California Moon

John pulled Shannon back against the wall so the couple could not look up through the metal stairs to the landing where they were standing. His impatience over the couple’s loitering was clearly growing as his finger squeezed back on the trigger.

Suddenly Shannon slammed her foot down on the metal step. The thudding sound echoed down the stairwell. The noise startled the couple and they quickly left the stairwell through the tunnel door to the parking garage where the elevator was located.

Shannon and John quickly put the last flight behind them. Checking to make certain the couple was out of sight, John pushed Shannon ahead of him as they emerged into the parking garage.

“Where’s your car?”

“Up a half level. A15.”

“Let’s go.”

John followed Shannon as she walked up the incline, taking her keys out of her purse without missing a step. She walked up to the LeBaron and unlocked the door.

John slowly eased himself into the passenger’s seat. Wincing in pain, he ordered Shannon to start the car and head out.

“Which way?”

“West. Just head out 79,” John groaned, holding his sore ribs.

“To where they found you?” she asked too quickly and suddenly felt the cold gun barrel against her temple.

“You ask too many questions.”

“Sorry,” she breathed anxiously.

John slumped back in the seat and allowed his eyes to close.

Shannon drove up St. Vincent Street past Schumper Medical Center near the LSU campus, and turned west on I-20 doing just as John told her. As they passed the 220 beltway, John kept his eyes glued to the side rearview mirror. Shannon knew he was checking to see if they were being followed. She drove the speed limit but didn’t push the car any faster. She just kept her eyes on the road and drove.

“Slow down,” John ordered as they neared the Sabine River Bridge. “It’s so dark and I was so…” He looked around. “Drive to the other side, then park the car on this side of the road. Edge off a bit toward the embankment so no one can see us.”

Terror had exhausted her and the silence between them was more frightening than anything she’d known.

She drove the car just as he ordered. “Is this good?”

“Yeah.”

“No one will see us,” she pointed out as she turned off the engine.

“Give me the keys,” he said abruptly.

Does he have to think of everything? She shoved the keys into his hand.

“Now, get out and come with me.”

“I can wait here.”

He stuck the gun to her head. “I’d rather you didn’t.” He got out of the car, wincing in pain as he did. He kept the gun aimed at Shannon as his eyes scoured the area.

She couldn’t fathom what he was looking for. “They took the car away a long time ago, Ben said,” she offered.

“I’m not looking for the car.” He paused. “It was so foggy that night. I was out of it. And there wasn’t any snow,” he said, which told her he was looking for something on the ground.

He pushed her toward the bridge sign. Scraping the ground with his foot, John cleared away the snow from around the base of the creosote-coated signpost. “Damn. They found it.”

“Found what?”

Growling, he grabbed her arm, pinching the fleshy underside. She noticed that he used her for balance while at the same time keeping her within striking distance. She didn’t have to imagine what that gun butt across the back of her head would feel like.

He kept scouring the ground.

Shannon looked for a way out.

He kicked small rocks aside, cursing with each failure. “Where the hell are you?” he asked.

“If you told me what you’re looking for, I could help,” she said, trying to break free and go in the opposite direction.

He drew up short, dropped her arm and held the gun to her face with both hands. “I don’t think so. Just keep pace with me where I can see you. Okay?”

She nodded, pressing her lips together. Turning, he stubbed his toe and nearly fell. The moon glinted off the rock.

“Goddamn bloody rock,” he muttered.

Shannon held her breath. Then she saw a shiny object poking out from the rock and tall grasses.

He leaned down. “Is this my lucky day or what?”

John was so intent on his discovery that he didn’t see Shannon take a step backward. Then two. Just one more step and she’d make a run for the car.

She didn’t know what he was slipping into his pocket, but his face was lit up like a carnival clown’s. Whatever it was, she supposed he had a right to be happy about it—he’d nearly died for the damn thing.

Without even turning his head around, he raised his arm, slowly pointing the gun at her.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“What?”

“Cut the crap! Okay? I can feel you moving behind me. You’ve taken two steps and are ready for the third.” He turned. His eyes were blazing.

“I…I…” Her knees were shaking.

He shrugged his shoulders and rolled his head to ease his tension. “Forget it. Let’s get the hell out of here.” He walked toward her. “I hate this place!”

They walked in silence as he pushed her toward the car.

When they reached the car, Shannon’s curiosity had gotten the better of her. “What did you find?”

“Nothing,” he said morosely.