Claim - Page 91

“Just come out, Carr. I know you like to grandstand, but quite frankly, I’m sick of it.”

Creak.

I spun, but saw nothing.

“You really are a coward, aren’t you?”

“The little rabbit isn’t running anymore.”

I turned and saw a dark silhouette detach from one of the walls.

Lifting the flashlight, I aimed it right at his face.

How could such a slim, unassuming man be so evil?

“Did fucking that big thug make you feel strong?” Carr said.

I stayed silent.

The serial killer stepped closer. “He’s not here to help you now.”

Because I could damn well help myself. “I look forward to when they give you the death penalty,” I said. “I’ll come to watch. Allie and Karina will be watching too.”

Carr laughed. “They’ll never catch me.” He lifted his arm. He was holding a knife. The long blade shone in the light.

My gut clenched.Stay calm. Stick to the plan.

“I’m going to watchyoudie, little Bell. We’re going to have so much fun.”

The fear came. It spread, tangling around my throat, but I controlled it. I heard Beau’s deep voice in my head.Assess for weaknesses, use your advantages.

I pulled in a slow breath. “I don’t plan to die tonight.”

The man who’d hunted me for so long smiled. “We’ll see.” He charged at me. Fast.

My adrenaline spiked. He slashed out with the knife, but my training kicked in. I dodged, then landed a perfect punch to his face.

He grunted and stepped back. My knuckles hurt like hell, but I kept my gaze on him. I stepped forward and rammed an uppercut into his stomach.

He was soft.

Realization rocketed through me. He wasn’t strong, and he didn’t know how to fight. He just overwhelmed women who were less strong than him.

Carr made an angry sound and swung again. I blocked him and rammed two punches into his face. His nose crunched, and blood poured down his mouth and chin. He let out a screech.

I danced back, keeping my weight balanced.

“What’s wrong, Carr? You don’t like it when you take on someone stronger than you?”

He roared and ran at me.

I whirled. The knife nicked my side, but I spun again, moving in behind him. I landed punches to his kidneys. Then I kicked him.

He ran headfirst into the wall.

“You’re not so scary now,” I taunted.

He spun, an enraged look contorting his face. “You won’t be so confident when I slide this blade between your ribs.” He held the knife up and ran at me.