Page 8 of Dark Bastard

Just as she was going to speak, the man fired back, the sound muffled. Half a second later, as he was shooting, he jumped over the couch and crashed into the door. Wood flew, making her duck again. The popping resumed, followed by grunting and a shattering silence.

Her heart almost leaping out of her chest, Ellie peeked above the furniture to see the man hurrying back inside, alone.

“Damn it. One got away. Are you okay?”

On shaking legs, Ellie stood, her eyes on the doorway where she could see a pair of shoes. “Is he dead?”

The neighbor, after scanning her body for injury, turned his back on her and grabbed a backpack. “Not a big loss for humanity. You didn’t answer me. Are you all right?”

Ellie didn’t know what to answer to that, too shaken by what had just happened. “I’m uninjured if it’s what you mean.”

A quick nod was the only sign that indicated he’d heard her. He came to stand in front of her, looking her up and down again. “We need to go. Now.”

That sentence struck hard enough to bring her back to her senses. “I’m not going anywhere with you. You just killed a man!”

“One who wanted nothing more than to kill both of us. I didn’t expect an attack. And your surprise visit was another thing I hadn’t planned for, Ellie.”

How does he know my name?

Again, he cut her off as she opened her mouth. “I should’ve been more careful, but my mind was too preoccupied. And now I’ve put you in danger.”

He caught her elbow and led her onto the landing, where he released her arm. He turned to the dead man, pulling him inside his apartment before closing the door.

Still stunned, Ellie wondered why there wasn’t a trail of blood but didn’t have time to ponder it before the man pushed her into her apartment.

“We don’t have much time. Grab a bag and put your essentials in it. We need to move fast.”

Another thought invaded her mind; even in this crazy situation, where her life was on the line, and her neighbor had obviously killed another man in front of her eyes, she wasn’t afraid of him.

“I’m not doing anything until you tell me what’s going on. Why shouldn’t I call the police on you? Were those attackers? Are you some kind of criminal?”

There, standing in the middle of the apartment, he appeared even more formidable than he was when he’d first opened the door. She had no doubt he could’ve snapped her in two like a twig, but he didn’t. Instead, his hard features softened, even if his gaze was hard as ice. “I’m not a criminal, not in the sense you’re thinking. I’m a soldier. Or was. You were caught in the crossfire, dragged into my nightmare. I’m so sorry. It’s my fault. But I promise that I’ll protect you until I’m sure you’re safe, Ellie. Quick, we should go.”

Again, he said her name and instead of following his order, she took a step forward, impressing herself. She should be cowering away, screaming, and trying to escape, but while her thoughts were in a jumble, her instincts were telling her he was safe. “You know my name, but I’ve never met you.”

Her neighbor seemed more and more restless, looking at the door as if he expected another attack the next minute. “I’ll explain when you’re safe. Please, believe me, pack a bag and let’s go.”

Ellie heard the urgency in his voice, which rang another bell, but instead of answering, she took another step. Eyes locked, she relied on her well-honed patience, the one she used with the people she tried to help, and despite the situation, she needed him to open up, if only a little so she could believe him.

Precious seconds ticked by, where so much was said without words, but still, Ellie waited.

“I didn’t want you to find out this way, or be scared of me or my intentions...”

Ellie sensed that she was about to be knocked off balance, and his next words confirmed her intuition.

“I’m Sam.”

Chapter Five

Sam had facedmany uncomfortable situations in his life, more than he dared to remember, but he’d never felt as much of a jerk as when he’d revealed his identity. How could he justify anything he’d done up to now without sounding like a stalker?

As he scrambled for something logical or reassuring to say, a low rumble came from a distance, redirecting his focus on the impending danger.

Ellie must have heard the same thing as her stunned expression turned to worry, but he was glad that instead of collapsing into a puddle of panic, she lunged to grab her bag, and a few things on her counter before returning to him with obvious fear but grasping at some self-control.

“Do you think it’s them? The people who are after you?”

As they were on the top floor, there was no doubt the second wave of attackers were on their way. “Probably. We might have a few more seconds to spare before they come through your door. We need to go.”

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