Blindsided - Chapter 17

Erica ran her tongue along the inside of her jaw and tasted blood. Who knew Allison could pack such a punch?

They’d been in the attached garage of Allison's home, and while she unlocked the door to the house, there’d been a few seconds when her attention was on that. Erica had grabbed a two-by-four sitting against a nearby wall, but she hadn’t been quick enough. The moment she turned to swing, Allison had been right there and had backhanded her so hard, Erica had lost her balance.

She didn’t know if she was angrier at the slap or the fact that she might have missed her only chance to get away. She might not get another opportunity.

Now, twenty minutes later, sitting in an upright chair in the middle of the small, well-lit living room, she watched Allison pace in front of her. While the woman was trying to think of her next move, Erica discretely attempted to free her hands, which were tied behind her back with a scarf. Once she got them loose, she’d start on the rope holding her ankles together like a damn vise.

She wanted to kick Allison’s ass, but more than anything, she wanted to get the hell away from the woman. Erica was seeing a different side of her. Allison might be obsessed, but she wasn’t dumb. She seemed to be making up the situation as she went along, and she was sharp.

If Erica didn’t know any better, she’d think the woman kidnapped people for a living. The only time she seemed to come unhinged was whenever Hudson’s name came up.

Allison stopped pacing and looked at her. She still held the gun, but it hung at her side. “What did you say?” she asked.

Erica frowned in confusion. “Nothing. I didn’t say anything.”

After staring a minute longer, Allison went back to pacing.

Erica had to figure out how to get away. She had already used the bathroom excuse and had to endure Allison standing over her while she went.

I need another plan.

Hopefully, Hudson or Connie was looking for her. By now, Nakia would’ve called one of them. At least Erica hoped.

“What do you think Hudson is going to say when he finds out what you’ve done? Kidnapping? Is that how—?”

“Shut up! You don’t know anything.” The coldness in Allison’s eyes had Erica rearing back. “He made his choice. I’m going to make him suffer by killing you.”

Erica trembled at the hostility in the woman’s declaration. She believed her. Allison’s behavior was unpredictable, and ice spread through Erica’s veins as fear gripped her body.