Gut check. I drew my weapon and aimed it and took a deep breath, then let half of it out. He was trying to kiss her so their heads were right next to each other. But I had my sight picture. I shot through the screen. The silenced gun made a soft coughing sound.

The rapist's head exploded and Cyndi screamed again. The body was flopping around on top of her and she was covered in blood and brains. I couldn't imagine anything worse. She pushed him away and his body fell to the floor with a thud. Cyndi and Richard both looked at me. I put my finger to...