Page 74 of Coach
Okay.
Alright.
What was my best bet here? To bolt out of the alley and run down the street until I was out of sight? Or should I walk casually, like I’d never seen or heard anything? Like I was just taking a walk at night?
I’d just about decided to book it and was sucking in a breath to do just that.
But just then, the front door of the pool hall pulled open and two darkened figures made their way out.
The smaller form—Irina—turned back to make sure the door was fully closed. Because heaven forbid anyone steal from the hall after she stole from it.
I watched as after the two of them climbed casually into a car and slowly peeled away from the curb.
Like nothing at all had happened.
I watched as the car did a K-turn and then made its way out of town.
My gaze stayed focused on the taillights until I was sure there was no way they could turn back and see me.
Only then did I slide out between the buildings, focusing on my breath as I made my way down the street, keeping myself at a casual pace. Not because I didn’t want to run, but because my legs felt shaky and unsteady as I forced them to keep carrying me.
It was going to befine.
I just had to get home, get behind a locked door, sit with my thoughts, and try to figure out what my next move was.
Did I tell my bosses?
No.
I mean, no, right?
I couldn’t turn in Irina, knowing full well that they wanted to torture and kill the person who was stealing from them.
But how could I keep going to work, keep taking orders from the person who was stealing from the company?
I’d just walked past the house across the street from mine, too lost in my thoughts to notice the out-of-place car in the driveway until it was too late.
One hand slapped down over my mouth.
Another arm cinched around my waist, pulling tight enough that I couldn’t breathe.
Before I could even think to try to fight, I was off my feet, pedaling at the air.
I saw the open trunk.
I saw it getting closer.
I felt the hard metal of the car against my legs, then the scratchy carpet on my arms and face as I was shoved inside.
I tried to push up, but hit my head.
When I tried again, I only managed to create the space for my attacker to wrap a gag around my mouth.
No.
Not just a gag.
Aballgag.
