AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 23
Willow
When I get behind the wheel, I cringe seeing the manual transmission. I hadn't driven a stick shift since Gavin taught me when he rebuilt this truck in high school. I press the clutch and the brake and start the old Ford. Putting the vehicle in reverse is not a problem, and I pause to look at the building, this motel is dilapidated, and I notice a tarp over the roof where the office sign has faded. I wonder how Gavin knows about this place. I'm anxious as I put the truck in first and ease off the clutch and work the accelerator.
The truck lurches forward as I awkwardly give it gas. I shift to second as I descend the hill to the main road. There is nothing but woods on both sides of the two-lane highway.
I move back into first, but as I coordinate the petals, the truck jerks and stalls. I take a few minutes to breathe and try again. I need to calm down. I have time with Gavin locked in the room with no phone.
I picture Ares and know I need to get to the clubhouse. I don't give myself time to think about the fact I thought of him first and not the cops.
A rational person would report Gavin to the police, but my thoughts are too scattered, and getting to the Grim Saints feels like the right choice. I already know from checking my purse earlier that Gavin has gotten rid of my cell phone, and I didn't take the time to review the truck.
His phone has a passcode, so I'll not be able to use it or the GPS.
I try again and get the vehicle into the second lane, just guessing I'm heading in a direction that I'll recognize. As I drive, each mile stretches before me until I finally see a sign that says Culver City, which isn't far from Juniper. I want to laugh with relief until I hear a sputtering sound. I look down at the dash and notice the gas gauge is on E. "Fuck me!" I say aloud. I maneuver the truck over to the side of the road. The last sign I passed said I-15 was 5 miles, so maybe I can find a restaurant or business off the exit. Hopefully, it's not more than a mile or two ahead. I check the glove box to ensure my cell phone isn't there, which unfortunately it isn't. I grab my purse and put it across my body as I shut the door behind me. I look back to check for cars, which I already knew would be a no. I've not seen anyone since I left the motel. I start walking, silently elated that I wore my tennis shoes when I went over to Ares' house. God, that night seems so far away now. I have no idea how much time has passed since my unfortunate decision to seek out Gavin.
Why I thought I should insert myself in Club business beyond me, and it's not a mistake I plan ever to make again.
As I walk, the sun starts to descend, and I see it piercing through the trees, so I start walking more briskly because the last thing I need is to be stuck out here in the dark.
My feet ache as I notice a crossroads up ahead. I'm so happy I start to jog despite my fatigue. I'm praying fervently under my breath to see some signs of life as soon as I hit the intersection. As I get to the stop sign, I notice the ramp to get on the interstate.
I look to the right and notice fields and a sign that advertises Manton. When I check to my left, I want to whoop in triumph because I see a gas station. I start running faster.
