Page 68 of Shadow

“Baby, turn down F Street!” Shadow yelled. “I’m coming!”

“Oh God,” I gasped when I looked in my rearview mirror as the truck sped up and hit me hard again, jolting my car, pushing me forward.

Seeing a red light ahead, I slammed on the brakes, but it did no good. My little car was no match for the big black truck. “He’s pushing me into traffic!”

“Floor it!”

Doing as he said, I stepped on the gas and slammed my hand down on the horn, alerting the on-coming traffic. God, I hoped they realized something was wrong and stopped. I really didn’t want to get into an accident today and cause someone any pain.

Speeding through the intersection, I saw F street up ahead. Not bothering with my turn signal, I slowed just enough to make the turn safely. Turning the wheel of my car left, my wheels screeched against the pavement as I tried to correct my turn without flipping my car. Looking behind me, I saw that the truck slammed on its brakes, almost taking out another vehicle.

Racing past the quarry, I snuck a peek in my rearview mirror and saw the big black truck speeding to catch up with me.

“He’s still behind me!” I shouted.

“We’re passing the mall, baby. We’re almost to you. Don’t stop. Just keep driving.”

“There’s a major intersection coming up on 11th Street,Shadow.”

“Don’t stop!” he yelled. “You hear me, Angel. You keep your foot on the gas pedal!”

I nodded and did just that when I saw the intersection up ahead.

Oh shit.

The light was red.

Cross traffic was already moving.

I didn’t have a choice.

I was going to have to stop.

Glass shattered as something stung my shoulder. The sound had me ducking in my seat as I screamed, “He’s shooting at me! Oh God Zeke. He going to kill me!”

With no other choice, I pressed the gas pedal to the floor and held on tight as I raced for the intersection. The second I crossed the line, an on-coming car hit my driver’s side front bumper, spinning me around as a vehicle in the opposite direction slammed on their brakes, but nothing was going to stop them from hitting me. Turning, all I saw were headlights coming right at me and I braced for impact.

The collision was loud as it rattled my head and body. The sounds of crunching metal and screeching tires surrounded me.

As quickly as it happened, everything stopped.

Holding onto the wheel for dear life, I took stock of my situation. I was still breathing. I didn’t feel any pain, but I knew that could just be my adrenaline pumping.

“Angel!” I heard Shadow shout.

I wanted to tell him I was okay, but I couldn’t form the words.

“Fuck! The door’s jammed!”

“Baby, hang on. Don’t move.”

“Move, Shadow.”

The car jerked to the side and I winced.

Was the truck back?

Was it here to finish the job?

---