Nowhere to Turn by Lynette Eason Read Free Book Online

a quick stop at her house to let Simon know she’d be at Jenny’s, she walked over, rapped on the door, and stepped inside the kitchen. “Jenny?” No answer. “Jen? I’m here.” Water boiled on the stove. Two tea bags sat next to the sink. Dani turned off the water and walked toward the den. “Jenny?”
    A flash of movement in the mirror above the fireplace caught her eye. A masked figure with a gun and a silencer.
    She screamed and ran for the French doors.
    The gun barked.
    Wood splintered next to her head. She twisted the knob.
    Locked.
    The gun spit again, the bullet hitting the wall and sending shards of drywall into her hair. She bolted through the second doorway that looped back to the kitchen. And came up short as he cut her off with a low laugh.
    Dani’s stomach twisted. He was playing with her. This was some sick, twisted game for him. Terror wanted to shut off her brain. She forced it to work. She’d been afraid before and had to think. Now was no different. At least that’s what she told herself.
    Her breath strained in her lungs as she tried to figure out what to do. She started to run back to the den and he darted to intercept her. She waited until he was out of sight, then raced into the kitchen for the back door she’d left open.
    Another thwack hit the door above her. She gave another scream and froze.
    “Stand still or the next one goes through your head.”
    She didn’t move. He stepped closer, the gun held steady, almost relaxed. That sent chills racing through her. Killing her meant nothing to him.
    The mask hid his features. Brown eyes glittered at her through the holes.
    Her brain raced. “Please,” she whispered. “I have a son.”
    “A shame to be sure. Sorry it has to be this way.”
    “Why do you want me dead?”
    “I don’t have time for explanations. The chase has been entertaining.” The gun shifted. “Now we’re going to walk out of here without any more trouble. Let’s g—”
    “I heard screams. Everything okay over here?” Mr. Barnhill at the screen door. His eyes landed on the man with the gun and he gasped.
    Dani didn’t hesitate. She grabbed the still hot water from the stove and flung it straight into her attacker’s face. He screamed and she threw herself at the door. “Run!”
    Mr. Barnhill grabbed her arm and they ran. Dani fumbled with her phone and managed to punch in 911.

7
    Dani followed Mr. Barnhill into his home. There was no way she was going back to her house if the shooter was still following her. Not with Simon there. But she didn’t want to put this sweet man at risk either. Her heart thudded as she wrestled with the fear skittering through her.
    Jenny. Where was Jenny? Had he killed her? Shudders racked her. Sobs grabbed at her throat. No time for a breakdown.
    Where were the cops?
    “Ma’am?” The 911 operator.
    Mr. Barnhill went from door to door, checking the locks. Dani positioned herself by the front door window so she could see if someone approached the house. “I’m here.” She didn’t recognize her own thin voice.
    “Do you see the person shooting at you?”
    “No. We’re next door.” She gave him the address. “But I don’t know where my friend is.” Dani sucked in a deep breath. “And my son is at home alone.” She gave that address. “He’s deaf.”
    Dani listened as the dispatcher requested officers to head to her home.
    “Officers are on the way. Just stay on the phone with me.”
    Mr. Barnhill slipped up beside her. “You okay?”
    His pale face and sweat-dotted brow worried her. “I’m all right. You?”
    “I think so. Why’s that guy shooting at you?”
    “I wish I knew,” she whispered. “Do you have any weapons?”
    “No. I’ve never shot a gun in my life.” He paused and swiped at the sweat on his brow. “You see him out there?”
    “No. I think he left.” She prayed he had.
    Sirens sounded in the distance. Please, Lord, let Simon stay put playing his video games.
    She desperately wanted to