Five minutes later, she was still searching the wagon. First darting a quick glance at the two men struggling with the tow chain, Samantha saw they weren't paying attention to her, and took a moment to evaluate what she'd found- a fanny pack, a lighter, two Bic pens, one of which she slid behind her ear and covered with her dirty hair. Half a pack of smokes and one unopened can of Diet Coke completed the stash, and she shoved it all into the small pack before moving to the rear. This vehicles was so crammed with bags, suitcases, and boxes, it was a wonder there had been room for the driver.
The suitcase at the very bottom of the far floorboard was newer, just barely in reach…and full of women's clothes and belongings, she realized, staring at the lacy bra she'd fished out. Her numb fingers went back to exploring the many pouches and slots.
In the last pocket, when she could almost feel Melvin headed her way, Samantha found the Taser.
The cold edge of power filled her as she sought, and found, the symbols for a fully-charged battery. She grinned harshly at the footsteps crunching closer… at the man who didn't know the coming battle had just shifted her way.
"What are ya…?"
Sam hit the button as her arm was jerked around, and the vicious blast of electricity slammed into Melvin's chest.
"Uuhhh..!"
He began twitching, letting go of her, and she stared coolly into his pain-filled eyes as she held the button in, watched him stumble back, teetering. The instant she let go, he thumped heavily to the wet, snowy ground and his eyes rolled back into his head.
His yellow, nicotine-stained knuckles landed on her foot and she smiled coldly, kicking his hand away. "Shoulda been nicer, Mel."
Sam's taunt was low; her tight smile seething hatred. That had felt good! She tossed the weapon and jumble of wire darts into the wagon's backseat as Melvin's body continued to twitch as if he was touching a live line.
"Hey!" she shouted toward Henry, choosing her next move quickly. "Something's wrong with Mel!"
Henry came on the run and dropped to his knees in the snow beside his brother, who was now drooling, trying to talk - to warn him.
Sucking in air, Sam snatched the pen out of her hair, keeping it behind her back as she let the cap fall to the frozen ground.
"What is it? What happened? "Melvin's eyes had closed, body stilling, and the painter was looking up at her in helpless fear. He'd forgotten that they weren't in this together.