Thirty-Six
I PULL MYSELF AWAY from Helen as quickly as I can and run up the stairs. I start banging on the basement door, screaming, “We’re down here! Help! Help!”
I’m still banging on the door when I hear the front door fly open and Dan’s booming voice scream, “Put the gun down, Leslie!”
I freeze.
Is she on the other side of the door? Is she about to open it, to try to finish what she started?
I press myself against the door hard, determined not to let her in.
“Now, Leslie!” I hear Dan growl.
Then, I hear a slight movement on the other side and Leslie screams, “Saint Michael, protect me!”
There’s an explosion and a thud against the door. Before I can react, I feel more than hear quick, heavy footsteps crossing the floor and a dragging sound on the other side.
Then I hear Dan’s vo
