30 Days (24 page)

“Oh stop. He won't do anything to me and you know it. He’s just creepy.”

“I agree with Ben. Why don't you just let us handle creepy ex-boyfriend?” Colin asks.

“Because this will be so much more fun! Right Elle?!”

“Right.” I say flatly. I am all for the slash a tire activity happening, I’m not sure I think Jenna’s stalker ex should be our target. Sure, he’s deserving, but will he retaliate against her if he finds out, is what worries me.

“We won't go until dark.”

Jenna and I take off in Ben’s car around nine and head over to the location of her ex-boyfriends truck. Colin, although irritated that we couldn't just pick a stranger and keep the danger level to a minimum gave us the hunting knife he keeps in his trunk. Jenna parks the car a block away from the truck to keep from getting caught.

“Ok, so I just stab it right?” I ask as we’re crouched behind the truck together.

“I don't know! I’m no expert here.” She whispers back.

Sighing I pull the knife from my coat pocket and
unsheathe it. “It’s not going to explode right?”

“Elle...I have no idea. Just do it.”

“I’m scared! You do it!” I hiss.

“It’s your list, I just provided the tire for you. Now hurry up, I have to pee!”

I raise the knife and jab the tire with it. The force of my blow does nothing but bounce the knife back at me. Apparently tire rubber is extremely durable, and takes a lot of force to penetrate. With Jenna chuckling quietly at me I try again stabbing the tire with as much force as I can muster. There's a big hiss and a gust of wind, and then it's over.  No pop, no explosion, not much danger and nothing melodramatic as the car sinks a
few inches. Jenna and I look at each other as if we didn’t do it right momentarily before I shrug. “I guess that’s it.”
We scurry down the street to the car giggling about how lame slashing a tire is and spend the car ride home laughing over the huge let down it turned out to be.

“There really wasn’t much excitement was there?”
Jenna snickers.

“I think crouching behind his truck was more exciting than the tire deflating.” I laugh.

“Stupid jerk deserves a flat.”

“Well then, mission accomplished.” I snort.

The guys greet us at the door when we arrive
back at the cottage. None of them look particularly happy but relief is etched in their faces when we come through the door. “So?” Ben asks tapping one foot nervously.

“We did it.”

“And...” He goads.

“It was kinda a
letdown.” I pout. “Nothing exciting happens when you slash a tire.” I sigh in disappointment. Ben and Colin stare at us a moment before bursting into laughter at Jenna and I.

“What did you think was going to happen?” Colin asks.

“I don't know.... but something! It just hissed and deflated.” I shrug.

“I’m a little sad this list is done. We have some good stories from it.”
Colin  shakes his head sadly.

“Like your assplosion?” Ben chimes in.

“We agreed never to talk about that again.” Colin spits pulling me into a hug. “Sorry it wasn't as badass as you wanted it to be.” He murmurs in my ear.

“Eh... it’s alright. What do we have for dessert, I’m kinda hungry.”
Everyone laughs at my obvious need for sugar before joining me in the kitchen.

Week four gone

“She bought a gun in Somerset.” Mick says.

“This is not good. Not good at all.” Dr. Rand worries.

“Maybe it is. Maybe it saves us having to find her.” Mick snickers.

“Or maybe instead of using it on herself she’ll come after you Ryan.” Dr. Rand quips. I look to Mick, then back to Dr. Rand.

“When she’s back in custody, she’s not getting out. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Dr. Rand replies.
 
Elle, Elle, Elle you idiot. Registering a gun in your name. How foolish. I’ve got you now.

***

It takes Mick forty-eight hours and a lot of favors but we now have an address. Mick sits across from me waiting for direction.  “Hunt her down and get her back to Dr. Rand unless she gives you trouble, then do whatever you have too.”

“Understood.” He clips before pushing out of his chair and striding away.

I drag a hand down my face and look out the window. It’s only a matter of time now before you’re back where you belong. I pick up the phone and call Alister’s bookie.

“I’ll have the money end of next week.”

“You said that last month. Alister’s wants me to remind you that he’s not a bank.”

“End of next week.” I bark into the phone and hang up.

PRESENT

DAY 29

“Pivot! Pivot Elle!” Colin shouts as I continue my combinations on the heavy bag.

