Page 60 of Summer Ride

“Easy,” he said, waiting for the lightning to flash again. When it did, there was no one standing by the sign.

“He was there,” she said, seeing the empty spot. “I swear it.”

“I’m not doubting you.” He pulled her close to his side. “I just don’t think it would be a good idea to rush out of here right now. Do you really want to leave?”

She glanced around at the full room. Parents sat at tables and chatted while their kids raced around and played a few arcade games near the back of the building.

He could tell that she was realizing that they were safe there among the many people.

“No,” she finally said.

“I’ll call the police.” He started to get his phone.

“No.” She touched his arm and rolled her shoulders. “To be truthful, I’m not really sure it was him. It was dark. All I could really see was a shadow of a man. It could have been anyone.” She rested her head back on the booth. “Besides, how would he know where we are?” She closed her eyes. “I’m such a fool. I’m a mental and emotional wreck.”

“Hey.” He pulled her close again. “No you aren’t. You have every right to be scared. We can head home tomorrow if you want?”

“No, we’re safer here. Besides, the rental has an alarm system. Our place doesn’t. I think I just spooked myself after last night. You’re probably right, it was someone looking to break-in and squat. No doubt they were trying to get out of the storm.”

He smiled. “You called it our place.”

She chuckled and he was thankful she seemed to relax a bit. Then he motioned towards the table. “Want to take the rest of this to go?”

She shook her head. “No, let’s finish it here. I like being surrounded by the noise, the fun.” At that moment, two boys ran by their table, screaming as they chased one another. She laughed. “The kids.”

He could tell it was a weak attempt to lighten the mood, but he figured he’d take it.

“Okay,” he said, taking another slice of pizza. “There’s one thing I’ve been dying to ask you since the first time I met you.”

“Oh?” She took another slice for herself and leaned closer to him. “What is that?”

“What exactly did you first find appealing about me?” he asked with a smile.

Her genuine laughter was the best sound in the crowded pizzeria. For the next hour as they ate, he did everything he could to hear it as many times as he could.

When the pizza was gone, they made their way over to the video games, and she kicked his butt on Mrs. Pac-Man.

After they finally ran out of quarters, they paid their bill and rushed through the rain to the car. But not before he scanned the entire parking lot and street for Axel or anyone that might be watching them.

When they got back, he parked under the house so that they wouldn’t get wet as they headed up the stairs.

He rushed around and had just opened her car door when she screamed. Seconds later a sharp pain exploded on the back and side of his head.

Then everything went black.

Chapter Nineteen

A dark figure stepped out of the shadows under the house and swung something massive towards Carter. She screamed at the top of her lungs, but she was too late. She continued to scream as Carter crumpled at her feet and landed on the cement floor with a dull thud.

Before she could respond, the dark figure rushed towards her and, even before the dim light from under the house shone on his face, Kara knew who it was.

Axel was still as strangely handsome as he had been when he’d first been arrested. The media was always commenting on it. After all, how could anyone as good-looking as him be so evil and vile?

His blond hair was still thick and curly, even though it was now shaved close to his head. His eyes were almost a sky blue and hid the evil within well.

He was wearing all black, and his clothes were soaking wet from the rain.

He was a lot skinnier than before, but she knew better than to misjudge his strength. She was sure he had kept up his strength so that he could overpower his victims. Overpower her.