Page 22 of Shadow Obsession

“I thought you were going to meet us at Walmart?” Leia asked.

The blonde sat down. “Thorn’s in a meeting with Brim, so I thought I’d meet up sooner.” She looked at Vivi and smiled. “Hi, I’m Chase.”

“I’m Vivi. Nice to meet you.”

“Not sure if you heard, but Vivi was just rescued from being kidnapped. Each one of us has had a terrible journey,” Leia murmured.

“Were you kidnapped too?” Vivi asked Chase.

Chase looked around and pitched her voice low. “My uncle killed my father, then tried to kill me. Thorn saved me.”

With each word, Vivi’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh. That’s horrible. I’m sorry about your dad, but I’m glad Thorn rescued you.”

“Thanks,” Chase said softly.

“Geez,” Vivi said, shaking her head. “You can only say ‘what the fuck’ so many times until you just decide to start drinking, you know? It’s like we’re in our own club. Oh! That’s a great idea! Give me some time and I’ll think up a name. Lincoln’s gonna love this!”

****

Lincoln focused on the punching bag, hitting it hard in an effort to alleviate the migraine. Taking up his stance, he began the dance. Jab, duck, weave. Keeping his focus on the bag as it swung back toward him. Careful with his balance and footwork. One, two, punch combo. Jab, duck, weave. Less power, better breathing, and the world fell away. The pounding in his head dissipated with each connection to the leather bag.

His gaze never strayed, at least not until Ghost waved at him, catching his attention. He paused, grabbing hold of the bag.

“Can you spot me?” Ghost asked.

“Uh, I guess so.” He quickly unwrapped the tape on his knuckles. Once again, the bag had made the pain go away.

For the next hour he and Ghost worked through the weight room, spotting each other. After the last rep of squats, Lincon stopped to guzzle a bottled water.

“Another set?” he asked.

Ghost shook his head. “Nah, I think I’m going to cool down. You?”

Lincoln shook his head. “I’m good.”

At that moment, he heard his name in a singsong tone. At least he thought he heard it. Turning, he waited, and a moment later, Vivi came barreling into the gym. A little whirling dervish with a bright smile that lit up her face. He’d never met anyone like her before.

“I’m glad I found you,” she said as she came to a skidding stop. “First, I’ve got to say that Leia, Chase, and I are forming our own club. Survivors United. No, that’s a terrible name. The Mighty Three? Ug. Even worse. Never mind. I’ll think of something.” She held up a napkin. “In the meantime, I’ve made a list of what I want to learn, so if I’m ever kidnapped again, I’ll be able to save myself.”

Lincoln held out his hand. “All right. Let me see.” Vivi placed the napkin in his palm. He read it through. “Lock picking.”

“That would’ve been very handy. I could’ve snuck out in the dead of night. Continue.”

“How to hit someone with a chair and make it count.” He frowned. “I’m not sure if this is that important. You’re like a hundred pounds soaking wet.”

“Your point?”

“My point is the chair will weigh as much as you. You’ll pick it up and fall backward because you’re top heavy.” He read the last one. “Badass ninja shit.”

She got in a karate pose, blade hands up in a defensive posture.

He had to bite his lips to keep from smiling. “I hate to break it to you, but I’m not a ninja.”

Disappointment lit up her eyes, and she dropped her hands to stand straight. “That’s unfortunate. Now I’ve got to find one.”

“How about simple yet effective self-defense?”

“Like karate? Boxing? Punching?”

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