Fatal Heart

EXCERPT

Bang! A shot echoed around them. Both of them stared at each other in confusion till the assailant pressed his fingers against his throat, where blood was gushing out. He staggered, blinking in surprise as he brought his blood-stained fingers to his eye.

Ted stood in one swift motion. He quickly looked around for threats just before snatching his gun from the floor to his far side. He then looked into the car and stilled, as it stared back at him, empty. He ripped the door open as he frantically searched for his little girl.

He ignored the thud of the assailant's body hitting the floor. Fear and horror were weaving their way into his body and dulled his senses.

Had they taken her already?

Had they-had they-

He dropped weakly into the seat, eyes stinging from the onslaught of tears.

His mind screamed at him to move; maybe he'd find her along the dense woods.

"Daddy."

It was a small voice, familiar, low as if the person didn't want to be heard.

Ted turned his head to the left.

There was his daughter, alive and standing. Her eyes- gosh, her once warm grey eyes were now blank.

But what stole the breath from his lungs was the handgun clutched tightly in her trembling fingers, directed at where the assailant had stood a few minutes ago-his body lying in a pool of his own blood.