Page 39 of Vegas Daddies

Why, though?

I didn’t upset anyone…did I?

No.

But Mom didn’t either and look what happened to her.

“Did you know Las Vegas is one of the most dangerous US cities?”

Could I be one of this month’s three hundred missing people?

I check my rearview mirror each time I descend a level—all clear.

Exiting the garage, I slam on the gas and run a red light to get myself the fuck away from the hospital. I cruise at nearly sixty miles an hour, hands unable to get a firm hold of the steering wheel. He choked me. Almost dragged me somewhere.

I got away.

But what if he returns?

I didn’t even get a look at the person to report to the police.

He was in full black, a balaclava pulled tight over his head. I couldn’t even see his hair. The color of his eyes. The steady inhale and exhale of his breath was all I managed to take away from the experience, and a reminder that shitreallydoes go down in Las Vegas. Terrible shit done by balaclava-wearing-boys. If a member of the Russian Bratva killed Mom years ago and came away unscathed, what other unspeakable things are people in this city getting away with?

10

LIFESAVER

“Alice?”I fly out of the double doors, the phone wedged between shoulder and ear. “What’s going on? Speak to me.”

“I’m fine.” The heavy breathing would suggest otherwise. “I’m just…in shock. And I’m sorry. It didn’t even cross my mind that you’d be working.”

“Hestrangledyou?” Just saying the words boils my blood.

“Yeah, but not for long, and it wasn’t that bad, but he almost…”

“Almost what?” I press. “Alice?”

“I dunno. He was taking me somewhere.”

“Where?”

“Into his car maybe? I dunno. Honestly, I’m sorry I called. I just needed to?—”

“Never apologize. I’m not having a conversation again with you about apologizing.” I wipe my wrist over my forehead to erase the sudden breakout of sweat. “Where are you? Somewhere safe?”

“Yeah,” she says. “Just parked up at a Target.”

“That’s not a safe location.”

“I panicked and didn’t want to drive home in case?—”

“Come back to the hospital. Park in the ER, and as close to the entrance as you can get. I’ll register your car. Go straight in and ask for me at reception.”

“Alright. I’ll speak to you soon.” The line goes dead.

Jesus fucking Christ. Alice ringing me up and telling me she’s just been attacked is more emergency than the resus patient paramedics just brought in.

I think I’ll need compressions next.

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