“Our cameras don’t work. They’re just a scare tactic.”
“I’m not...hiding from a camera.” I pushed the container further on the counter. “Can I pay for my formula, please?”
“I told that woman over and over not to bother anyone.”
“She didn’t bother me. She needs help. I had the money...” My eyes trailed to a refrigerator next to this register. “How much is a bottle of water?”
“Three dollars.”
I shook my head. “Just the formula then.”
She scanned the container. “Nineteen dollars.”
“Here you go.”
She glanced down at the 20 I handed her. “You’re a nice lady.”
Was I? “I try.” I shoved my hands in my now completely empty pockets. No money. No phone. No bodyguard. And someone was trying to kill me. Good thing I still had my Ruger.
“Do you want a bag?” the cashier asked me, eyeing me cautiously.
“Yes, please.” I swallowed harshly, feeling the walls closing in on me.
The cashier frowned. “Go take a water.”
“What?”
“Grab a water on your way out. It’s okay.” Her smile uplifted me.
“Thank you.” I took the single she handed back to me and kept it on the counter. “This is for you.”
Walking toward the doors, I spotted the woman outside, rocking on her heels. And talking on a cell phone. The latest iPhone.
Son of a bitch.
Shaking my head, I marched up to her and handed her the bag. The woman took it and spun around, not even looking at me. Still talking on her phone, she hiked down the block as if I didn’t exist at all.
My eyes trailed back to the hospital, the lights shining on the Emergency Room sign. I bet their cameras worked.
Pissed off, I opened my water to take a sip when someone grabbed me from behind and covered my mouth.
“Don’t scream,” the raspy voice whispered in my ear.