"Motherfucker!" Melinda screamed, leaping to her feet and slapping me as hard as she could. Thankfully, I'd anticipated it, and could roll with the slap somewhat. That, and Sophie and Mark both had hit me harder in training, I barely felt it.
I could taste some blood in my mouth though. I started chuckling, forcing the blood out to dribble from my lips. "Tabby even smacks harder than you do."
She raised her hand again, when one of the men raised his voice. "Ma'am. Remember, Berkowitz wants him alive. We need to stick to the plan."
Melinda's hand froze in mid-swing, and I saw that this time there was a knife in her hand. Grinning through bloody teeth, I shook my head lightly. I wanted to taunt her some more, but I knew I was pushing my luck as it was. I had her distracted and angry, but if I pushed her any further, she might just not give a damn about Francine Berkowitz's orders.
"Fine. I'll still have his balls for Christmas dinner," Melinda replied. "How's that for Rocky Mountain oysters?"
I was about to reply, when suddenly the night exploded, and gunfire rattled through the air. I dove to the side, hoping that whoever the hell was shooting wouldn't aim at floor level. The office chair tipped over, and I impacted hard on my right shoulder, groaning when I felt my arm pop out of socket. I think getting shot hurt less.
I couldn't see who was attacking, but I had my suspicions. Turning to the front of the store, I saw one of the gunmen down, while another three were already beginning to return fire.
"Fuck it, I'll still get my prize," I heard, and turned to see Melinda Pressman coming towards me, the knife in her hand and a gleam in her eyes.
To Be Continued…