by Jim Craig
An inky black blanket dropped all around us. It was pitch dark, but I could hear Charlie’s shoes just three feet away shuffling around the corner. I scuttled sideways and rolled on my side to get my body completely under the Expedition before he stepped on me.
His feet stopped inches away from my face splashing gasoline into my face. Whatever my jacket was snagged on wouldn't give, but I didn’t dare move anyhow. Any rip or tear or any other sound would give me away. My eyes were on fire. I held my breath and squeezed my eyelids shut trying to force some tears out before the burning made me scream.
I could hear Charlie’s ragged breathing. The gas had to be killing him too. His feet couldn’t stay still as he peered around blindly in the dark and tried to figure out where I’d gone. Without the gun or the lighter he needed me in his hands as his last defense. I knew he could feel the same thing I could. Dangerous men moving through the dark. Closing in on us.
Charlie moved toward the back of the vehicle and stopped again to lean against the fender. From under the Expedition I could hear the scurrying sounds of boots on the wet deck across the open garage. Then the quiet was shattered by another gas can tumbling down the metal stairs at the exit.
The Expedition rocked as Charlie pushed off and his footsteps splish splashed away from me into the void. I reached around to get my jacket untangled and let myself breathe again blinking hard and fast.
Rolling onto my back I finally pulled loose and lay still to listen. Everything had gone quiet. I'd lost my hat and my head was spinning with a woozy tilt. The gasoline was getting to me. My coat and pants were soaked in it, and I could feel the cold irritation as it ate at my skin.
I thought about crawling toward the exit, but that meant crossing the open lane between the vehicles. Without being able to see I’d have to feel my way and there were three killers in the dark waiting for me to move.
Charlie was nearby somewhere, probably only a car or two away. I was hoping the darkness and smashing his glasses would give the cavalry a chance to move in. His lenses were so thick, I didn’t think he could see much without them. But my eyes weren’t doing any better, the fumes and the tears made everything a painful dark blur.