Chapter 10: The Evidence Hunt
254 words
That smile. That shark-like grin seared itself into my retinas as I trudged away from the cemetery. They were celebrating their windfall while I walked toward the city park to find a bench that wasn't too exposed to the wind.
Inheritance Theft wasn't just a crime on paper; it was the reason I was eating half a granola bar for dinner. My chest ached, a reminder that my health was failing. I needed the original policy documents from Gary's office, but getting passed a Security System required energy I didn't have.
I curled up on a wooden bench, pulling my knees to my chest. The cold from the wood seeped into my bones.
A shadow fell over me. The smell of cheap alcohol hit me first.
"Nice bag," a voice rasped.
A hand grabbed the strap of my backpack—my lifeline. My antibiotics, my phone, my last few dollars.
Panic flared, but it wasn't the flight response I was used to. It was pure, hot rage. I leaped up, ripping the bag back with a scream that tore my throat.
He lunged. I didn't think; I swung the heavy bag, the metal buckle catching him square in the temple. He staggered back, eyes wide, seeing the feral look in mine.
"Get away from me!" I roared. This was Self Defense, but it felt like war.
He scrambled off into the dark. I stood there, panting, realizing I had nothing left to lose. If I could fight him, I could break into an office.
End of Chapter 10
