Page 18 of Fire in My Blood

He’s still squeezing my throat so hard I can’t make a sound. I’m not expecting anyone, but this is my chance to get help.

I nod.

There’s another knock on my door. “Erica? It’s Sharon from downstairs. I found your purse in the garage. Are you all right?”

My mind races. I have to make a sound to let Sharon know I’m here and need help. And I have to be quick before he realizes what I’m up to. It’s a good thing he hasn’t restrained my hands.

I widen my eyes as I move my gaze to the doorway he was standing in a minute ago.

And thankfully he does exactly what I want him to do. He turns his head and looks over his shoulder toward the doorway.

I strike out as fast as I can with my hand and swipe the old ceramic jar where I keep most of my kitchen utensils off the counter. The noise as it hits the floor is unbelievable, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.

The noise is still ringing in my ears when I feel myself being launched into the air. My head hits something hard and everything goes black.

Chapter 12

Erica

My head is throbbing. The center of the pain is about an inch above my right ear, and I automatically raise my hand to touch the lump that has formed there.

The sudden memory of what happened hits me like a truck, and I freeze. Is he still here? Is he going to hurt me again? I tried to provoke him into killing me, but that was before Sharon knocked on my door. I don’t really want to die.

A hand touches my upper arm, and I hold my breath.

“Erica? Are you awake?” Sharon’s voice sounds worried.

Relief makes my lungs deflate with a whoosh of air, and I peel my eyes open.

Sharon is sitting on her knees next to me, and she smiles when our eyes meet. “Thank God you’re finally awake. The ambulance will be here any minute. What happened? Did you fall and hit your head? I found your purse in the garage, and you didn’t answer when I first knocked. It’s a good thing you didn’t lock your door so I could get to you when I heard that awful racket.”

She frowns when she turns her head and looks at the broken ceramic jar at the other end of the room and the kitchen utensils spread all over the floor. “How did that happen?”

I study her face. She hasn’t mentioned the man that was here, and it’s obvious that she thinks I was alone. But that must mean that he’s hiding somewhere in my apartment. Unless hesnuck out after Sharon entered. I hope the latter is the case and he’s gone.

“I’m fine now, Sharon. Thank you for checking on me.” I give her a warm smile and try to relax. “Can you help me up? I got a bit dizzy when I stepped out of the car. Probably just low blood pressure or something. I get that sometimes. I’ll have something to eat, and I’ll be right as rain in no time.”

That’s a lie, but I can’t tell her the truth. Hopefully, believing this has got to do with my health will keep her out of danger. Particularly if the man is still here and listening to our conversation.

“Okay, but I think you should let the paramedics take a look at you just to be sure.” She gets to her feet and reaches a hand out to me.

I let her help me to my feet, biting my lip when pain lances through my shoulder. It seems my shoulder took a hit as well as my head. My head is still throbbing, and I’m a little dizzy, but there’s no nausea to indicate a serious concussion.

“Thank you.” I give her an easy smile. “Where did you put my purse? I have to call my brother before he gets worried. I promised to call him as soon as I got home.”

“I’ll get it for you. I left it on the table in the hallway.” Sharon disappears out of the kitchen and comes back a few moments later with my purse. “Here it is.”

“Thank you.” Rummaging through it, I find my phone. Sure enough. David has tried calling me twice. His last call was ten minutes ago. Knowing him, he’s already on his way over.

I lift my gaze to Sharon. “How long was I out?”

“About ten minutes, I think.”

A door bangs open downstairs, and people can be heard hurrying up the stairs. “Here comes the cavalry.” I smile at Sharon.

At least with several people arriving, my attacker will think twice about coming back.

∞∞∞

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