Page 83 of Justified Fear

He shook his head.“I’m fine.You’ve always been nice.”

She smiled at him, even though he was starting to make her nervous.Something prickled on the back of her neck.He was staring at her like he knew her better than he did.She slipped her hand over Maya’s fur, sensing the sudden tension in the German Shepherd.

“Not all the time.I can be really mean.”

“From the moment I met you, you were nice.”

The way he said that had her smile fading.

“Why did you have to fall forthatcop?”

“That cop?You mean Ryan?”

“You were supposed to come to me.”

His voice was not exactly…normal.Fear crept down her spine like an icy finger.

“I don’t understand.”

“I can’t believe you don’t remember me.I’m the one who saved you.I kept you from being handed over.”

Things were starting to slide into place in her brain, pieces that didn’t seem to fit, but all of a sudden did.

“You were the guard?The one at the mall.”

“It was my job!”Spittle flew out of his mouth.“They made me do it, and I hated it.”

She blinked as Maya growled.

“You hated being a guard?”

“Yes.I was made for bigger things.”

Like being a bartender?She didn’t say that because he seemed to be on edge.

“That’s good that you got away.”

“Don’t talk to me like that.Don’t fucking patronize me.”

She stood, as did Maya.“Why don’t we call Elle and have her look you over?”

“No.”Then, he reached behind him and pulled out a gun.“You’re coming with me.”

Her blood had iced completely over.She was amazed she didn’t pass out from the fear now running through her entire system.

“Where did you get that?”

“It’s amazing how people ignore what they are doing when they think the person in front of them is weak.But I have never been weak.”

“No.You haven’t.”

He smiled at her, and there was a slightly crazy edge to it.He stepped forward, but Maya growled.Ray pointed the gun at Maya.

“No.”She stepped in front of the German Shepherd, who then bumped the back of her legs.She was definitely not happy about that move, but Keely could not let the dog be shot.“If you shoot, they will know what’s going on and we’ll never get away.”

His eyes widened.“Yes.See, you are so smart.”

And you’re a fucking nut job.