Shed unloaded the jack and had the hubcap off and a couple of lug nuts loosened, before she realized she had company. Three figures, watching her from the shadows like snow wraiths. And then she understood what was really going on. An icy chill shimmied down her spine.
This wasnt about bad luck. This was about payback.
She locked the tire iron in her fist before pushing herself to her feet and turning to face David Brown and his two thick-necked jock friends.
Dr. Livesay. Davids smile was anything but genuine. Having some trouble with your car?
Rachel was oddly strengthened by the knowledge that David felt compelled to have backup when trying to intimidate her.
I suppose if I check the stem, Ill find a tiny pebble wedged beneath the cap. Shed heard of the trick to slowly release air from a tire.
I wouldn know about that. Davids cheeks were flushed pink, as if hed just come from inside some nice warm vehicle or building. Or worse. She picked up on the slight slur in his voice. Hed been drinking.
Intoxicated meant unpredictable. Rachel was already at a disadvantage. She needed to keep her head and think more clearly than any of these boys could.
Then, you stopped to help me change the tire?
Looks like youre doin jus fine on your own.
Rachel noticed one of the bigger youths moving toward the rear of her car. She jabbed the air with her tire iron. Stay put. I want all three of you where I can see you.
David gestured to his friends and himself. His lips pouted and he took on a wounded expression. Were not in your class anymore, Doctor. You cant give us orders.
She nodded to the two muscle men, Lance Arnold and Shelton Parrish. I didnt kick them out of class. Youre the one who stole that paper. I found an exact duplicate on the Internet.
Davids chatty drunkenness vanished. In its place she caught a glimpse of temper flashing in his eyes, followed by cold, heartless rationality. He pointed his finger at her and advanced. Maybe you shouldnt be such a tough bitch. Rachel backed up against the car, succumbing to a moment of self-preserving panic. Its no wonder the guy who knocked you up didnt stick around.
Get away from me! When David was within arms reach, Rachel jammed the tire iron in the middle of his solar plexus.
David clutched his arms across his stomach, doubled over and coughed. Rachel poked him in the chest, nudging him farther away.
You stay away from me, she threatened in as succinct and even a voice as she could manage. Im calling the police right now.
With what? Davids cough turned into a laugh as he straightened.
Rachel traced his line of sight and glanced over her shoulder, beyond the roof of her car. Distracted by the vile menace of Davids advance, she hadnt noticed Lance circle around the front of her car. Her book bagand the cell phone she kept insidedangled from one big, meaty fist.
Fearmore chilling than the night around herattacked her from within, robbing Rachel of her false sense of confidence.
The diversion was the opportunity David needed. He snatched the tire iron from her grasp.
Instinctively, Rachel circled her arms around her belly, shielding the most vital part of her from any harm.
David pointed the tire iron right beneath her chin, using it as a lethal extension of his accusatory finger. I dont want back in your lousy class, he said, laying down his version of the law in unmistakable terms. I just need you to clear my record so I can stay in school.
Thats out of my hands, David.
Do it. Cold, cold iron tapped the end of her chin and she jerked away from its frozen touch. Do it, or you might have to face worse than a flat tire.
A frisson of anger worked its way through the chill that rooted her in place. How dare you threaten me. Youre the one who broke the rules. Youre the one who has to pay the consequences.
Its onestupidpaper!
His voice flashed with anger augmented by the liquor that still coursed within him.
Oh God. Rachel shivered against the raised fender of the car, shrinking into herself. What had she done? Why had she argued? Why hadnt she stayed home?
This mornings cyptic note burned an incriminating hole in her pocket. Because of her stupid paranoia, she hadnt seen the real danger headed her way. Now shed put not just herself but her baby in danger.
David. Please For her babys sake, she wasnt above pleading. Lance? Shelton?
Is there a problem, Doc?
Rachels heart jumped to her throat and collided with her fear. The dark, low-pitched voice had startled David, as well. It was a voice that brooked no argument, a voice that showed no fear.
It was a voice she would never forget or be able to repay.
Her knight in shining armor stepped from the shadows into the illumination from the streetlamp. Josh Tanner. With his black jacket and jeans, hed been invisible in the shadows. She knew he was six-three or-four, and his broad shoulders required the extra space of an empty seat on either side of him in her lecture hall. But as he stepped into the light, with his feet braced for a fight, his hands hanging in loose fists at his sides, and his blue eyes dark with some unnamed emotion, he looked bigger and tougher than shed ever seen him in class.
She hugged her stomach, keeping her baby close in her arms, half afraid to trust in the rescue he promised.
Lose the tire iron, David, Josh warned.
Davids gaze darted from Lance to Shelton to Josh. The look he spared Rachel was a mix of hatred and smug triumph. Theres three of us, Tanner. Davids challenge dangled in the cold, damp air. And this isnt any of your damn business.
Ive made it my business, Josh answered, unmoved by Davids bravado. Now, are you going to leave with your face intact, or with a bloody nose? The choice is yours.