But I'm taking something with me." His free hand shot out and grabbed Sharon's arm, yanking her forward. Sharon cried out in pain as Miller dragged her toward him. Mrs. Taylor screamed. Aaron moved with the fluid precision of his years of training.
In one motion, he pushed his mother toward the store's recessed doorway while stepping forward to break Miller's grip on Sharon. "Run," he commanded them. Miller swung the gun toward Aaron, but Aaron was already moving. He deflected Miller's arm upward as the weapon discharged, the shot echoing off the buildings. Aaron drove his knee into Miller's side, forcing him to stumble backward into the alley.
Sharon and Mrs. Taylor fled toward the lit intersection, shouting for help. Miller recovered his balance and charged at Aaron with a roar of rage, throwing wild punches. Aaron blocked and weaved, his movements economical and precise. The fight spilled out of the alley onto Main Street.
Miller's police combat training showed in his aggressive strikes, but Aaron's superior skills were evident. He redirected Miller's momentum, using the drunk man's fury against him. "Stand still and fight, you coward!" Miller bellowed, swinging the gun like a club. Aaron caught Miller's gun arm and twisted, forcing the weapon to clatter across the pavement. Miller broke free and ran toward the 24-hour convenience store, shoving past a startled customer.
Inside the store, Miller grabbed items off shelves, hurling them at Aaron. Bottles shattered. Bags of chips exploded. The cashier ducked behind the counter, frantically calling 911. "You think you're better than me?" Miller screamed, throwing a display of energy drinks.
You and your whole family looking down on us. Aaron advanced steadily, dodging the projectiles. No one looked down on you, Miller. You did this to yourself. People were gathering outside now, phones raised to record the scene.
Miller noticed them and his face contorted. He vaulted the counter, grabbing the cashier's baseball bat. Everyone's going to see this," Miller snarled, swinging the bat. "They're going to see me take down the great Aaron Taylor." Aaron caught the bat mid swing and wrenched it away. Miller crashed through the store's back door into the parking lot, Aaron close behind.
The growing crowd followed at a distance, their phone cameras capturing every moment. In the parking lot's harsh fluorescent lights, Miller found his gun where it had fallen earlier. He raised it with trembling hands. "Stay back. I'll shoot." Aaron's voice was calm.
"No, you won't. It's over, Miller. Don't make it worse." Miller's finger tightened on the trigger. Aaron moved like lightning, closing the distance before Miller could fire. His hand clamped down on Miller's wrist, twisting until the gun pointed skyward.
Miller howled in pain, but wouldn't release the weapon. They grappled intensely, spinning across the asphalt. Miller fought with the desperate strength of a cornered animal, but Aaron's training showed in every movement. He methodically weakened Miller's grip while avoiding the ex officer's attempts to headbutt and kick him. Finally, Aaron executed a precise joint lock.