Chapter 29
Twenty-Nine
Charlie
The sound of a gunshot rang out, immediately startling me.
“Ashley?” I called softly, trying to stay as hidden in the small walk-in pantry as I could. It was hard in a cramped space with a belly that threatened to knock everything over.
“We’re fine. They’re not back here yet,” she answered. “And trust me, I will handle it the second they come through that door.”
I stepped forward slightly so I could try to get a peek through the small slats on the door, but couldn’t see much.
She stood in front of the pantry with a gun drawn and aimed at the door to the kitchen.
My heart raced as I tried to hear what was going on up front, but I couldn’t hear anything over the sound of blood rushing in my ears.
Seconds felt like minutes as I waited anxiously for any sign that Axel and Jo were okay. If they got killed because of me, I would never forgive myself.
Suddenly, I could hear voices as they got closer. I closed my eyes, squeezing them shut as I waited for them to find me.
“Get the fuck out of here!” Axel roared, and I could tell he was by the door to the kitchen, likely blocking it.
“I’ve got you,” Ashley promised as if she could read my mind. “They won’t get to you.”
I nodded, trying to convince myself that she was right. But the loud sound of clattering and yelling made me worry that they were all going to be killed because of me.
My body ached from how rigid it was as I tried to be as quiet and still as possible when another gunshot was fired, creating an eerie silence.
“Ashley?” I whispered, hoping she was okay. My voice got caught in my throat as panic overwhelmed me and tears pricked my eyes.
Seconds went by without an answer. Just as I was about to call for her again, the door to the pantry flew open.