Killer Heat

FIFTY-SIX

Step inside, Alex," Rasheed said.

I stood at the edge of the door, my back against the jamb. He pushed me and I swiveled halfway into the room.

He put the gun in his other hand, holding it to my stomach, and kneeled down to reach for the coiled rope.

I wasn't going to let myself be tied up. Not while I had an ounce of strength in me. With my left foot, I kicked at the pile of rope and heard it topple over, away from me

Damn it, bitch," he said, grabbing at my leg to stop himself from falling with it.

I reached into my rear pocket with my right hand and withdrew the knife. I pressed the switch and the blade snapped open while Troy Rasheed tried to regain his balance and get to his feet.

"It's time we get down to business," he said, lifting his head, his lips glistening with his own blood. "C'mon, Alex. You be nice."

He was on his knees, trying to stand, when his eyes met mine and he said my name again. I raised my arm over my head and plunged the knife as deep as I could into his chest. Blood spurted out through the hole in his shirt and Rasheed collapsed forward, driving the blade even deeper into his body.