Why I Hate Dark Alleyways
Dark alleys are something I once avoided like open sewers and road kill. Now, however, they present little frustration besides lighting issues. This is my third year working as a courier in Chicago as I work through college and my fifth year as a martial arts student. Now I'm not saying I could fend off twenty attackers at once but five or six is doable if risky.
That is why I didn't immediately book it when two males emerged from the shadows just ahead of me. I continued pedaling, keeping my eyes straight ahead. Two was never a problem. I was expecting the arm that came out to catch me but even then I was almost caught by him. I slammed back on the pedals, sliding off my bike, and lunged forward to catch him in the stomach.
As I lunged, he just disappeared. The next instant I felt his hand hitting my back with enough force to send me flying to the ground. I rolled with it then came to my feet. I didn't need any more of a demonstration to prove I was outclassed but I guess they liked to play with their victims a bit. The blond just stood to a side as the dark one advanced. He seemed to enjoy watching.
I snorted at that thought then braced myself. His shoulder hit my chest and I flew back into the wall. He flipped me over easily, pressing me against the bricks with an ease that was faintly disturbing. I threw my head back and managed to hit him full on in the face though it felt as if I had really just thrown my head at the wall. I could feel the chill now, as if it were January and not May.
The blond laughed as I fluently cussed the dark one and 'whatever whorish slumbitch' didn't strangle him when she had the chance. I could tell it was the blond from the tone. If the dark one ever laughed, it would probably sound like rust.
I figured the blond was some rich boy out for laughs. Where that left me, however… I was none too pleased with the possibilities. The dark one yanked me around to face the blond who approached with a grace that was inhuman. I blinked once, slowly, as he smiled. It was a cold expression with only cruel humor to warm it.
This did not look good. I could feel the grimace forming on my lips as he lifted his hand and caressed my cheek. I was as yet determined to bruise the bastards, at least. Kicking out with both legs, I caused him to step back though the other just threw me against the wall again then grabbed my throat and squeezed. Lack of air is a great incentive for good behavior, let me tell you.
"Michael, let us keep this one. She could prove of some use." The dark one, Michael, grunted in agreement. "She's fast," he growled then paused thoughtfully for a moment and added "not as fast as us."
Wonderful; it would be Captain Obvious and his faithful sidekick Creepy Boy to be the ones to off me.
"That can change. I had better do it; you ripped the last one to shreds." Blondie smiled as Captain Obvious eyed me suspiciously. "Drop her Michael. She is hardly dangerous to us."
As much as he was probably right, it still stung my pride a bit. All the same, I was moving the instant he released me. I had just about reached the mouth of the alley when I felt cold hands around my mouth and stomach. Like I said, they like to play with their victims. I felt a piercing pain as he bit into my throat, then again, then—pain consumed me. I suppose that was when I started screaming.
AN: Welcome to my experiment. I appreciate any heads up on spelling/grammar errors. I do my best! If you like it so far, please say so. I can always use a little encouragement. Thanks!