The Excerpt
She froze in the glare, like a performer with stage fright.
Stones crunched as the car moved forward at a slow stalking pace.
She started back peddling toward the main street, hearing those whispers in her head, warning her to be careful, warning of the danger. . . because of the other girls. Scrambling for the safety of the sidewalk, she fumbled in her purse, looking for the pepper spray she always carried as the car edged into view, turning onto the street to stop next to her. The passenger window slowly rolled down, taking with it the image of a frightened young girl all alone. She couldn’t make out the face of the driver within the shadowed interior.
Exhaling a shaky breath, she cast off the shivers of panic. Probably just a john looking for some early action. She straightened, cocking her hip, tossing her head. Maybe he’d be willing to give her a ride to the bus station if she threw in a little extra. A little lagniappe, ‘cuz these new boots weren’t made for walking.
“Hey there. Lookin’ for a party?”
. . . and a little bit more . . .
She started toward the car with an exaggerated roll of her hips, bending down near the window to begin the bartering when the passenger door pushed opened. A shadowed figure leaned toward her. She began to smile.
“You nearly scared me to death turning on the headlights on like that,” she scolded with a breathy little laugh as she leaned in. “What—?”
Strong fingers gripped her upper arm, jerking her off balance on the skyscraper shoes, pulling her upper body inside the car before she could think to struggle. Her temple struck the door edging, making everything go as bright and glittery as the New Orleans nightlife she loved. A sharp sting at the base of her throat, a flare of burning heat. Then nothing.
The door closed and the car moved in no hurry into the morning mists.
That's a creepy scary scene. Tweeted.
ReplyDeleteStill makes me relive that moment in Chicago that could have gone another way entirely. Brrrrrr.
DeleteYou sure burned the old candle at both ends in college! You gotta do what you gotta do. That sure was a creepy scene. I've done dumb things in my life but never that dumb. Can't wait to see where this goes.
ReplyDeleteMy Stranger Danger internal warning system is usually too strong to get me into trouble but ah, youth, when you feel you're indestructable.
DeleteThat was a very scary scene indeed! Well done excerpt...
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
DeleteI was always too chicken to tempt fate that way. The most dangerous thing I think I did was walk from a Broadway show in New York to my hotel late at night, in a well lighted area. Still thought I'd get mugged. I can't imagine what she's experiencing, except for your excellent descriptions! Tweeted.
ReplyDeleteI did the Broadway thing my first time in NY, too and was just sure our group of FIVE was in peril. Sometimes it's best to cling to that caution rather than to take potentially dangerous chances. I STILL hang onto my purse as if it contained nuclear secrets.
DeleteScary! She's made a mistake. I hate walking alone at night in a city.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually early morning in the book on a Sunday before the world wakes up.
DeleteThat's not good. Alone at night in a city is not the safest way to be on a good night.
ReplyDeleteSo true. But if with a group and with care toward the surroundings it can be exhilerating.
DeleteI've never walked alone at night in a city. I would be terrified. This snippet has me wondering what's going on. When will this book be reissued? I want to read it. :-)
ReplyDeleteWorking on it now then its off to get reformated and new packing. Squee! I'll keep you posted.
DeleteWow.... that was a rollercoaster of emotions. And I feel like we're still in for a wild ride.
ReplyDeleteI'm here on the 29th - except I see I already commented last week -was there a screw up with your linky link thing? Or am I in some weird time warp - LOL
ReplyDelete