Page 99 of Cold, Cold Bones

The following sequence unfolded as if in slo-mo, the surrealistic tableau seeming to go on forever. In truth, the incident lasted less than a minute.

The car’s passenger door opened. A figure staggered out, torso at an odd angle, as though propelled by a forceful shove.

The figure was slight.

A girl? A small woman?

The figure stood immobile, a covering molded tight to its skull and back. A hat? Hair?

A voice bellowed. I was too far away and too sealed off to catch the words.

The figure began to run, shoulders hunched low. When it had advanced about five yards, the car’s headlights flared to high beam and its engine roared. The figure’s head jerked around, swiveled back wildly. Then its skinny limbs began pumping, frantic to distance itself from the car bearing down.

I observed in disbelief as the vehicle gained speed and closed in on its helpless target.

Then, through the rain and closed windows, I heard sounds I will remember for the rest of my life. A muffled boom followed by a soft tumbling thud. Metal slamming flesh. A body dropping onto concrete.

Before I could react, the driver put the car in reverse. Nauseathreatened as I saw its headlights judder up, then down with the movement of its wheels backing over its victim.

Then, tires screeching, the car fired across the lot. Breath frozen, I watched its taillights shrink to red dots and disappear.

My first impulse was to race to the girl. Maybe girl. This time I allowed common sense to prevail.

Taking my first breath since the horror began, I dialed Slidell. Henry. Neither answered.

I punched in 911, gave my location, and described what I’d seen.

“Do you need an ambulance?” the dispatcher asked.

WTF?

“No!”

“Does the presumed victim?”

Presumed?

“Yes!”

“Calm down, ma’am. Have you been drinking?”

“What?!”

“Have you consumed alcohol or drugs?”

“Jesus Christ! I just saw a hit-and-run!” Harsh. Even though I knew the dispatcher was doing her job.

“Are the victim’s injuries life threatening?”

“She may already be dead.”

“Did you get the vehicle’s license plate?”

“No.”

“Help is on the way. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”