Page 159 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Trouble in Paradise

We slowly inch our way out of the packed movie theatre parking
lot. People are scattered everywhere. There is a small group
crossing the street in front of us. Hudson is annoyed. “You think
they could move any slower?” he growls, leaning on the horn. As
soon as we pass them – BAM! – one of the pedestrians slams
the trunk of our car. Without missing a beat, Hudson squeals
into reverse and, burning rubber, brings the car to a screeching
halt. He jumps out, struts straight over to the culprit he spotted
in the rear-view mirror and sucker punches him square in the
face. My husband is right-handed but it’s his left hand that
sports his large, chunky wedding band. And that’s the hand that
connects with the poor guy’s face. He drops like a bowling pin.
Hudson leans over his victim, leering up at the others. They
don’t back off nor do they approach. Everything is happening
really fast. I jump out of the car (not really sure why) but Hudson
yells, “Get back in the car. Now!” In a flash he is in the driver’s
seat, and we speed off.
I feel sick. Adrenaline shoots through my body in waves of
terror. I’m scared these guys are going to follow us and force us
off the road. It wouldn’t be the first time. What if they tail us
and find out where we live? My mind spins into worst-case-
scenario overdrive. I’ve witnessed my husband’s outbursts too
many times to count. At this moment I’d rather be anywhere
than sitting in the passenger seat.
“The cops are going to be at our place by the time we get
home.” Hudson sounds convinced.

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