Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 115763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
“You don’t,” the clerk answers, her voice monotone with a complete lack of concern about his question or the fact that he cut in line, which Ms. MiraLAX is still complaining about. “Next!”
“It’s your turn,” Ms. MiraLAX tells the man in front of her, who had been impatiently toe tapping while waiting for his chance at the counter but is now standing back like he’s not in such a hurry after all. I can understand why. The two guys are significantly larger and more intimidating up close and personal, especially now that I think they might actually be following me.
But me? Why me? I’m nobody. Yeah, the ring is a one-of-a-kind piece, but I already told them it’s unavailable. That should be that.
“Look it up. It’s box 4862,” the guy tells the clerk, taking away any residual doubt I may have still had. Because PO box 4862 belongs to PLDesigns, a.k.a. me, and is what’s listed on my website.
I have to get out of here.
I duck my head again, nearly shoving it into my bag, as I turn around. “Excuse me,” I whisper to the lady behind me as I get out of line. I force my feet to walk despite a very strong urge to sprint. It feels like one of those National Geographic documentary moments . . .
Though the faster female lions are known as the primary hunters, males are better suited for ambushing larger prey, and these hungry lions have stalked this guileless prey for days across prairie flatlands and through tough terrain, their patience growing weary with every passing day. Until now, finally . . . they’re ready to pounce. Sensing an invisible danger, the prey reacts instinctually, bolting away. The lions give chase, wearing the prey out as they direct it toward a lone tree. The prey foolishly takes the bait, seeing the tree as a safe reprieve and climbing as high as possible to find cover. Not realizing that was the lion’s plan all along, the prey is now trapped. There’s no way out. The lions simply have to wait out the doomed prey.
I can’t let myself be stuck in a tree.
I fight off the fear building in my gut and climbing my throat, telling myself . . . Don’t run. Don’t act suspicious. Don’t draw attention. Don’t. Run.
So, of course, as soon as I’m through the door, I sprint for my car. It’s instinct. I can’t help it. As I cross the parking lot, I’m scrambling in my bag for my keys. Once I find them, I press the unlock button over and over like that’ll make it extra-unlocked for me to jump right in.
I swing the car door open and climb in, but because it’s me, of course I bang my head on the doorframe. Pained tears instantly spring to my eyes. “Owwww!” I hiss, rubbing the tender spot on the side of my head with one hand and double-locking the doors with the other.
But I made it out alive, and thankfully un-chased by big, scary guys who are apparently looking for me. And trying to find out my home address.
Oh my God! I have to get home.
But some sanity reigns, plus I’m kinda seeing double from the head bang, and instead of peeling out of the lot on two wheels and laying down a line of rubber, I slouch down low in my seat. Heart still pounding and my breath fogging up the windows, I wait for the guys to come out. I need to see their faces. Not because I haven’t memorized them at this point but because I need to see if they look happy or disappointed. That’ll tell me if they know where I live.
I pray the post office’s lack of give-a-shit served me well this time and the clerk refused to be bothered into looking up my address, which I was assured was entirely private since that’s the whole point of a PO box. But I don’t know if I trust their process that much.
I’m staring fixated at the door, waiting, and when it finally swings open, the two guys come out, their faces thunderous as they yell at each other. I can’t hear them, but I can read the situation well enough to know one thing for sure . . . they didn’t get my address. Yet.
It’s a huge relief. But if they went this far, what else will they do in search of this ring? I swear it really must be cursed. And unfortunately, I think the curse has extended to include me.
Chapter 20
Penny
Busting through my apartment door, I’m already talking to Talia. “Oh my God, you are not gonna believe what happened at the post office!”
Expecting her to be ready to hear my crazy story, I’m completely unprepared for hers.
“He says he’s here to apologize.” Talia holds her hands up, though I’m not sure if it’s in surrender or to stop me from attacking the man sitting on our couch, who also looks concerned I might launch myself at him, and not in a good way.