Page 104 of Hurt Me Not
Emerson, please be safe.
I crept along the corner, getting closer to the sound. I knew I was putting myself in danger, but it didn’t matter. Emerson would've done the same in a heartbeat, and I knew it. I knewher.
Leaning over, I could see Jax and her men standing among what looked like dead bodies before heading further in.
I stayed behind, not wanting them to see me, but for some reason, something called me back.
Turning to look behind me, I noticed a warehouse. It looked like any other out here, almost falling apart, except that the lights were on, dim, but enough for me to spot them.
Jax was the professional. I knew that. But for some reason, my heart and gut told me that Emerson was in that building.
So I headed straight for it, trying to walk as fast as I could without making a sound. My hands were slick with sweat, the panic of each second without knowing Emerson was okay weighing on me.
When I finally got there, I could see figures walking inside, so I moved to the side and peered into one of the broken windows.
My heart caught in my throat when I saw Emerson on her knees, two men behind her, holding her, and her father right in front of her.
I almost didn’t recognize him. He’d been a drunk before he was arrested, often not showering or taking care of himself. He had changed so much that he looked like a mini mob boss. But even though he was dressed in a nice suit and had gold teeth that gleamed in the dim light, the evil smile on his face was the same.
There was a gun in his hand, pointed right at Emerson.
I could run back and get Jax’s team. Or I could fire. There was no guarantee I would hit her father, but at least it would buy us some time.
Think, Pearl.
With shaky hands, I brought the gun up and took aim.
Do it. Do it. Pull the trigger.
Now.
Do it. Do it.
All I could think about was that if I didn't do this, Emerson would die. I couldn't let her die. My world would never be the same without her. I loved her. I had always loved her.
She would do anything for me—she’d shown me that time and time again. And so would I.
Not willing to risk missing the mark, I turned and shot off my gun into the air.
The two men behind Emerson reached for their guns, and two more I hadn't seen started walking toward the entrance, so I kept down, crawling against the pavement, making sure they didn't see me.
Just as I rounded the corner, I heard more shots, and two bodies falling to the floor.
Jax is here.
A violent hope started expanding in my chest.
I peeked inside again, and there was only Emerson and her father in there. He looked unfazed and was still aiming the gun at her, but I could see the sweat shining on his forehead. He heard the shots. He knew someone was coming.
They seemed to be talking, but I couldn't make out the words.
It’s now or never.
I brought up the gun, trying desperately to stop my shaking hands.
Do it, Pearl.
With one sharp exhale, I pulled the trigger.
