams coming from behind them.

“What in the world?” she whispered.

Then she heard it. She heard the sounds of gunfire and ran to the front of the store, poking her head out. Hearing the sounds again, she took off out of the store. If she could reach the exit, she could make it across the street and to her car. But the gunfire was getting closer, not further away.

Seeing the pretzel shop, she jumped the counter and slid to the floor. Frantic, she searched for something to use if she had to defend herself. What in the hell could she defend herself with from a pretzel shop? Then she realized she needed to hide, but blocking the storage room was the clerk, shot dead.

“How? How did they shoot him?” she asked herself, dialing the last number she’d called. She prayed that he would pick up. What if he were busy? She’d call her father. That’s what she would do. “God. God, I need help.”

“Macie! Hi,” said Garr in a happy voice. She couldn’t collect her thoughts, whispering his name and ‘help.’ “Macie?”

“G-Garr,” she said breathlessly.

“Macie, what’s wrong?” he said, standing and heading toward his truck. He just knew that he’d be driving somewhere fast.

“Garr, there’s a shooter in the mall. I came for some last-minute shopping. There’s a shooter.”

“Where, honey? Where are you?” he asked.

“Canal shops,” she whispered. “I’m hiding in the pretzel shop. I can hear him. I hear him moving this way, Garr.”

“Stay where you are. Is there a refrigerator or storage locker you can get to?” he asked, feeling panicked. He waved a hand at a few guys, signaling that there was a problem, and it was urgent. They came running.

“There’s a storage room, but there’s a dead man blocking it. There’s so much blood, Garr. I’m scared.”

“I know you are, honey. I know you are. We’re on our way.”

“Oh, God. Oh, God, Garr, there are more. I hear more guns. It’s not just one. There are at least three that sound different.”

“Macie, hide. Find a place to hide and stay there. Activate your trackers, and don’t fucking move, honey. I’m on my way.”

---