Chapter 10

I slowly raise my head.

There is someone standing behind Hunter.

Their left hand outstretched on my shoulder.

Their face covered in a black ski mask.

With a stunning pair of feminine, blue eyes looking back at me.

She's wearing form-fitting, black jeans with a black, long sleeved top and black converse.

She's tall.

She's curvy.

She's a thief.

She's holding a glock in her right hand.

I just stare at her.

Her eyes narrow slightly.

Her brows frown.

"Ma'am?...you're purse and phone?" Maybe she thinks I'm slow? Maybe she thinks I'm deaf? I don't know. She looks down at Hunter. Her eyes soften slightly. "Don't worry…we won't harm either of you…"

I finally respond… with the truth.

"I… I don't have…" I swallow nervously. Her frown deepens. "I don't have a cell phone…"

Her eyes widen ever so slightly. "OK, well just your purse then." She states as if it was obvious.

I gulp. "I don't have a purse, either…" I trail off.

They're gonna think I'm lying.

They're gonna think I'm some selfish person who'd risk her children's safety over a small piece of technology.

They're gonna hurt us.

"What do you mean…" She asks. "everyone has a…" Her words cut off abruptly.

Her eyes are focused on my cheek.

The cheek that was out in the open and not pressed against Hunter's temple.

The cheek Jacob had hit earlier.

The cheek that I'd covered with layer upon layer of concealer.

The cheek that had tear tracks running down it… wiping thin streaks of the concealer away…revealing the obvious purpling to my skin.

Her eyes drift from my cheek to my eyes in silent question.

"Please…" I beg. "Please… let us go! We have to leave! I beg of you…" I rasp out to her. She stays frozen in place for a moment before she's snapped out of her staring by the guy with the jovial voice standing behind me. I didn't dare turn around.

"Hey, babe… are you OK?" He almost whispered to her. Tenderness evident in his voice.

"Er…yeh, yeh I just…" She couldn't finish her sentence. Her eyes reconnect with mine.

"Aww man," the man said after a short pause, "E is gonna want to know about this one…" I had no idea what that meant but before I could think about doing anything, the robbers left me and Hunter. I heard them congregate but what I'm assuming is the entrance to behind the tellers' counters. I couldn't hear a word they said, only soft murmurs.

Suddenly, the second guy, the one with the smooth voice, talks loudly to everyone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, if you would please stand up and follow my associate to the back store room where you will remain until further notice. Do not resist and nobody will be hurt. To quote a hero of mine "These few dollars you lose here today are going to buy you stories to tell your children and great-grandchildren. This could be one of the big moments in your life; don't make it your last!"

Everyone started to move. After a threat like that, I don't think anyone would take their chances.

I tried to shift, trying to find a way to get up whilst keeping Hunter in my embrace. But I only got up to resting on my left elbow when I'm halted in my tracks by that friendly female voice right behind me.

"Not you, sweetie… you'll be staying in here for a while…"


AN: OMG! You guys officially and totally rock! 13 reviews! For one chapter! That is insane! They all made me smile! Some were funny and some made me happy with the guesses! I won't ruin it for anyone...I like to leave cliff hangers a lot... can you tell? ;) Also the favourites and alerts are insane! I love how so many of you are enjoying the story! I hope you like this chapter and I'll see you all very soon!

PS: The quote was by John Dellinger, famous bank robber in the 1930's!

Keep reading and reviewing!

Smileyxxx