After promising her for the last day, Addison was on her way over to Cleo’s place. It hadn’t occurred to her until she got into town that she would be, yet again, coming empty handed. There weren’t any bakeries or grocery stores close, but when she saw the convenience store, she pulled into the parking lot.
A box of donuts or a bag of chips was better than showing up without anything. She walked up to the entrance, eyeing the two motorcycles parked out front. Addison had no way of knowing, but she assumed it was members of the club. She walked in, smiling at the old man behind the counter.
He gave her a sharp stare but then his eyes shifted to the back of the store. Killcreek wasn’t necessarily known for their hospitality. She walked down the aisle, surveying her options. There were plenty but she focused on the pastries.Ohhh, crumb cake.Addison had been so engrossed choosing a dessert, she hadn’t even realized someone was behind her until hands gripped her waist in a tight hold.
What the hell?
Addison spun quickly, but it only brought her face to face with the man. He hadn’t let up on his grip. If anything, it tightened.
“What the hell are you doing?” She pressed her hands against his chest. “Let me go!”
Addison had never seen him before, but he wore a patched leather vest much like the members of Cross’s club.
“Now, where the fuck is the fun in that?”
Her heart raced, and she jerked her head over her shoulder, watching another man approach. His sinister smile told her he wasn’t coming to her rescue.
“What’d ya find, brother?”
“A little sweet treat. Don’t worry” —he leaned closer, his breath reeking of beer and cigarettes— “I’ll share.”
Was this seriously happening in broad daylight in the middle of the store? Where was the cashier? Surely he could see what was happening. Addison continued to struggle against his hold, punching on his chest. Large hands wrapped around her wrists, yanking them behind her back. They now had her sandwiched between them and completely helpless.
“Where are we taking this?”
“Bathroom in the back.”
Addison gasped, swinging her leg as a last-ditch effort.
“Let her go!”
Addison leaned an inch forward. The old man was standing at the end of the aisle, his shotgun aimed at them.
“You pulling a gun on us?”
“So it seems.” He cocked one side of the double barrel. “Won’t use it if you get the fuck outta here.”
The man behind her laughed, turning while releasing her hands. The other man loosened his grip but still had a hold around her waist with his arm. He moved his vest to the side, exposing a gun in his waistband.Oh shit.Everyone was armed.Except me.
“Think you can get us both, old man?”
“I can get at least one of you. And if the other shoots me and her dead, it’ll only be a matter of time before you’re caught. Got cameras everywhere in this place. It streams over to Cypher, who monitors it. Killcreek ain’t gonna be happy with you coming in here and killing me. I’m a personal friend.”
Addison felt the man release her, and she quickly retreated behind them several feet.
“I ain’t gonna ask you to leave again.” The old guy smirked. “I’m just gonna start shooting.”
Addison gasped and ducked into the next aisle. It would hopefully keep her safe from a stray bullet. She crouched down and tucked her head.
Seconds passed until she heard boots on the floor. It sounded like they were walking toward the front door. When she heard the bell jingle, she drew in a breath and peeked up. The owner was standing at the end of the aisle with the gun at his side, staring out the front windows.
She waited until she heard the bikes engines rumbling, and she slowly stood. The old man glanced over, showing zero sympathy, scowling at her.
“Thank you.”
“Find somewhere else to shop.”
Gladly!She rushed out the door almost slamming into the small woman entering the store. Addison held up her hands, “Sorry.”
