Page 45 of Ozzie

While clutching the couch, I look around. No heavy vases or books I can use against him. Once we’re out that door, I’ll have nothing I can use. He was smart to avoid garbage day this time.

My only hope is to delay him and give Durango time to come back. “Have you been watching me? How did you know I was alone when you came in?”

He laughs. “I’m always watching you, love. Now, come on.”

“Why did you sue me? And why make it so public? What do you gain?”

He sighs. “You think this place is so great? It isn’t. And I was showing you that. I bet people will treat you a lot nicer back home.”

“Why would they? Your lies went viral. They probably all read about it there too.”

John moves the flashlight to the ceiling again to illuminate the space between us. “Whatever they think at home, we’ll smooth it over and tell them it was all a misunderstanding. They all know you can get a little out of hand sometimes.”

Out of hand? Of course, that’s what he’d tell them. I’m sure he has the entire town thinking I was controlling him. He grabs me and pulls me toward the front door. My options are almost gone.

The door swings open, and Durango has John slammed against the wall before I can take a step back.

“Piper, go to the kitchen and wait there.”

I don’t listen to him. Instead, I grab the flashlight John dropped and flash it on them, hoping it helps Durango see better.

“He carries!” I yell out.

Durango hits John, and he falls against the wall and sinks to the floor. My cousin pats him down, removing two guns. Durango drags John into the kitchen and sits him on a chair. The man doesn’t move from that spot. Maybe Durango really hurt him.

“You broke into my home and tried to take Piper again?”

“This is between Piper and me. It’s none of your business,” John grunts out.

Durango punches John in the stomach. John coughs.

“I won’t leave marks.” Durango punches him again.

“Stop. We need to call the police,” I say.

“Yeah, they were so helpful last time.”

He’s right. They weren’t.

“No, I need to make it clear to John what will happen if he comes here again.” Durango punches him a third time.

John hunches forward.

“Did you knock him out?” I ask.

The lights come back on, and now we see John isn’t moving.

“Unlikely.” Durango grabs John by the hair and raises his head.

When I see it, it’s too late. “Needle! He has a needle!” I shout.

But John stabs my cousin in the leg with it before he can jump out of the way. Durango staggers backward, then falls. But he’s still sitting up.

“What did you give him?” I ask.

“Something to help him sleep.”

My phone is still on my bed, but I find Durango’s in his pocket and call 9-1-1. I check Durango’s pulse. He still has one, thank God.

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