Page 164 of Girl Between
“You won’t survive the fall,” he warned.
“Maybe, but I’d rather jump and be in control of my fate!” she yelled.
Amelia let out a muffled gasp, and Dana returned to her side. “I-I don’t want to jump.”
Dana put a finger to the frightened girl’s lips and whispered her plan into her ear. When she finished, she said, “Nod if you understand.”
Amelia nodded.
Letting her head fall back against the wall, Dana sucked in deep breaths trying to gather her strength as they waited.
One, two, three more loud cracks, and the door to the room fractured, part of it falling into the barricade, the remainder swinging open on whining hinges.
Dana held her breath as Monroe’s hulking form stepped into the dark room. She and Amelia remained in the shadows until the last possible moment. Then she gave Amelia the signal.
Slipping behind Monroe while he gazed out the window was easy enough; it was getting past her own barricade that was problematic. Something toppled from the pile and alerted Monroe to their escape. But it didn’t matter, they were already through the door.
Now all they had to do was run.
Dana towed Amelia behind her, knowing they wouldn’t get far. But they didn’t need to outrun Monroe, just outlast him.
She’d known the door to Amelia’s room wouldn’t hold. And letting Monroe box them into the room would only give him more leverage. So, she’d hatched her plan to draw him to the window so they could sneak out of the room.
By now the NOPD and the FBI would have the building surrounded. Dana just needed to find somewhere to hide, biding her time long enough for help to arrive.
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At first,I feel nothing butrage at being outsmarted, but then I let it course through me, fueling me as it always does.
“Clever, Dr. Gray!” I call into the darkness.But not clever enough.
I know the injured woman and blind girl won’t get far. But still, I can’t resist the thrill of the chase. I stalk after them, relishing one last hunt. Following the blood trail almost makes it too easy, but that doesn’t diminish the tremble of excitement flowing through me.
Suddenly, the sound of rushing footsteps echoes through the empty hall, and I can feel my heartbeat quicken with anticipation. It’s always this way; an intoxicating blend of adrenaline and satisfaction. I can never get enough.
I move swiftly, expertly navigating the debris-strewn floor, knowing my prey has few places left to run. I track them to the cavernous central area of the floor. The last renovations gutted this portion, leaving stacks of rotting building materials. I knew the crafty Dr. Gray would be drawn here. It’s the perfect place to hide.
I slowly round the corner and catch a shadow flicker in my peripheral vision. My grin widens. Their attempts to evade me are futile. But I don’t mind. I keep up the ruse of cat and mouse a bit longer. It’s easy to do when I know I’ll be victorious in the end.
Deciding to have a little fun, I pull my concealed firearm. I rarely get to use it. Slowly, I raise the Colt 9mm above my head and squeeze off a warning shot.
As predicted, it startles my prey. “Come out, come out wherever you are,” I sing, taking my time now. I want to savor every delicious moment.
Movement draws my attention to a decaying pallet of drywall. I fire another round, this time purposefully close to my prey. Having the desired effect, my shot drives them right where I want them.
I can hear the sound of labored breathing, mingled with their desperate whispers. Their fear is almost tangible, an electric current that heightens my senses. The path ahead narrows, leading them directly into a dead-end alcove. But they don’t know that. Not yet, anyway.
I fire again, the echo reverberating off the walls, forcing them to alter their path. Their desperation is palpable, their movements frantic and uncoordinated. The scent of fear hangs heavily in the air, a tantalizing aroma that fuels my pursuit.
As I stalk closer, I curse the darkness, wishing to see the panic in their eyes, the realization that there is no way out. They’re both already dead; they just don’t know it yet.
I can’t help but admire Dr. Gray. She could’ve left Amelia. It would’ve given her better odds against me. But the tenacious woman has courage. It’s almost a shame that it has to end this way. But this story demands a conclusion, and I am eager to deliver.
I take another step forward, savoring the sound of my final approach. One more well-aimed shot and I’ll have them cornered.
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Dana miscalculated.Out of room to run she had no choice but to turn and face the deranged killer. Shielding Amelia the best she could, Dana steeled her spine, ready to stand her ground.
