Page 40 of Fear of Flames
Fletch’s eyes opened wide. “You did?”
She shrugged. “Dad gave it to me. I decided it was important.” She lifted one of her bags and unzipped the zipper. Clothes and items spilled onto the bed. “I’m not certain which bag it’s in. Besides, as long as you’re here, I won’t need it.”
“I’m going out for supplies.”
Her heartbeat quickened. “Dad taught me to shoot a rifle in a field with clay pigeons. He took me to the shooting range to learn how to safely handle my Sig Sauer. I’ve never shot at a person.”
“I’d like to get some sleep. Let me show you this gun and you can look for yours later. If you have to use this, it will be to save your life.” Fletch came closer, placed the Glock in Michelle’s hand. “You’re experienced. I’ll just show you the ins and outs of the Glock. It’s not complicated.”
For the next few minutes, Fletch explained the parts of the pistol, the way to load and unload the magazine, and how to depress the trigger safety. His instructions were thorough and patient. They also sparked memories of her dad’s lessons years ago and more recently, the lady on the YouTube video.
At the end of their lesson, Michelle was only ninety percent as scared as she’d been at the beginning. The fear wasn’t necessarily of the handgun but of being alone. Which was crazy. She hated sounding needy, but she still asked, “How long will you be gone?” Michelle carefully laid the gun on the TV stand.
“Not long. I told the front office I wasn’t to be disturbed. Keep the door locked, and don’t open it for anyone but me. I’ll have the key, but I recommend you lock the deadbolt while I’m gone.”
Michelle eyed the pistol and looked back at Fletch. “Please hurry.”
He came closer and reached for her shoulders. “You’ve got this, Shelly. Most likely, you won’t need to use that. I don’t want to leave you without some protection.” He glanced at the open carry-on cases. “And it could be months before you straighten all of that out.”
Pressing her lips together, she shook her head.
Fletch pulled the stocking cap from her head. Michelle’s fiery hair fell from captivity, cascading over her shoulders. He ran a lock between his thumb and finger. “The first time I saw you in person, I couldn’t look away from your hair. You were so vibrant, full of life.” He inhaled. “I want to keep you that way.”
“Alive is good.”
“I’ll be back with food and water.” Surprisingly, he placed a kiss on the top of her head.
As Fletch headed toward the door, Michelle asked, “Is it really this dangerous? Do you think they’re coming after me?”
“After what happened last night—yes, it’s dangerous. Until you’re where I know they can’t find you, we aren’t taking any chances.”
Michelle followed behind him. Once the door closed, she turned the knob to engage the deadbolt and leaned her forehead against the cool metal door.
“How can this be my life?” she asked in a whisper.
Under the spray of the shower, she studied her wrists, now a deeper purple from the attacker’s grip. There were tender bruises on her thighs, and her lips were still sore. Michelle couldn’t help wondering what would have happened if Fletch hadn’t been watching.
She would have had to pull the trigger.
As she shampooed and conditioned her hair, she inventoried everything that had been taken from her over the last few days.
Her father.
Her home.
Her safety.
The life she knew.
At 9:40 in the morning, she was dressed in sleeping pants and a t-shirt with her wet hair combed out. Sitting cross-legged on the bed she opened her mother’s locket and stared down at the small photos. The one of her parents curled slightly at the edge. Michelle pressed it down with the realization it was her only photo of her parents. Swallowing her emotions, Michelle latched the locket, slipping the necklace over her head and began going through her luggage.
She had her things in a semi-state of organization when her cocoon shattered at the distinct rattling of the doorknob.
Peering out from the edge of the curtain, she saw in the parking spot that had held the sedan was a dusty black truck. The knob rattled again.
Steeling her shoulders, she went to the TV stand and picked up the Glock.
Chapter
