his face. The features that had once looked so handsome reminded me of Satan—pure evil. “Yes, you are. If you don’t, I’ll shoot you here.”
I crossed my arms and sucked my teeth in challenge. “Oh you will, will you? You’ll just up and shoot me right here when everyone at the party saw us walk off together. Is that right?”
Shane wavered. “Who will believe that I had anything to do with your disappearance? Because that’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to disappear, and folks will just think that you couldn’t take the pressure. Let’s face it—your life is a mess, Clem. You’re about to lose your business. Your best friend just died. It’s too much for a girl like you. So you left Peachwood, never to be found.”
I glared at him. “You really believe that Malene is going to buy that?”
“Of course she will, especially after I tell her and everyone else how distraught you were on our date.” Shane’s lips formed a thin line. “Now, get in the truck and let’s go.”
I was out of options. If I thrust my hand out to touch him, then he’d shoot me. There was the possibility that Shane would be caught off guard and I’d beat him to the punch, so to speak, but that was a slim chance. Maybe if I made him angry, he’d lose his focus.
Or maybe he’d just go ahead and shoot me.
Lunging was the best option. Right as I was about to, a shadow emerged from the bushes and out stepped Rufus.
I rolled my eyes. Really? Why the heck was he here? He couldn’t even remember how to work his magic, so what good would his presence do?
Right. I know. I should have been elated to see Rufus, glad that he had appeared since Shane had a gun on me—but I didn’t need his help. I didn’t want it. I wanted to do this by myself.
“Put the gun down,” Rufus said.
Shane scowled. “Got your little boyfriend to follow us, huh?” he said to me.
“The last thing he is, is my boyfriend.” I raised my palms in a questioning gesture. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to help you.”
“I’m perfectly capable of helping myself. I don’t need you.”
He nodded at Shane. “Have you noticed that he’s got a gun on you?”
“Like I said, I have it under control.”
Shane waved the gun at Rufus. “Both of you, get in the vehicle. Clem, you’re driving.”
I stamped my foot. “I am not getting in that vehicle. I already told you.”
“She’s right,” Rufus said. “If she gets in the vehicle, her chances of survival fall immeasurably.”
Annoyed, I said, “How do you know that?”
He shrugged. “Everyone knows that.” Rufus turned to Shane. “I’ll be taking that gun from you now.”
“What, are you both crazy? No one is taking this gun from me. Both of you are getting in the truck.”
Rufus clicked his tongue as if the entire situation was a shame. “I’m afraid that’s not going to happen.”
What in the world made Rufus think that he could waltz up in here and save me? I didn’t need saving. As far as I was concerned, he could just mosey right on back to that party, drink some punch and be anti-social with Malene and the gang.
“Look,” I said to Rufus, “I am not a damsel in distress who needs some amnesiac knight in shining armor to rescue her. So why don’t you just scat?”
Shane rubbed a hand down his face. “Would the both of y’all just shut up and get in the vehicle.”
“Like I said,” Rufus explained, his voice level and calm, “that’s not going to happen.”
Shane slapped his thigh in frustration. “I guess that I’m supposed to ask why is that not going to happen?”
Rufus pulled a yellow spell from his sleeve. “Because of this.”
Quick as lightning, Rufus threw the ball at Shane. It hit him squarely in the chest, and he dropped the gun.
“Now, Clem,” Rufus shouted.
I rushed over to Shane and grabbed his arm.
His eyes widened in fright, and I ground out, “Sleep tight,” right before Shane was thrown back. He hit a street pole and groaned as he slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Rufus rushed over to me. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, but how did you know?” I said, uncertain if I was grateful or annoyed at him.
He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Just had a feeling that he was up to no good.”
Blue and red flashing lights appeared, and three police cruisers screeched to a halt, their hoods