Page 75 of Rescuing You

Michael fired, but Keffiyeh ducked just in time.

Baldie went down.

Good shot, Splat.

Keffiyeh bolted behind the van, and Michael lost his shot. He couldn’t see what was happening, but more gunshots were coming, loud and fast, echoing off the brick walls.

The kid yanked the women in front of him and moved toward the cargo doors, using them as a shield. Except he was a foot taller than they were.

Michael took aim…

The kid crouched low. He must’ve been armed and breathing threats because the women made no attempt to run.

The driver’s side door opened.

Michael caught the glint of a gun and ducked behind the building.

A gunshot cracked, the bullet so close Michael was sure he’d felt a breeze.

From the far end of the alley, the gunshots continued. Keffiyeh and Splat battling it out.

Michael dropped low and prayed for a good shot.

But the kid forced the women around the back of the van and out of sight.

Two more men showed themselves. One in the passenger seat, barely visible above the dash.

Another dropped to the asphalt behind the driver’s door, scanning for threats. He didn’t see Michael in the shadow so low to the ground.

Michael aimed at the man’s shin. Fired.

The driver screamed and went down.

As soon as he did, Michael aimed at his head and took him out. Because a shattered leg didn’t keep a person from firing a weapon.

The engine started and the van barreled forward.

Michael shot out a front tire and scrambled to his feet.

The van jerked but righted itself and kept coming.

Another gunshot, and another tire was gone.

Splat, thank God! Did that mean Keffiyeh was down?

Splat was coming toward him, limping into the alley, alive and conscious, though he looked like he was about to collapse.

Michael stayed out of sight, waiting for the driver to show himself.

When the man’s forehead popped above the dash, Michael aimed.

Fired.

The van slowed, and Michael bolted toward the driver’s seat. He opened the door, ducked below the window as another man fired.

Inside, a scream.

A stream of obscenities floated into the night.