Chapter 60

CHAPTER 60

"W e're leaving," Geoffrey said. "Together. A new life."

"No."

"I'll kill the dog."

After everything, the thought of him shooting Maggs enraged me.

He reached to open the door to shoot the dog and I remembered what Max had said. I grabbed a bottle of glass cleaner and threw it at him. It bounced off the side of his head and he turned to look at me, surprised, and then I went toward him. It was all happening in slow motion, my time sense distorted by adrenaline.

I ducked under his hand that was reaching for me, using my opposite to hit that arm in the elbow, using his weight and momentum against him. He was big; it didn't throw him off his feet, but it did turn him enough that I was able punch him in the kidney, right where Max had showed me. Which is how I got by him to the door and opened it enough for Maggs to rush in and clamp down on his leg.

I slid out the same opening as Geoffrey kicked out, sending Maggs flying once more, and followed me out, slamming the door shut behind him, securing Maggs inside. I was facing him, feet spread just like Max had showed me, ready for his next attack.

"You shouldn't have done that, Rose." His voice was calm and level, as if discussing something of no consequence. My punch seemed to have had no effect. "That's not the way that people who love each other act."

No shit. I was backing up. I knew those stone steps were behind me, so I was sliding my feet in the dirt, feeling for the lip, keeping my stance as best as possible.

Geoffrey walked toward me, the gun in one hand but not pointing, almost an afterthought. I realized he didn't fear me, Cheery Boost Rose, but then he probably didn't fear anything. A psychopath.

I felt the top stair with my foot.