"I need to stretch out my muscles or they'll seize up." Because I am not lying, it comes out sounding as it should—honest.
Jet sighs heavily. “Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow?” Every night without fail his farewell is a question. I just don’t know if he is questioning his dedication or my own.
“I’ll be here,” I reply, holding back the remainder of my reply.Will you?
Like he heard my unasked question, Jet replies, “I’ll see you then.”
After a hesitant wave, he guides his sedan out of the empty parking lot. I grimace when my eyes drop to my watch. It is a little past 4 AM. My nights are getting later and later the past two weeks.
Since I don’t want anyone to know I’m without transportation, I make sure I’m the last to leave each night. Pete sees it as dedication. Jet isn’t as convinced. Thankfully, with my performance at Maison’s scheduled for the end of next week, my walking days are numbered. Eight more nights—the countdown is on.
A short time later, the sound of tires rolling over gravel booms into my ears. I move to the far edge of the asphalt, protecting both myself and the driver. Rarely do any cars pass me at this time of night, but when they do, they’re more startled by my presence than I am by theirs. I should probably get out in the sun a little more often, then my bright white legs wouldn’t be so glaring.
My heart rate breaks into a canter when the vehicle fails to pass in a reasonable amount of time. They slowly creep behind me, scaring me more than the prospect of an alligator having a late night swim.
Snubbing the bile burning the back of my throat, I quicken my pace. I’m at least half a mile from the nearest residence, so screaming won’t help, no matter how badly I wish it would. It doesn’t matter how many steps I take, the distance between me and the vehicle tailing me remains the same.
When my brisk strides break into a jog, the moisture gleaming in my eyes nearly topples down my cheeks. I tell myself on repeat that I am safe and unknown, and no one will harm me, but my panic doesn't weaken in the slightest. I got too comfortable. Even if I believed I wasn't being followed, I should have changed my route more regularly.
God—how could I have been so stupid?
I’m practically panting, crying, and out of breath when the reason I’m being tailed is unearthed. A set of red, blue and white flashing lights illuminates the nearly pitch-black sky, stopping both my sprint and my heart. You’d think I’d be relieved a member of law enforcement is following me. I’m not. I don’t trust anyone, much less those whothinkthey have the power.
Besides, why are they following me? There is no law against walking on the roadside. If there isn’t a sidewalk available, pedestrians are within their legal rights to use the edge of the road.
Believe me, I checked.
I secure my first full breath in nearly five minutes when a gritty voice streams through the passenger window of a dark blue sedan. “Car troubles?”
After clearing any evidence of panic from my eyes, I crank my neck to the voice a million years couldn’t erase from my mind.Ryan.
“Yeah, something like that,” I breathe out heavily. Not having a car is technically a car problem.Isn’t it?
“Get in. I’ll give you a ride home,” Ryan offers, his speed as slow as my steps.
I smile, hoping it will soften my rejection before replying, “No, it’s okay. I need the exercise.”
My feet are killing, but with my ego still nursing bruises from our exchange at Chris’s gravesite last week, I’m not eager to amass more damage.
“You’re a mile out of town. Three from your apartment. No one needs that much exercise,” Ryan interjects.
I feign shock at his admission. It’s not my best acting job. I knew the instant I ran into Brax in the foyer of our building three weeks ago that my cover was blown. I was just grateful it occurred there and not at work.
“Savannah. . .” Ryan grumbles, sounding annoyed at my lack of response.
I stop walking so I can take in some deep breaths. I'm not tired; I'm panicked. This could create an attachment I can't afford to make. This isn't just about me anymore. I'm not only risking my heart. I'm risking hers as well.
Sensing my hesitation, Ryan pulls over then clambers out of the driver seat. He doesn’t approach me or utter a syllable. He just lets his eyes speak on his behalf.You can trust me, Savannah.
I wish I could believe him. I'd give anything to pretend he never deceived me as he did. But ignoring one lie only opens the door for more. I let Ryan betray me once; I won't fall for the same trick twice.
“Thank you for the offer, but I’m fine walking.”
Ryan's lips tug as he struggles to hold in his sneer. "Alright. Have it your way." He curls back into his driver's seat before mumbling, "I'll just follow you the next three miles. . .with my lights on. . .maybe even my siren."
I swallow the brick suddenly lodged in my throat.He’s joking, right? He wouldn't follow me through town like I'm a criminal.Not only would that be highly embarrassing, but it would also gain me attention—attention I don't want or need.
“Fine,” I snarl, spotting the determination in his eyes. I mumble incoherently under my breath while sliding into his passenger seat and fastening my seat belt. “I can’t pay you anything.”