We’ve hit the speed bags, double in bags, and tackled the more physical stuff too like pushups and
sit-ups already. My energy is waning fast and all I want to do is tell him to screw himself so I can stop.

“Break.” He clips. “Rope...ten minutes.”

I drop my arms and curse at him under my breath before picking up the jump rope and starting. By the time Colin thinks it’s acceptable for me to be done I’m dripping with sweat, feel like throwing up and unsteady on my legs.

“Good job today babe.” He says leaning in to kiss me.

“Yeah, no special treatment here.” I complain making him chuckle.

“What time will you be home?”

“Um,” I say still trying to catch my breath. “I have two appointments back to back to see apartments but I think I should be back around four or five.”

“Alright, I’ll cook dinner so don't pick anything up.” He instructs.

“Oh really?”

“I have a little surprise for you. I should be home by five thirty.” He winks and turns away leaving me at the entrance to the locker room. By the time I’m ready to leave I’m still grinning like an idiot. I love surprises and I can't wait for Colin’s.

The realtor I met with was pleasant enough but the apartments she showed me were not at all what I was looking for.  I had made it clear that I wanted something with an ocean view so that I could still open windows and hear and smell the ocean. Both apartments were further in town with an ocean view from the roof, maybe. They were smaller than the rental cottage too, which isn't a total deal breaker but if I’m setting down roots I want a guest room at the very least. By the end of the second showing I sensed the realtor was frustrated with me. Her heels clack obnoxiously down the stairs and her cheap suit reminds me of something Ryan’s mother would wear. “It’s alright to
take our time and find something.” I say calmly. “I’m not in a hurry really so why don't you get back to me this week with some more options.”

“Of course Ms. Darling.”  We part ways outside the second apartment with no love lost.

It’s three thirty, Colin won't be home for another two hours but I’m glad. It gives me time to get home, clean up a bit and change for him. I have no idea what he has up his sleeve but I want to look good for it. I can't help but smile as I walk back to the cottage.

I swing the door open walk to the kitchen and put my purse down. The list on the fridge is full of things that have been crossed out. All but one. The last one. It’s not something I can do in a day but it’s definitely happening.  I feel it more and more each day. I breathe a sigh of relief and accomplishment at everything I’ve managed to do.

“You’re a tricky little girl aren't you? I’ve been looking for you. You’re smarter than you look, using someone
else’s address.” The deep voice startles me. I turn on my heel and come face to face with a short stocky man with slicked back hair. “It’s time to go home Elle.” He spits. Terror rips through me as he eases another step toward me.

“Who are you?” The gun. I have to get the gun.

“A friend of your Husband’s.”

“Mick.” I breathe trembling.

“Ah, so you’ve heard of me then. Good, then you know better than to try anything stupid.”

“Excuse me?” I take a step back and reach for the drawer behind me where Colin told me to keep the pistol loaded. If I can keep him talking maybe I have time to get it. He lunges forward snagging my wrist, gripping it harshly in front of him.
My legs shake and my stomach churns as his grip tightens.

“I wouldn't do that unless you want to end up like your sister.” He sneers. Everything snaps into place. Jenny’s accident, my inheritance, being committed. His free hand pulls out a gun just as I cock my hand back to punch him. My fist connects solidly with his nose. A bone crunching sound accompanies his grunt as I twist out of his hold and start to run.
My heart beats erratically at the thought of him catching me. I’m two steps from the door when the hard metal grip of a gun comes down, landing at the base of my skull. Pain radiates through my body in waves and my vision starts to blur. All my thoughts zero in on Colin and how this will break him as my eyes roll back into my head and the world fades to black.
I free fall to the floor in a heap.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I would like to thank my sister and all my parents for their encouragement and support.

My sister is my rock, and I dedicate this book to her. I also thank my wonderful daughter: Bella, for always making me smile.

Thank you to my husband and friends for everything- giving me stuff to write about and being excited for me and especially for not laughing in my face when I said I was writing a book! To Chrissy Anderson for writing THE LIFE LIST and inspiring me to grab hold of this life and fight for love and happiness without shame.  You’re awesome Chrissy!

If you want more you can find me here:

http://ferrarik.wix.com/klarsen

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