Page 112 of Malachi
I was almost there. I could see the moss covered door right there. Right fucking there. Pushing through every surge of pain, I continued on. One step, then two, then three and more. My hand reached out, knowing the handle was right there, much easier to see in the light of day versus the night Malachi had brought me here.
My fingers grasped around the metal bar, my face splitting into a grin of victory as I raised the handle and —
“You little bitch,” his voice spat at me. I could feel the spittle splash against my ear as he leaned in close, wheezing.
His hands grabbed at me, finding the fabric of my dress and pulling me back towards him. I had half a second to react before my body crashed into his. I pulled my leg up, balancing on my one good ankle, and kicked back with all the power I could gather. Our height difference only helped my aim hit its mark.
My foot collided, crashing straight into his groin. He groaned, screaming out and releasing my dress. The birds scattered from the trees, causing enough commotion for me to find my escape. I raced forward. One step, two, grabbing hold of the handle of the door and pulling it upwards.
The door swung open as I pulled its heavy weight, throwing my body into the movement. It opened just enough for me to slip through, but before I could pull the door closed again, his hand was there, clutching the side of the door and pulling.
I needed leverage. He was bigger than me, stronger than me. I lifted my bad foot up, pressing it against the inside wall and pulling with the force of my entire body, aided by desperation and adrenaline.
“Fuck!” he groaned as the door gave way and closed with a sharp thud.
“Ahh!!!!” his scream of pain cried out, loud as hell even through the heavy metal door. I dropped my foot, ignoring the throbbing pain as I flipped the lock on the door.
He couldn’t get in now. I was safe.
I couldn’t breathe. My entire body trembled, shaking violently as I ran one hand through my hair. My eyes darted back and forth as panic set in. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw it.
Three small pieces of bloody something on the floor.
Fingertips.
The Reverend’s fingertips. The sharp edge of the metal door must have sheared them off. How had I found the strength to do that? I did not know, but I wasn’t about to complain. Fuck him.
I gasped as my lungs threatened to refuse me oxygen. I could hardly breathe, much less think.
My vision began to blur, tears filling my eyes. My breath quickened, coming in uneven pants as I hyperventilated. Those breaths became sobs, and soon, I felt completely out of control.
I shook my head, my fingers pressing into my temples as I closed my eyes shut tight.
No. Not yet.
The phone.
Get the phone.
And call the motherfucking FBI.
With a renewed sense of resolve and purpose, I opened my eyes, scanning the bunker as I walked through in search of Malachi’s phone. Where would he have stashed it? Did I see him stash it? I couldn’t remember. After a moment of looking, I spotted it, there on the sofa that we had made love on only a few nights before.
I pulled up his contacts, my fingers shaking as I scrolled through the list of names.
Please, let it be here. Please let it be here.
I almost scrolled past it, my eyes filling with unshed tears that I hastily and almost angrily swiped away.
FBI Headquarters.
I had expected to see Agent Driscoll’s contact, but it wasn’t anywhere to be found. This would have to do. At least Malachi had thought to program this number into his phone.
I hit the button, lifting the phone to my ear as it rang. A bored, professional sounding woman’s voice picked up on the other end, asking how she could direct my call.
“I need to speak to Agent Driscoll,” I rushed out with an exhale. My hands were shaking. I gripped them together, squeezing my fingers together in an attempt to stop the tremors.
“I’m sorry ma’am, but you’ve reached the main line here at the Bureau. In order to reach him, you’ll need to go through the proper channels.” The woman’s prim and proper response set my teeth on edge, anger filling my belly and turning quickly to rage.
