Jackson
Since it’s not too late, I call Caleb when I get in my truck. “Dad. Thank God,” he answers, sounding relieved.
“Sorry I was in such a rush earlier.”
“Yeah. What was up with that? You were pretty freaked out. I didn’t even get to hear how your date went.”
Thinking of Chelsea brings a smile to my face, however brief. “The date went great. As for the rest of it, I can’t say anything. You know how my job is.”
“I guess I do. But you’re not in Hell-hole-a-bad, so I assume things aren’t too serious.”
“Um…they are but will hopefully be fine tomorrow. Since you’ve got class in the morning, I’ll come get Captain tonight.”
“Don’t worry about it. My morning class isn’t meeting tomorrow. We’re doing an online assignment because the professor is out of the country. I’ll take Captain home before my one o’clock.”
“That sounds good. I’ll go home and crash.”
An hour later, I’m sitting on the sofa in the quiet living room with my phone in my hand. I can’t stop thinking about Chelsea. I’m tempted to call or at least message. The only thing stopping me is wondering if that would be breaking Knot’s rule.
I unlock the device, but before I get to Chelsea’s contact page, my living room fills with light from the car that just pulled into my drive. I draw my Sig and rush to the door. My scowl morphs into a grin when the lights turn off, and I see Chelsea’s car in my driveway.
My gun gets tucked away, and I fling the door open. I’m halfway down the walkway when I question why Chelsea hasn’t gotten out. I realize my mistake too late.
A gun barrel peeks out from behind the driver-side mirror. Fuck. Knowing I don’t have a prayer, I still dive as the gun fires.