They had just enough time to say a final prayer, and then the impact happened. It was so unexpected that they didn’t feel anything. Their deaths were quick.
Jake motioned toward the man. “Does it make sense to you that someone would be wearing a coat that heavy when it’s eighty-five outside?”
The man stopped near the end of the pit, and Jake’s military training caused him to plan for every possible scenario.
A belt full of ammo clips was strapped at his waist and he carried an assault rifle. He turned to the unsuspecting slot players and opened fire.
Blood gushed from Jake’s neck. He felt disoriented and disconnected from his surroundings, and he took in shallow breaths. It was like being on a roller coaster as it drops. He heard voices but couldn’t understand the words. Everything turned black, and Jake faded away.
“I’m not going to rape you. Your boyfriend, Jake, paid me to beat you.”
He stood up and got in Jake’s face.
“You’ll sleep where I tell you!”
The assailant shoved the blade at Jake’s neck.
At that point, he knew they were in trouble—the bullets were too close. Jake froze. Before Jake could react, a shot rang out. The pissed-off projectile hissed two inches in front of his head. There was nowhere to run or hide.
