“Wait, I hear something,” I said to Annelie, “it seems I have some visitors, the unfriendly type. I will call you back, hopefully.” I hung up right away and waited. Three men came out along the parking lot, I could barely make them out, but the moon was up now and even though just a half moon, it made it easier to see. But that means they can see me easier too. Then a man was behind me and punched me in the lower back. I fell to the ground groaning.

Suddenly a car came driving into the lot very fast and drove into the 3 men, hitting one, causing him to fly through the air. Then the window opened and there was automatic fire which caused the other 2 men to fall. The one behind me stepped to the front so he could get a good shot and I quickly got up and pushed him into the open. More automatic fire and he dropped as well.

Now, what should I do? Go out to thank this person and maybe get shot? Or perhaps try to hide? But where do I hide out here? “Are you okay Steve?” said a woman. It was Sky! I must admit to being very happy to see her again. I came staggering out. “You are hurt,” she said, “did I shoot you?” “No, this guy hit me hard in my lower back,” I said. “Oh, that is where you have been shot, twice,” she said, “that has to hurt.” “It does,” I admitted, “I am sure glad you happened to come back.”

“I did not happen to come back,” she said, “I heard you say that you had visitors, so I came to help. It is my job to make sure you are alive when your friends get here.” “The phone, I should have guessed,” I said, “but I am glad you were listening. Thank you.” “Very welcome,” she said cheerfully, “can you help me with these bodies? I need to get them in my car and out of here before anyone sees them. This would be hard to explain.”

“I can do that,” I replied, “are these your enemies or mine?” “I would say they are yours,” she said, “Lavina wants you dead and she must know you are here. Possibly through the phone, or that transmitter of yours. She likely hired some local talent to do the job.” “Nice to know I am wanted,” I replied. Sky giggled. We got them all loaded in her car, and she came to me, “please Steve, you need to be very careful. If anyone else shows up, call your friends to let them know, I will hear and come right away.”

“Thank you so much Sky,” I said smiling. “I like to help my friends,” she said, then kissed me and jumped into her car. “We will meet again, call your friends to let them know you are okay,” she said cheerfully, “bye for now!” Off she went like a rocket again. I did what she said and called Annelie to let her know I am okay. “How did you fight off 4 guys with guns Steve?” asked Annelie.

“A car came along, and a gun fight developed,” I said, “the car won, then drove off. I had to hide the bodies before anyone came so I do not get in trouble with the police.” “Good thinking Steve,” said Baldwin, “now, watch yourself, there may be more.” “I do not think so, but I will be careful,” I replied, “might have been a local gang fight and they thought I was the other side. But one guy hit me hard in my lower back. I am still groaning from that.”

“And you managed to drag 4 guys off to hide them?” asked Annelie. “Had to be done,” I said, “but that did not help my back, that is for sure.” Baldwin then called Rock to make sure they did not make any stops, just get out to pick me up quickly, and he told them why. John said he would drive, Rock and Benson drive too slow he says. He is right too, especially about Benson. It was finally almost 6am and daylight. An old car came driving up with the owner, his wife and their daughter.

I came out of hiding and told my story. His wife got breakfast started quickly for me and they said there would be no charge for it. The guys showed up about 6:30 and they acted like they were half starved. Rock ordered two of what were called “monster” breakfast specials for himself, while Benson and John just ordered one apiece. I took out my phone and called Annelie to tell them the guys made it finally and what they ordered for breakfast. Sky giggled and headed back home. I hope we do meet again, sometime, but not when someone is trying to kill me.

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.