AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It wasn’t long before I was cursing it, though, as I walked back to my apartment building, finding Frida waiting for me.
“One minute, girl,” I said, patting her head. “We have to get your water,” I told her, going for a bottle I kept in the fridge that screwed into this thing that would dispense water for her. “And your little stickies,” I added, meaning the little heat-resistant stickers I placed on her pads on hot days, not wanting her to burn her feet on the pavement, but knowing from experience that actual booties were not an option.
“And a hat for me,” I said, grabbing the only hat I owned, one with a wide brim and an open top, so my head didn’t sweat as I shielded some of the sun off of my face. “It’s bad out there,” I told her as I applied the stickies to her feet, then slid on her slip lead, attached her water to my belt, so I could carry my own, then made our way out.
I was halfway out of the front door when I saw them.
Saw him.
A car was parked just past the apartment building, and I watched the bald head as he climbed out of the car.
He wasn’t the only bald man in Miami, so there was no reason for my palms to start sweating the second I saw the sun reflect off of his light skin.
But then I saw the tattoo on the side of his neck when he turned to look at something across the street.
Red and black.
Panic shot its little electrical currents through my body, making me tighten Frida’s leash in my hand as I suddenly turned directions, rushing toward the side of the building where I would be out of sight.
It didn’t feel like enough, though.
What if they’d seen me?
What if they were following?
I didn’t stop to try to rationalize my way through it.
I just broke into a run.
I likely looked like one of those other people—who I personally thought were lunatics—who went on runs with their dogs, even in the worst heat and humidity of the summer. Not like a woman running for her life.
If someone was looking closely, they might catch the way Frida kept glancing over at me, confusion clear in her face, her expression practically screamingMom, what the hell?
I went down side streets, putting as much distance between us and the bad guys as possible.
Only when we were twenty minutes away with no sign of them, did I finally stop, leaning forward, hands on my knees, gasping for breath.
Frida’s tongue was hanging out, her chest heaving.
“Sorry,” I gasped, feeling the sweat pouring down my face from the bent position.
Neither Frida nor I were runners.
She seemed to be faring better than I was, with my burning face and lungs that felt like they were on fire.
“Here… baby…” I panted, unclipping her water bottle, and dispensing some into the cup for her to lap up.
I let her have her fill before reaching for my own bottle, gulping until it was gone.
“Okay. Alright,” I said, trying to calm myself down.
We were okay.
Safe.
In an area full of people and businesses.
If they came for us, someone would be around to help. Or to call for help.
