#FlashFictionMagic Contest: The sound could be heard for miles...

As she drove her cruiser up the driveway, Madigan kept the stalker's text in the forefront of her mind: 9 P.M. BOMB. BYE, BRETT. She wished Brett would answer his phone, but with the party music pounding, she knew he couldn’t hear it.

Madigan parked in a tight spot amidst the many cars and bailed out. She stumbled along the poorly-lit driveway, then started to sprint across the lawn. Heading toward the backyard, she caught a glimpse of Brett's dark curls and felt a surge of hope.

"Brett!" she screamed, but as he turned, there was a bright flash of light. The sound could be heard for miles. Madigan felt it in her chest. Lights and sirens signaled the arrival of back-up, but she only sank to her knees and began to sob.

Madigan didn’t know how long she sat before someone tapped her shoulder. She gasped when she recognized the familiar crooked smile and curly mop top.

"Kind of an overreaction to a firecracker, don't you think?" Brett said.

Fresh tears fell as Madigan stood and pulled Brett in against her uniform. "It was a bomb, you idiot."

Brett rested his chin on her hair. "Nope, no bomb,” he said gently. “They've checked everywhere. We were just shooting off fireworks.”

Taking out her phone to prove there had been a bomb threat, Madigan saw a new message: GOTCHA. Disgusted, she shoved it back into her pocket.

“I told you I’d put you in danger,” Madigan said.

“I told you I don’t care. If you want, I’ll find a way to endanger your life sometime. Make it even.”

“You could have died today.”

“All the more reason to take our chance.”

Madigan knew the stalker might be around for a while. She didn’t like that she couldn’t keep his actions from affecting Brett, but if she didn’t make room for this bit of light, how long before darkness consumed her?

“Okay, I’m in,” said Madigan. “I’m yours.” And when Brett took her in his arms and kissed her, she felt, for that moment at least, the illusion of safety.