Page 6 of Saddles

“Fuck!” I scream into the nether.

My first instinct is to call my dad.

God damn it. Screw him.

Everything was in my car. My phone, my wallet, my stuff.

The cold is numbing my fingers and toes, so I run back to the heat of the convenience store, wiping the frozen tears from my cheeks.

“Do you have a phone I can use?” Wrapping my arms around my belly, it’s a struggle to control the sobs. “Someone stole my car.”

“Oh, gosh. I’m sorry to hear that!” He slides his cell from his pocket. “Here. I’ll make you some hot chocolate while you wait.”

Handing me his Apple, he disappears through a door labeled “employees only”.

I tap on the screen, but it has a passcode.

Is he kidding?

“Hey, buddy? I can’t unlock this. Can you help me?” I call out loud enough I hope he can hear me.

“Oh yea, sorry. Bring it here.” His voice is muffled like he’s on the other side of the garage.

Today sucks, so hard.

The handle has a layer of grime on it that’s slick under my palm when I twist it. There’s a narrow hall stuffed with inventory boxes that winds into the larger bay beyond it.

“Where are you?” My words echo into the cavernous space beyond the stacks.

An arm wraps around my chest, then a damp cloth is forced over my mouth and nose.

It smells funny.

“Right here.” He breathes against my ear, hugging me against his chest.

Fear courses through me as his phone clatters to the concrete. I dig my nails into his hand.

He has gloves on.

I try to twist my body, clawing at the thick sleeves on his shirt.

But my arms start to feel heavy.

I’m so lightheaded.

The lights get fuzzy.

Where am I?

My eyes are so dry. I’ll just close them for a second.

I should fight.

Kick.

But my legs don’t respond, and I feel myself fall limp in his hold.

“That’s it, pretty girl,” he sighs. “Go to sleep.”

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