Running On Empty

FIRST DATE

I smile as we approach my car. "I wasn't sure about this internet dating thing, but I had a great time."

"So did I...Sidney."

My stomach turns. "What? That's...not my name." My voice trembles. "Not anymore."

His voice is smooth honey, even as his hand crushes mine. "Or should I call you...Special Agent Thomas? Did you think you could hide?"

I look down. He must have been hiding the ring on his finger before—a ring with a cracked onyx stone—because I recognize it instantly. The stone had cracked when it hit the sidewalk, after I shot its former owner. That was ten years ago. Forever.

My blood turns to ice. "He was going to kill a hostage. A child."

I try to pull away. His hand twists, and I feel the sting of the poison-tipped needle as it shoots out from the ring.

My vision blurs, and the ground rushes up. I try to scream, but something's stuck in my throat. I try to claw at my neck, but I can't feel my fingers.

Then I can't feel anything.

The last thing I hear is his sweet, honeyed voice.

"No one hides forever, bitch."