AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Harold reached for the gun at his waist, and she screamed. Thorn surged forward, taking advantage of Harold’s momentary distraction, and yanked Harold off his feet before he could get his gun free. He held him by the scruff of his neck, Harold kicking and flailing helplessly as he tried to escape Thorn’s grip.
“Promise,” he snarled, lifting Harold higher in the air.
“Fine, fine. I promise,” Harold said breathlessly.
“I don’t believe you.”
“What do you want me to say? She’s free to go? Fine. She’s free to leave.”
Despite the words, his eyes promised revenge.
“I think that’s enough,” she said quietly, and Thorn nodded.
“It will have to be, but remember this, human: I will know if you try to come after her and I will return.”
Thorn yanked the gun out of Harold’s holster and tossed it towards the water. They all heard the splash as it hit. Then he shoved Harold into the azalea bushes that lined the path. Before Harold could regain his footing, Thorn pulled her back under the tree and into the comforting embrace of the mist.
“Where the hell are you, you little bitch? This ain’t over. Those things ain’t gonna protect you forever.”
Harold swore as he tripped over something, and she had to bite back a hysterical laugh, praying that they hadn’t just made things worse.
Jimmy joined them a moment later. Unlike Harold, he didn’t seem to have any problem with visibility, moving silently through the mist.
“Did you find the records?” she whispered urgently.
“Yep. You were right. The hidden drawer at the back of the left side of his desk.”
She breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that she’d known about the drawer. Harold had slapped her when she walked in on him putting something there. Ironically, if he hadn’t reacted so harshly, she would never have guessed that it was important.
“Did you get him on tape?” Jimmy added.
“Yes, although he didn’t say much. But combined with the records…”
“And this.”
Marsh appeared out of the mist, immediately wrapping his arms around her as she shuddered with relief. He kept one arm around her as he showed them a vial.
“Do you think it’s enough?”
“It should be. Since I don’t believe he’s completely stupid, I also erected a wall of thorns around the lab - just in case he tries to move it tonight. Only one more thing to do.”
“Are you sure about this?” she asked anxiously.
“Yes. I don’t know if the sheriff is on his payroll, or just too scared to do anything. We have to go outside of town.” He hugged her again. “Jimmy reminded me that not everyone immediately assumes Others are evil. I’ll be fine. Thorn will take you home and I’ll meet you there as soon as I can.”
“All right, but please hurry.”
“I will,” he promised. “Come on, Jimmy.”
The two of them disappeared into the mist again, leaving her alone with Thorn who had his head tilted, listening.
“He’s calling in reinforcements. We should go.”
“Happily.”
She let him lead her through the mist and back down to the dock. He stepped into the boat, then turned to give her a hand. He stiffened just as she felt the knife at her throat.
“Hello again, Rorie. Remember me?”
