Page 5 of Our Little Dove

Friday, 6:15 PM

“There she is. Alex Peterson. She’s perfect,” Fintan says as we walk through the aisles at a reasonable distance. “You ready? I’ll keep an eye on her while you get to her car. If there’s a problem, text me.” I repeat the plan in a whispered tone while we pretend to peruse the items on the shelf, keeping Alex in my periphery.

Realizing that it might look suspicious if I follow her around the store empty-handed, I head toward the door again and grab a basket while Fintan watches her.

Every time she glances around, I make sure to pick up an item casually and occasionally put something inside the basket as we trail her through the shelves.

“Dude, chill. I know what I’m doing. Just worry about your part in this and don’t let her out of your sight. We can’t afford to fuck this up.”

I nod and flash Fintan a sarcastic smile as I wave him off and set my sight back on our target. Fintan flips me off as he pulls his hoodie over his face and disappears through the cereal aisle, making his way out the large glass doors and into the parking lot.

Fuck, she has an amazing smile.

I watch her add a few items to her cart as she walks, her hips swaying in a seductive yet oblivious rhythm. This is going to bea fun one. Alex glances over her shoulder and catches me staring at her, so I duck into the next aisle, hoping she didn’t get a clear view of my face.

The last thing we need is for her to identify one of us after this is over.

Brushing my fingers through my dark, damp hair, I let out a deep sigh as I saunter toward the checkout point. There is a small bench, and a convenience stand near the exit, so I order a coffee and take a seat while I wait for her to finish up and head to her car. My heart races just thinking about the night ahead.

The gloomy weather is definitely in our favor tonight. Finally, I spot her making her way to the nearest cashier. She looks around as if feeling my heated gaze from where I am seated.

Poor thing.

She must sense that she is being watched, although with a body like that, you’d think she would be used to it, right? I make sure to look down into my cup until I hear the automatic doors open. I don’t want her to see me. She already dawns the look of unease.

I wait about a minute before following her into the wet parking lot and see her stop by her car and pull out her phone. The scent of rain rides the wind, and I inhale a deep breath as the cold droplets run over me.

Her giggle sounds so innocent. She taps on the screen; I assume she is responding to whomever made her laugh, which sends an odd feeling through my gut. An unexpected jealousy that boils my blood.

Would she ever laugh so sweetly for someone like me?

Pushing away the feeling, I watch as she loads her groceries into the trunk. The rain comes down harder now. Her dress clings to her curves and her hair drips onto her rosy cheeks as she slams the trunk door, rushes to the driver’s seat, and hops inside.

A text message chimes, and I pull my phone from my pocket.

Great, he got in. It’s go-time.

I hurry to the SUV and follow her bright white Kia, my heart racing with anticipation. What happens next is in Fintan’s hands and all I need to do now is follow her car until I get the signal. No one else is on the road as the last bit of daylight disappears from the stormy sky.

I decide to kill the headlights and drive closer to our target, but still far enough away that her tail lights won’t light up my vehicle. I need to stay hidden, and the heavy downpour is utter perfection in this plan.

Suddenly, the traffic light ahead changes to red, and I see her slam on the brakes. I come to a stop a few yards behind her and wait.

Good timing.

The red glow from the light shines through the car’s windows and I spot Fintan stirring in the backseat.

I am buzzing with adrenaline and take this as my cue. I flip on the headlights, floor it, and slam the brakes until I screech to a halt beside her. PoorAlexlooks bewildered as she stares at the SUV with fearful widened eyes.

The rain is pelting down around us, and I am positive no one will hear a thing. Stepping out of the vehicle, I pull my black balaclava over my face and advance toward the passenger window of her car with my crowbar in hand. My body vibrates with excitement, but I attempt to shake it off so I can focus on the task at hand.

One lazy swing is all it takes to shatter the window, and she serenades me with her scream as she ducks against the driver’s door with her hands covering her pretty face.

Friday, 7:00 PM

I scream, not knowing what to do as I get showered in broken glass and rain. Unexpectedly, a masked man lunges forward from my backseat, covering my nose and mouth with a rag. I struggle in his unrelenting grip, digging my nails into his arms and attempting to claw my way out. He is too strong and completely blocking my airways.

Fuck, I can’t breathe!

---