Josh, please help me.
“What are you still doing here?” I ask in a shaky voice.
“I’ve come back for you, babe. I want the money, but I’ve decided that I really do like you, so I want you to come with me, plus you’re my ticket to freedom.”
My knees start to weaken. “Please leave me alone, Nick. I’ll give you money, but just go.”
“Shut up. We’re going to walk out of here really quick before the woman you’re with comes looking for you. One word and I’ll shoot either you or her, your choice.”
Oh Josh, please still be waiting for me.
“Let’s go.”
Taking hold of my arm, he starts leading me toward the exit. “Open the door and don’t try anything. I’m the one with the loaded gun remember.”
“I hate you.”
As I start to open the door, I see Josh leaning against the wall. He sees me and starts forward, then stops when he sees the panic on my face. I cut my eyes to the side hoping he realizes what I mean.
Quickly, he removes his gun and slides in beside the opening door. As I start walking out slowly, I pretend to stumble, giving Josh enough time to disarm Nick and elbow him in the face.
I’m down on the floor as my legs won’t hold me up anymore. Josh cuffs Nick.
In all the commotion, Elise and Justin come running over to me.
“Rona, are you hurt? What happened?” Elise asks as she pulls me into her arms.
“Nick got to me in the restroom and said he wanted me and the money. Josh stopped him.”
Just then Daniel burst through the door and dashes over to me. “Rona, we really have to stop meeting like this.”
“Hi, Daniel, you got here quickly.”
“I was just walking past and happened to glance through the window and saw all this commotion.” He frowns. “Thanks, Josh. I’ll take him back and sort this mess out.” Daniel takes charge of Nick.
“I better call Cade,” Justin says.
“No, Justin. Please. I’m fine. Just a bit shaky. I’ll be home soon. Please don’t worry him. We’ll tell him in person so he can see me. He’ll just freak if you call him.”
“I hear you.”
“Thanks.”
Just then, I make eye contact with Josh.
“C’mon, let’s get you out of here.” He picks me up in his arms.
“Elise, can you carry Rona’s things? Justin, lead the way to the car,” he says to a stunned Justin and a snickering Elise.
“I can walk. I think,” I tell him.
“If this is all I’m going to get, then, please humor me,” he whispers.
Oh, boy!
“Okay.”
I glance over to Elise, but she won’t make eye contact with me.