Page 5 of Blade

“Yes, we got a call from the cashier at Shorty’s Gas and More saying that one of the employees here abducted a woman in a yellow shirt and jeans from the parking lot.”

Forcing a giggle, I played into the part.

“Abducted me?”

“Yes. Is that not what happened?”

“No. I got too hot and I fainted. Blade caught me before I seriously hurt myself and brought me back here to cool off.”

“Elliot is going to come by and check on her,” Rogue added.

“Oh, well, that’s very different from what was reported, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“So you’re safe and here willingly?”

“Yes, sir.”

Rogue giggled and Office Haddock looked over to her.

“It’s a little silly,” she explained, giggling again.

Office Haddock nodded before laughing. “You’re right. It is funny. I’m glad everyone is okay. I guess we’ll be heading out then, as long as you're sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, Sir. I promise I am fine, but thank you so much for coming to check on me,” I said, flashing my best smile.

“Well, that is my job, isn’t it? It was nice to see everyone again. Rogue, tell Bash I said to stay out of trouble, yeah?”

“Yes, sir. I’ll do my best,” Rogue answered.

They left and we all sat quietly until we heard the shop door close. I let out a heavy breath.

Bash came out of the closet, looking disgusted. “Tell Bash I said to stay out of trouble,” he mocked. “Fucking asshat.”

“Good job, Eloise. I know that was scary but you did a great job,” Blade encouraged. “And you really distracted him, Rogue. So much so that he didn’t even check her information. Thank you,” he added, looking at Rogue.

“I know that was scary and I’m sorry you’re going through all of this, but Blade is really a good man and we’re all here for you. Can you tell us what’s going on?” Rogue asked, moving from the desk and sitting on the floor in front of me.

“I ran away from an abusive relationship and I’m a missing person,” I explained lamely. How did I summarize months of terror into a few sentences?

“Elliot is about five minutes away,” Leland said, coming into the office and sitting on the side of the desk beside Blade.

“Thank you all for your help, but I can’t stay here. It’s putting you all at risk. My ex, Billy, is a really terrible man and he will destroy you just to punish me,” I explained.

“He can try, darlin’. He won’t succeed,” Bash declared from where he was standing.

“How about you let us worry about us, and you focus on telling us what’s happening,” Leland said.

“Yes, like who you’re running from and why he shot you,” Blade agreed.

“She’s been shot!” Leland yelled.

“Just atiny bit,” Blade said, making me snort at the absurdity of my own words.

“I am running from my ex. He’s…” I shivered before continuing on. “A very bad man. He didn’t shoot me, though. Iwas looking for cans in the woods over by the big cabin with the broken windows, and...”

“Fuck,” Leland groaned, rubbing his forehead.

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