Before Gina could get back to the safety of her apartment, she called 911.

"911 – What's your emergency?"

"I've been attacked by someone at my apartment complex! Send the police! And hurry!"

"Are you at your apartment now?"

"I'm outside, in the parking lot."

"Were you attacked in your apartment?"

"No. It was outside in the parking lot."

"Is the attacker there now?"

"I don't know. I think he ran away."

"Is anyone with you?"

"No, I'm alone, in the dark. PLEASE! Send someone! HURRY!"

"Okay, ma'am. Please relax. What's the address that you're at?"

"It's Stafford Apartments at 1715 Stafford Avenue, East Hanover. PLEASE HURRY!"

"And what is your unit number, please?"

"212. But I'm not in my apartment right now. I'm in the parking lot."

"Can you get to your apartment and lock the door?"

"Yes, I'm heading there now. When...? Oh my god! I see him again. Please, please send the police – NOW!"

"We will, ma'am. We need you to answer one more question. If you'll hold on the line for a moment longer..."

"He's coming this way. PLEASE!..."

"Hey, baby doll. So, we meet again!"

"Yeah, Luke. I don't think it was very polite of our sexy-doll here to run off like she done. Huh?"

"No, I don't. And don't say my name so loud so everyone can hear it. Understand, dumbass?"

"Sure."

"So, pretty babe, where ya' goin'?"

The two slimy creeps were moving in closer and closer. They provided no escape. Instead, they forced Gina to move ever more backward between a fenced-in corner of the parking lot and a large dumpster. A burned-out floodlight contributed to the darkness and seclusion. No one would be able to see what might take place.

"It's none of your business where I'm going. Now back off!"

"Oooo! We got ourselves a HOT one!"

"Yeah! She's a fighter, man! Just like we like 'em! Right, Luke?"

"What'd I say about that?"

"Sorry, dude."

"Well, stop it, dumbass. You'll spoil the mood. Understand?"

"Sorry. I don't wanna break up no 'romance.'"

"Now, where were we? Oh yeah. Why don't we get better acquainted, darlin'?"

"I had enough of you already. You turn my stomach. Now back off before you make me puke all over you. I will you know. Don't make me do it!"

"Aww! Ain't that cute! Ain't she real cute?" said Luke.

"Yeah, real cute. Maybe she's real drunk too."

"Yeah! That should make it easy."

"And more fun."

"Yeah! I say it's time we move in for the thrill. What'ya say, babes? You ready for some lovin'?"

Without warning, Gina pulled a 9mm handgun from the inside pocket of her jacket. "One inch closer, and I'll shoot."

"Haha! You wouldn't dare! You'd end up in prison for life."

"Or worse," added 'dumbass.'

"You got no witnesses. We didn't even touch you... YET!" announced Luke as he took one last, fatal step.

Gina unloaded three slugs into his chest, frightening his accomplice to run for his life.

Story and Illustrations Copyright © 2021 by Michael DeFrancesco