Chapter 4 - THE SILENT REVELATION
Behind Jack’s heavy leather boots, Emma peeked out, her hands moving rapidly in precise, urgent gestures against the yellow fabric of her shirt.
HE TOOK MOM.
Jack’s dark eyes caught the movement in his peripheral vision. He read her fingers without turning his head.
Emma pointed her small index finger directly past the Stranger, aiming toward the bright glass automatic exit doors at the front of the store, and then out toward the vast asphalt parking lot outside.
Jack reached into his front jeans pocket with his right hand, pulling out his heavy duty mobile phone. His thumb swiped the screen instantly, hitting the speed dial for store security while keeping his eyes locked onto the Stranger’s face.
"Security," Jack spoke loudly into the phone, his voice echoing off the high metal rafters of the store. "I need main floor security to Aisle 14 right now. Attempted child abduction."
The moment the word abduction echoed through the aisle, two mothers pushing shopping carts nearby let out sharp gasps and quickly pulled their children away.
The Stranger’s eyes went wide with sudden rage. He didn't argue. He didn't try to explain himself. He spun around on his heel and began walking at a fast, aggressive pace back toward the main front race-track aisle, heading directly toward the automatic exit doors.
"Jack!"
Emma reached out, grabbing the leather fringe of Jack’s Iron Ravens vest, her small finger pointing urgently toward the fleeing man’s right hand.
May you like
Jack looked up instantly.
The Stranger was near the cash registers, twenty yards away. His right hand had slowly slipped inside the front placket of his blue polo shirt, his fingers gripping something bulky tucked beneath his waistband.
