False Gods: The Show Jumper's Challenge

God, she was freezing. She had left her jacket inside, and she wasn’t about to go back in to get it. Who could she call? She pulled out her phone and looked at the contact list. Someone who could come to get her and not ask questions. Jess and her boyfriend were probably still at the movies. Jack. She was cold, and before thinking about it another minute, she punched in the barn’s number and listened to it ring. It was late. There was probably no one in the office at this hour . . . five, six rings . . .

“Hello . . . help you?” It was a bad connection.

“Jack. I’m glad it’s you. Can you come get me? Remember the place I told you I was going tonight? I hate to ask, but something happened and I need a ride.” Cory tried to sound casual.

“Cory . . . you ’right? . . . ’t happened?” She only heard pieces of words, but Jack sounded worried.

“Listen, I can barely hear you, but I’m good. Don’t worry. I just need a ride home, okay? I want to go home now.”

“Is it him, that guy? Is he there? I’ll be right there . . .”

The call dropped. Cory tried calling back, but there was no answer. She slipped the phone into her pocket and looked up and down the empty street. She rubbed her arms and jumped up and down to keep warm. The back door to the club opened again, casting a shaft of light into the parking lot. A dark figure walked toward her.