Page 3 of Rescued By the Mountain Man Cowboy
I struggle with my keys to open my apartment door, almost dropping them twice. Cursing, I unlock it, get inside, then slam my door closed, locking it and turning on the front hall light. I spin, searching for…that!
I take the broom I left by the kitchen entrance and place it at a diagonal against the door. I back up slowly, staring at the door, waiting for Marcus to crash through and come for me. I cover my mouth.
I want to call the cops, but every true crime podcast I binged last summer is having a million scenarios crossing my mind. I tuck my foot behind the other, pulling my flats off by habit as I squeeze my phone and lean against the back of the couch, facing the front door.
What if the cops are in on whatever Marcus is involved in? The nonsense coming out of his mouth sounded like he’s a part of something big. He’s not even the one in charge. I can’t callmy parents. One, they’ll worry and probably book the first flight here.
I shake my head. No. I can’t risk that.
There’s only one person I can call.
I tap the third person on my favorites list.
My leg bounces as I twirl the ring on my left thumb, round and round.
“Hey, babe! What’s up?” Madison answers.
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. Where do I even start?
“Anna? Did you butt-dial me?”
“Madi,” I whimper, raking my fingers into my hair, gripping my bangs at the crown.
Rustling noises. Her muffled voice is speaking to someone before she transforms from my closest friend to the ruthless, hardcore lawyer many fear seeing coming.
“Take a deep breath for me, Anna,” she instructs. I listen. “Good. Are you currently safe?” she asks.
“I don’t know. Oh, God, Madi. What the actual fuck is my life right now?” I pace behind my couch, keeping an eye on the door.
“What happened? You’re worrying me.”
“Yeah. You should be worried. I just witnessed my boss kill someone at the office.”
“What?” she asks, stunned.
“I stayed late to finish that stupid campaign that I told you about earlier. Marcus insisted I leave and go home. Of course, I didn’t freaking listen. I thought I was alone at the office. I ordered food, and then I went back upstairs and heard voices. Madi, it sounded like some Sopranos shit. Hunky-dori, pain in the ass, Marcus was all, ‘can’t afford losing money. You know better.” I’m rambling, deepening my voice as an impression of Marcus. “The other guy sounded like he was shitting himself, begging Marcus to let him fix it. I don’t even know, Madi. Then Iheard him shoot him. Shoot. Him. It was muffled, which makes me think he used a silencer. Which, what the hell is this? A video game?”
“Take a breath,” she calmly says.
“I can’t take a breath, Madi. I freaking froze. Marcus heard, and when I finally ran, he ran after me. He knew it was me. Oh, God. He might be on his way. What do I do, Madi? I didn’t know if calling the cops would work. What if they think I sound crazy?”
“Okay. Listen to me. I’m right here, Anna. One step at a time, okay.”
“Okay,” I whisper, blinking the welling tears away.
“Screw calling. You’re going to go to the police station. I’ll stay on the phone the entire time, okay. You’re not alone. Get your purse, babe, and get in your car. Let’s get you to the police station. I’ll guide you on what to tell them.”
“Okay, okay,” I nod, bending to pick up my purse.
I slip my flats back on. At the door, I freeze.
“What if he’s outside my door?” I whisper.
“Check the peephole.”
I lean in and squint into the hole. Nobody. I remove the broom and quietly unlock the door before inching it open. I keep my phone to my ear as I peek through the small gap.
“I don’t see anyone,” I whisper.
