Page 87 of Shattering Nash

“I can’t,” she croaked from the tight grip on her neck. “I don’t have a number. He calls me, and it’s from an unknown number.”

Zeke scoffed. “Of course it is.”

He stared down at her. “Well this sucks for you, then. ’Cause you ain’t leaving my side until they call.”

What?

“Zeke, I promise as soon as he calls me, I’ll get whatever information you need. Just give a few days.”

“Are you fucking crazy? We don’t have a few days. I need my shit that Cody was holding at your house. It’s not fucking mine. If my guy doesn’t get the cash or the missing product, they’ll fucking kill me. And you! Already gave him your fucking name. And I reached out to Killcreek and told Ace all about you covering for Cody and being the last person holding the stash that you’re hiding at the apartment. You got a lot of fucking balls keeping that shit at Inez’s. And if that ain’t bad enough, what doyou think they’ll do when they find out Cody is an informant, huh? What do you think Inez will do?”

Inez?Charley was beyond confused and couldn’t make sense out of anything Zeke was saying. One thing was clear, she was in more danger than she’d imagined. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

“You’re coming with me as collateral, and I’m doing you a favor. Fucking safer ’cause when Inez finds out she’s got an informant living at her place, you’ll never see fucking daylight again. And they’ll never find your body.” Zeke’s mouth twisted in a sinister smile as he looked down her body. “And you can bet I’ll be collecting on this favor. I’ll find something for us to do while we wait it out at my place.”

Oh God!A million scenarios raced through her mind and none of them were good. She had to get away from him. Unfortunately, she wasn’t in a position to defend herself. Her only weapon was her phone and her keys.

Keys.When she started working for Elodie, her boss insisted every woman working attached a bottle of mace to their keyrings. It was an extra precaution since they closed after dark. Charley had done what she’s been told but hadn’t considered ever finding use for it.

Thanks, Elle.

Charley had to act fast before he got her into his car. She slowly reached around her back to her pocket and gingerly pulled out the keys. She spun the mace between her fingers and lined her index finger on the pump. She’d only have one shot and if she missed, Charley was screwed.

Her heart beat heavy and fast as Zeke approached, reaching out for her arm. Charley lifted her foot, kicking him in the crotch. He hadn’t seen it coming and bent forward, cupping his groin and belting out an agonizing groan.

“You fucking bitch!” He blindly swatted, lifting his head, his eyes blazing.

Charley aimed directly at his eyes and pressed down. She hadn’t missed. He immediately dropped to the ground covering his face but not before he was able to swipe the keys from her hands. Without them she had no access to the store. Charley wasn’t willing to fight him for the keys, especially when he rolled over and got to his knees. She wasn’t sure how long she had and wasn’t willing to take her chances.

Charley started running through the parking lot and down the side street. She wasn’t even sure where she was going. She just ran. Her breath was so heavy, her heart started to ache, and she was forced to slow down, but she refused to stop.

She rounded the next street, and from the corner of her eyes she recognized a familiar house.

Penny.

Charley darted across the street and up the walkway and stairs. She rang the bell but didn’t wait for a response and started beating on the door. “Penny, It’s Charley!”

She looked behind her and ducked under the railing when she saw lights shining from down the road.

“Charley?”

She slowly looked up, scanning the door. It was still closed but she noticed a camera near the doorbell. Charley positioned her face in front of the camera.

“Can I come in?”

Please.

“I’m not home. What’s wrong?”

“Um…” She looked back at the road, unsure of how much she should divulge to Penny. The woman had helped her out once before, but she didn’t really know her well.

“Charley,” Penny snapped, and she spun around and widened her eyes. “The door code is 6-4-7-9. Get in the house, lock the doors, and call me.”

Charley nodded and did as instructed. She barely turned the lock closed when her phone rang and Penny’s name appeared on her screen. Charley answered immediately.

“Thank you so much, I just…”

“What the hell is going on? Are you in trouble?”

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