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“We’re totally safe in here, do you understand?” I reiterate forcefully. “We’re fine.”
The woman I love blinks, and then nods again slowly.
“Yes of course, Caleb. I trust you.”
With those words, I pull Lori to her feet and hold her tight against my chest. I only hope those words weren’t spoken in vain because I’d give my life to ensure the safety of the woman I love.
9
Lori
I pull away from Caleb’s embrace, grateful for the comfort but still reeling from all that has happened today.
From unexpected pregnancy to gunfight, I muse, still in shock. What’s next, universe? What are you going to throw my way?
Eyes rolling, I try to get myself in check. I need to do something to occupy myself or else the panic will take over. I turn back to the bank of monitors and stare wide-eyed at them.
None of this makes any sense! I scream in my head. Caleb lives in a nice suburb in the middle of Michigan. Out of all the places in the world, why would there be gunfire in his front yard?
It’s crazy because I’ve never heard the sound of gunfire before, but it really does sound like in the movies. The pops were loud and distinctive, and when that bullet pierced the window, I knew instinctively what had happened.
But what is my boyfriend up to? I tear my eyes away from the monitor and glance at Caleb. He’s staring intently at the monitors himself while fidgeting with something on the keyboard.
He knows what’s going on, I realize.
But I don’t know if that helps me feel better. After all, my man looks incredibly powerful and in control, and I’m grateful that if I’m going to be stuck in such a nightmare, then at least it’s with him. But still. There are heavily armed masked intruders outside, and even love can’t stop a bullet.
We watch as the men stalk from room to room. Their footsteps are sure, and they seem to know the layout of the mansion already. Caleb reads my mind and nods, his eyes furious.
“They’ve scoped this place out,” he says in a low voice. “They know how my security systems work, and obviously have seen a blueprint of the place. That means that they know where my panic room is, sweetheart. They know where we are.”
I gasp.
“When then?”
He grimaces, his expression furious.
“Well, short of a nuclear explosion, they can’t get in. This place is fortified to the fucking gills. Let them try.”
I nod once more. “I understand.”
He turns to me with rage in his eyes, but otherwise, my boyfriend’s admirably calm.
“It’s going to get loud, but just remember to breathe, Lori. We’re fine locked in here, and law enforcement will arrive at any moment.”
I nod and inhale in response, trying to get oxygen to my brain. We’re going to be fine. I’m with the man I love, and he’ll protect us.
Caleb and I continue to monitor the situation outside our door as the men move in an organized fashion through the house. Every time they pass by the door to the office, I hold my breath, hoping that they won’t come inside.
But that’s just wishful thinking because of course they will. Sure enough, all too soon we see them enter the office on the monitors, and alight upon the steel door to the panic room. They’re gesturing to one another, although of course, we can’t hear what they’re saying.
Then, a new man enters the office carrying a large duffel bag, before pulling out a fearsome-looking weapon.
“Shit,” my boyfriend mutters under his breath.
“Caleb, what is that?”
“Flamethrower,” he tells me. The big man takes my hand in his even as his eyes never leave the screen. “Fuck.”
“Can… can that burn down the door?” I stammer, feeling stupid and wishing I knew more about weapons technology.
Caleb turns to me, his expression pained. “The steel door is designed to be impenetrable,” he tells me slowly. “But it’s ten years old and there are bound to be structural deficiencies. Especially if they have the newest technology.”
“What does that mean?” I demand as my pulse races. I move instinctively to cradle my tummy, already prepared to do anything to protect my unborn child. My man’s eyes follow my hand but I don’t think the gesture registers.
“What it means is that there have been enough advances in chemical weaponry such that when you use a special chemical blaze, you can melt a steel door. I’m not saying that it’s going to happen, but I’ve heard of these new developments in the past couple of years. Unfortunately, it’s possible.”
No sooner has Caleb finished speaking than a weird hissing sound starts. At first, nothing happens. But after about ten seconds or so, the room begins to grow warm and a weird sulfuric smell hits my nostrils, making me gag. Caleb curses, his eyes watering.
