Second Song Cowboy (Second Chance) (25 page)

“Robert, I understand you’re angry and upset. You and Lilith have problems that are difficult to work through. When faced with—”

“Shut up, you bitch! No more of your two-cent theories on how to make my marriage work. I wonder how many other relationships you’ve destroyed in your career of making people miserable.” He clenched his hands into fists and the air left Karsyn’s lungs.

Realizing she couldn’t talk him down, she focused on getting away. Her keys were on the floor, useless as a weapon. Her three-inch heel would be a second choice, but by the time she got it off her foot, he’d be on her. She took another step to her left, but this time he stepped with her, blocking her. “Whatever you plan to do, Robert, you need to think over the consequences. If you do something to harm me, you’ll go to prison and there won’t be an opportunity to work things out with Lilith.” Her mind sifted through logical reasoning.

He shoved a hand deep into his back pocket, and when he brought it out, he opened his palm, showing her the small knife. The sharp blade glistened in warning. “My relationship is over.”

Karsyn threw her purse at his face, which gave her a second head start, but she didn’t get far in her high heels on the slippery cement floor. His heavy footsteps quickened as her breathing grew louder in her ears. She reached the elevator door, slammed the button, and just as the doors came open she felt a sharp blow to her back, sending her to her knees. Liquid heat streamed down her waist and into a puddle around her.
Blood.

She fell face-first into the elevator compartment.

“Put the knife down or I’ll shoot!” Through a fuzzy tunnel, Karsyn heard the booming voice.
Too late for help. I’m dying.

Her body became weightless.

A shot splintered the air as everything turned black.