I watched Tony, who, without even an ounce of hesitation, placed the barrel of his pistol against the man's forehead. The man screamed into his mouth gag but it was entirely muffled. No one would be able to hear him.

“C’mon Tony; we are in public,” Kade gestured around the alley. “You shoot that thing off, and ten cops will be here in minutes.”

Tony looked around the alleyway. “Fine, I won't shoot this poor f*ck,” he said, shoving his gun into the waistband of his pants.

“Thank yo-” Kade started but was cut off by Tony.

“I’ll f*cking stab him,” Tony yelled. He then pulled a large knife out of the inside pocket of his coat. Before I could even process what was happening, Tony slashed into the man. Kade took a step back, cursing loudly.

Traumatized, I watched as he repeatedly stabbed the man. Blood splattered all over Tony and Kade, the car, and the surrounding pavement. I wanted to look away, avert my eyes anywhere but the violent crime. But instead, my eyes stayed glued to the murder scene happening right in front of me.

After what felt like forever, Tony stopped, setting the blood-soaked knife into his coat pocket. I gasped, feeling my blood run cold, as the man’s lifeless body collapsed into the back of the car.

My flight or fight now kicking in, I began to back away from the scene, looking down at the phone that was in my hand. I needed to get out of here and call the police immediately. Unfortunately, because I was typing in the emergency number, I backed right into a trash can. A loud boom came as it fell over onto the concrete.

My eyes darted back to the two men, who were now both looking in my direction. Stepping back behind the Powerbox, I forced my eyes shut, and with a hand over my mouth, I prayed they would think the sound was something random, like a raccoon. That they would get in the car and drive away and that I would be safe. But once I heard the footsteps, I knew I was done for.

“Who the f*ck are you?” Tony's voice boomed over me.

My eyes shot open as my heart raced. The first thing I saw was the barrel of a pistol aligned with my eyes. Once my eyes focused, I saw the two men towering over me. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't force an answer.

“Don't make me ask a second time,” Tony shouted, shoving the gun further into my face.

After another terrifying moment of silence had passed. Kade snatched my purse off my arm. My whole body flinched as my eyes shot up, watching him. He dug through the purse, pulling out my wallet, then my ID. Turning the card towards Tony, he read my information out loud.

“Skyler Grace. Born September 29th, 1999. Lives at 182 Marivelle, Apartment number 3. Oh, and you're an organ donor.”

I felt my breath hitch at the thought of them knowing where I lived. Not that it really mattered because chances are I wasn't getting out of this situation alive. I felt the tears well up in my eyes. I wasn't ready to die.

“Please don't kill me,” I forced myself out meekly.

Both men's eyes flicked to mine, and while they both had loaded pistols pointed at me, ready to shoot, they were wearing completely different expressions. Tony's lips were curled up in a twisted Cheshire cat smile; a psychotic look shone in his eyes. Kade, however, looked conflicted.

“Oh, honey. We don't have much of a choice,” Tony responded with fake sympathy dripping off his tongue.

My tearful eyes flicked to Kade, who still wore a somber face. His eyes were on me, but it felt like he was looking directly through me. I weighed out my options. If I had any chance of getting out of this mess alive, it would be through him. He was clearly the more rational one of the two.

“You're the guy from the store,” I stuttered. I was trying to buy time.

Kade’s brow furrowed as his eyes scanned my face, clearly trying to remember. After a moment, a look of realization appeared on him. Even after connecting the dots, he remained silent.

“I'm sorry I was a jerk. I was having a bad day,” I continued apologizing, hoping to get on his good side.

Tony turned to Kade with a questioning look. Saying nothing, Kade waved Tony off. His eyes flicked back to mine. I could feel the tears streaming down my face as I held his gaze.

My eyes pleaded with him. I wasn't sure if it was working. His expression was now unreadable. His eyebrows were furrowed up, his brown eyes seemed almost softer now, and his mouth fell into a stiff frown.

“Alright, let's get this over with,” Tony said impatiently.

I watched as Tony pulled the already bloody knife out of his coat pocket, setting the gun in his waistband just like before.

“Please! I won't tell anyone. I promise!” I cried out in a last attempt to save my own life.

“Sorry, doll,” Tony responded by lifting the knife. "It's for your own good."