Chapter 43: An Unexpected Turn of Events

Carmella's terror nearly numbed her as much as the cold did. She peeled away several layers of clothing as Earl watched and Raj wailed. When she was only in her bra and jeans, her trembling became fierce. If he walks behind me, he'll see the knife. I have to keep his attention on my front.

"Take it off …" Earl whispered.

Carmella unhooked the bra, shrugged out of it, and let it drop to the ground. She stood straighter and made no effort to cover her breasts with her arms. "It's cold. Please, can we go inside? My son isn't wearing a coat."

Several expressions passed across Earl's face before it turned to stone. He gestured with the gun. "The sooner you suck it, the quicker you and your boy can get where it's warm. Not back to that house; a different one. You, me, and the kid."