Page 88 of Saddles

“Say ‘hi’ to Sawyer for me.” Idly, I let my fingers stray over the dog’s gray ears, picturing April clinging to him. “You’ve been a good boy, but you need to stay here now.”

Weakness in my limbs makes every movement feel like I’m under water.

It might be because I just don’t want to breathe anymore.

Every single one makes my chest tighten, knowing she’ll never get another.

The pain ripping me apart I’d bear a million times over if I could just hear her one more time.

I hope those monsters didn’t let her suffer.

And I’ve learned that revenge doesn’t ease the agony.

There’s only one way for that to happen.

Hanging up my coat, I glance back to see Roscoe tilt his head as he watches me leave.

“Bye, buddy.” I step into the cold, crisp sun, then shut the door.

Chapter 28

April

Huddling in the bathroom stall, I cling to the dead phone with both hands as terrified tears stream down my face.

I don’t want to leave.

Theyare out there.

Ford’s stupid cell and its shallow battery died at the worst possible time.

Not that he can do anything.

I just wish I could hear his voice, it calms me.

And I need that. I can barely breathe.

Cold sweat drenches my back and I squeeze my knees to my chest atop the cold porcelain toilet.

Do I fight them?

How do I get away?

I might just stay in here until closing.

“April? Are you in here?” Lori’s gentle question rattles me.

No. She’s not safe either!

“Lori, you can’t go back out there!” I cry from inside of the stall.

I don’t want to open the door.

“April? Are you okay?” Her shoes appear beneath the edge. “Are you sick? Do you need some help?”

My lungs spasm trying to expand, but I still feel like I’m being strangled.

“They’re here,” I stammer. I don’t want to even picture them.

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