The finger around the trigger curls.
Alicia inhales sharply.
Jessica swings the barrel.
I lunge.
Diagonal.
Arms out.
Low.
I torque her wrist outward, pivoting on my hips, forcing her arm away from Alicia and toward the floor.
The gun clicks.
Jessica stiffens against me.
She struggles—but I’ve got a tight hold.
A scream pierces the air.
High. Sharp. Feral.
Rage. Pain. No fear.
An elbow digs into my ribs.
But my hand’s on the muzzle.
The metal slips from my fingers.
She kicks back.
Getting air.
The back of her head slams against my sternum.
My grip tightens.
She twists.
Nails dig into my skin, down my jaw.
With a grip on her bicep, I spin her.
She slams against the wall.
Her head hits.
The crazed eyes calm. Stunned.
The gun drops.
A metallic clang on the hardwood.
I step forward. Kick it away.