AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’m comfortable there. I know my way around, and I think Douglas would expect me to continue east. Plus, I’ll be closer to Kiplyn and the Devil’s Hellions if I can get a backbone and tell them all the truth.
Which I probably never will.
But it also means I’ll be closer to Agony, to the father of this little baby growing inside of me. Even if he wouldn’t come to my aid, he still has a right to know about this baby… all I need is to find a backbone.
The car is right where I left it at the motel. I gather everything I have in the one rolling suitcase that I own, then make my way toward the front counter of the motel. The eyes of the man behind the desk widen as he takes me in.
“Checking out,” I announce. He gulps, his gaze focused on my bruising, but I ignore him and continue with my mission. “Do you know where I can trade my car inquickly?” I ask.
He slides his tongue across his bottom lip, flicking his gaze behind me to the car in the parking lot, then shifts his attention back to meet mine. “Off the books or on?” he asks.
I think I like this kid. My lips pull up in the corner. “Off the books,” I whisper.
“My uncle owns a lot. He would be more than willing to help you out,” he mutters as he takes a piece of paper and writes something down on it. He slides it across the desk counter, and I flick my gaze down.
There is a name, a phone number, and an address scrawled out on the paper. “I’ll call him right now and let him know you’re coming.”
“Thanks,” I whisper. “But why are you being so nice?”
He clears his throat, leaning forward slightly. “My mom was abused.”
My heart slams against my chest. God, he feelssorryfor me, but I’m not above charity at this point. I’ll take it. Feel sorry for me as long as it gets me out of here and away fromhim… from Douglas.
“I need to get out of town before he’s out of jail.”
The man dips his chin. “Then you’ll be gone, and none of us will tell,” he murmurs.
Taking the piece of paper with his uncle’s name on it, I thank him and turn around, hurrying back toward the car. I throw my suitcase into the trunk, knowing that everything else is cleaned out and the car is ready to go.
I drive toward the dealership and park in front, ready to get this car passed off and a new one under my belt. The motel guy’s uncle comes jogging toward me before I can even get out of the vehicle.
He shoves his hand toward me and introduces himself, but I have no idea what he is saying. I can’t hear a damn thing. All I can think about is running. Hard and fast. He guides me toward an ’80s Audi. It’s gray in color and looks clean.
“I can do a straight trade,” he announces.
I look behind me at the beater car I have, then shift my attention back to the Audi, and I know he’s full of shit. “I can’t do this,” I whisper. “This is taking advantage.”
“Advantage of what?” he asks. “I’m offering.”
“You. You don’t evenknowme,” I exhale.
He grins a grin. “I know enough,” he says. “You need help, and you’ll pay it forward when it’s time. Don’t worry about me.”
“Why?” I ask.
“Because I believe I’ll be repaid in a different way at a different time. I don’t need anything right now.”
It doesn’t take me long to switch everything over, but the car is changed into my name with a promise that I’ll go to the DMV and also an assurance that he won’t tell anyone I was there. He agrees, and I thank him as I climb into the brand-new car.
When I start the engine, I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face, and at the same time, I can’t stop the wince from the inflammation and bruising. I shift the car into reverse and make a promise to myself. I will return here, and I’ll give him this car back, maybe even something else, or at least pay him the correct price.
I will repay this man.
Driving toward Phoenix, I wonder what the hell is going to happen next. I can’t stay on the run, though. I have to find a doctor and a place to land. Douglas will just have to come find me again, and when he does, I’m going to be prepared.
Gripping the steering wheel, I decide I am done running. At least when it comes to Douglas. Whatever I need to do to ensure that he will never hurt me again, that is what I’m going to do.
Even if that means he dies.
