Page 66 of King of Pain

But I’m too slow. Or this was his plan all along. Because the hood slams down on my head and the world goes black…

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Kate

The soundof a loud metal bang makes me lift my head.

Dropping the sponge, I head to the living room. The view out the window makes my blood run cold.

It’s Gorilla and he’s got Luke trapped.

Spinning, I race to the bedroom and throw open the closet door. I know Mark keeps a shotgun in here.

Sure enough, it’s there. Next to it is a box of cartridges.

I haven’t fired this gun, or any gun, in years, but I remember the basics as I release the lever and break open the barrel, stuffing two shells in before I close it up. Starting down the hall, I switch off the safety.

That’s when I hear the hood of the truck slam again. My hands shaking, I push open the screen door just in time to see Gorilla come around the truck.

My heart nearly stops when I see Luke on the ground.

Gorilla sees me too and stops. “Ciao, bellissima.”

I don’t respond as I lift the shotgun and wrap my finger around the trigger. I don’t think, I just pull.

Gorilla dives behind the truck but I see his body jerk and I think I hit him somewhere. But I don’t drop the gun.

I’ve got another shot.

And I doubt this is over.

I’m shaking as I scan the yard. I don’t want to leave the porch. I’m covered on at least one side with the house behind me. If I leave its safety, I give him a chance to get behind me.

Then again, I haven’t seen a single movement since the first shot.

Is he dead behind the truck? Did I just kill a man?

A little sob catches in my throat.

I’m a doctor. Almost. I save lives…

But that’s when I see him. Crouched low, he’s almost reached the woods toward the road.

I gasp in a breath again as I aim the gun. But before I can squeeze off another shot, he’s gone. Disappearing into the woods.

I race down the stairs to Luke. Setting down the gun, I’m relieved when I touch him and he’s still warm.

Taking a deep breath, I check for a pulse, it’s there and strong. I don’t see any visible injuries, but I quickly run my hands over him, checking for contusions or broken bones, but it’s just a quick scan.

Grabbing the gun, I get up. I hold it out as I slowly spin, making sure Gorilla hasn’t doubled back.

I don’t see him, but I do see the trail of blood. I choke as I race back up the steps and into the house, grabbing the phone.

I’m back outside in a second, sliding to the ground next to Luke, the gun still in my hand.

I need help.

Picking up, I call the last number on the call list.

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