THIRTEEN

The gunshot report was deafening and Constance heard it loud and clear from inside the vehicle.  The sound of the gunshot made her jump in her seat and she gasped at the door handle as fright gripped her like a thick shroud.  In her mind’s eye, she pictured Thaddeus collapsing in pain and that doubled her fear automatically.  Constance was in a near-panicky state as she fumbled for the door’s handle with a shaky pair of hands, unable to hold back the tears that sprouted in her eyes.  The darkness seemed to fight against her as she managed to pop the lock tab then shoved the door open but then cried out as she was suddenly pulled back by what felt to her like a pair of hands forcing her back to her seat.  Her hand searched for find the button of the interior light and when it came on, she gasped when she realised she was held back by her safety belt.  She unclasped her belt and nearly stumbled out the vehicle just to be free. &n