Page 79 of Durango

Another large chunk comes off, revealing the right-hand side of a window frame. I move quickly, exposing the window. The glass is gone, and someone covered it with plywood from the outside.

It’s a tall window, and I’m able to push against the lower part with my legs. It must be nailed on well. I begin using force and kicking at it. The sound is loud, and I’m sure it will draw some attention, so I keep going, kick after kick. Finally, it gives. I continue to push at it until the plywood falls to the ground below, revealing the sidewalk.

“Hey! He’s escaping!” someone yells from the door.

I jump out onto the street. I glance to my right to see three men round the corner and run toward me.

“There he is!” one shouts.

I turn left and haul ass. When I hit the next cross street, I turn right and recognize my location.

My arm hurts like hell, but I can’t stop. I glance back. They haven’t made it to this corner yet, so I run into a college on my right.

I enter what appears to be the main office. Instead of going to the front desk, I stand back from the front windows to see if they come this way.

I reach for my phone, but of course, it’s gone. Two of the men run past the window, glancing in all directions. I step closer to the wall and out of sight.

“Sir, you can’t be in here if you aren’t a student.”

I turn to find a security guard staring at me. My chest and pants are covered in drywall chalk, and my shirt is a bloodied mess tied around my arm. “I’ve been shot. I need to call someone.”

The man hesitates. You’d think the bloody arm would be convincing enough. “I’ll call you an ambulance.”

“No, I need to call Reed Hawthorne. Can I use the phone here?”

He frowns. “Okay, make your call, and then you need to leave.” His concern is quickly gone.

I guess I’m not what they want prospective students—or more like parents—to see here.

He leads me to the phone and hands it to me.

“Thank you.” I call Reed’s cell.

“Reed,” he answers.

“It’s Durango. I was kidnapped and am now at the college near our office. Three men are on the street looking for me.”

“It’s Durango! He’s at the college with three men in pursuit,” Reed yells out. “Are you hurt?” he asks me.

“One man shot at my arm. It grazed it, but it’s bleeding pretty good. Other than that, I’m fine.” I don’t mention I was drugged. As soon as I’m safe, I’ll have it checked out.

“Axel and CT are on their way,” Reed says. “They should be there in about ten minutes. Can you stay there that long?”

“I’ll try.” I end the call.

The security guard is motioning for me to go outside.

“Two of my colleagues are coming to get me. I need to wait here for them.”

“No, you can’t be in here looking like that,” the guard says.

“Oh, my! What happened to you? Are you all right?” a woman says from behind me.

I turn around, and her hand goes to her mouth.

“Oh, that looks painful!” She’s a little older, and some gray is coming in at her temples. “Rich, you cannot throw this man out. He needs an ambulance!”

“He refused one. He can’t stay in here with everyone coming in and out.” Rich motions to an empty waiting area.

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