He finally made it to the alley, and he turned, slowing down his steps. Up ahead, near a dumpster, Brittany lay on the ground. Blood coated her gray t-shirt below her left breast. Her gun was on the pavement, out of reach. Sprawled on the ground next to her was the blonde woman, unconscious. But no blood stained her. Standing over Brittany was Derek.
With a gun!
Austin's mind scrambled. Derek didn't know he was here, yet. If Austin could sneak up on him, maybe he could grab the man from behind and disarm him.
Taking careful steps, he moved toward Derek.
"If you hadn't stuck your nose into my business, I wouldn't have to kill you," Derek was telling Brittany.
Color was disappearing from her face quickly. Austin prayed again, that she wouldn't die.
"Why...why are you doing this?" Brit
