Page 97 of Bossy Hero

Forcing my eyes open, I see Alan holding a gun, extending it toward the parking lot. Somewhere in the commotion, he must have retrieved his handgun and started firing back.

He’s. Firing. Back.

Oh my god. Someone is shooting at us.

My eyes snap shut of their own accord, and I fold myself into a tighter ball as terror seizes my entire being.

A burning sensation in my upper arm tries to break through my panic. But I can’t focus on anything other than the ringing in my ears and pounding heartbeat.

And fear for my life.

It’s a feeling I know all too well, but I hoped it was behind me.

“Call the police!” another voice yells.

Or is that the same voice?

The pain in my arm becomes so intense I can no longer ignore it. A groan escapes me, but I press my lips closed so another doesn’t break free.

Be quiet. Hide.

“Babe, are you okay?” a male says from far away. “Son of a bitch!”

Stay quiet. Hide. It’s safer.

The gunshots have stopped.

There’s no more glass breaking.

But I stay curled up, pretending this is all one of my nightmares. It’s nothing more. Everything is fine.

Any minute, my alarm will go off, and I’ll get ready for work. Same as always.

It’s cold.

Instead of my morning alarm, police sirens blast.

“Maddie, babe, look at me. Open your eyes,” a voice urges.

I cover my ears harder, shaking my head.

You must hide.

A feminine voice says, “I think she’s in shock.”

There’s a beeping sound.

“Dispatch, we need a 10-71 for a GSW.”

“Maddie, babe, can you talk to me?”

Just hide.

He’ll go away if you don’t fight. He always does.

Chapter16

You dropped a bomb on me

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