Loud pops, coming from behind them made her jump, crap! They are firing at us. “Faster, faster.” Pedal to the metal, they rounded the corner of the building and the exit appeared ahead, but the chain mesh gates were closed.
“Oh shit, oh shit!”
“Do not stop, this transport will make it. I believe in you.” Zelron placed a hand on her shoulder, his strength and calm words helping ease her panic.
Raw determination settled over her and she pushed the Wrangler faster, her knuckles white on the steering wheel. The booth guard dived out of their path.
Wham! They hit the gate, the car jerking but the gates flew apart allowing them to speed away.
“We did it!” She bounced in her seat, grinning widely at Zelron. He nodded his approval, but did not smile.
“Yes, freedom. Now, we have to find a way to contact my people. Do you know how?”
Her heart sank and her smile fell. She focused on the road. She knew this day would have to come, but he deserved everything she could give him.
“I think I know someone who can help us. He’s a good friend.”
“He?”
“Yes, he.” Is that jealousy she heard in Zelron’s tone? Naah, I’m imagining things after such a big adrenaline spike due to our big escape. “I do electrical work for him and he helps with my accounting software. We’re just friends.”
He sighed and moved to a more comfortable position, his head resting on the back seat.
“Are you alright?” Worry for him made her shift in her seat.
“The drug in my body, I fought hard against it, but I need to rest. Can you navigate to our destination?”
“Yes. Rest, Z man. Trust me to get us there safely.”
“Trust you I do, but awaken me if there is trouble.”
She was already in big trouble. Her heart hurt more than she wanted to admit. Their freedom would come at a high price. Once he was with his people, she would be left, once again alone, and with a broken heart. She could no longer deny the fact she loved him, but he deserved so much more, so much better than what she could give him.
“I will, I promise.”
He closed his eyes, his breathing evened out. Providence tore her gaze from him to stare at the road ahead. She swallowed down the lump in her throat and blinked back the tears threating to spill.
Suck it up woman; remember it’s not over yet.
* * * *
“If they reach the wrong people, it’s all over. Even if they do, then we have to silence them and fast.” ordered Mario Vatelli, owner of M.A.R.C Cosmetics, through Frankie’s bluetooth headset.
“This is a royal cluster fuck. I’ve already got teams heading to the factory to do a clean-up. I need the runaways sorted, no matter what it takes.”
With apt, nimble hands, he screwed the silencer onto his nine millimetre. “A little faith, Mario. When have I ever let you down?” It wasn’t a question but a clear statement.
Silence from the other end of the line greeted him. Frankie smiled.
“Well, I pay you enough.”
“I’ll call you when it’s done.” He hit the off button and pulled out his smart phone. All employees’ cars underwent regular inspection, which included the more trusted security teams placing tracers on each one, unbeknown to their owners.
The fugitives took the accountant’s black Jeep Wrangler. Frankie accessed the information with a few touches on his phone, and then tapped into the satellite tracer.
He sighed when the signal beeped onto his screen. Gone were the days of a good old-fashioned hunt. Modern technology took the challenge out of the game, but still, it was a hunt, and as they were so few, he would relish it while it lasted.
Chapter 12
Most of Providence’s friends were a bit like her—different. Her skills as an electrician brought her to homes like Win and Marg’s. The big, plastic, Star Trek symbol bolted to the front of the house clued any passer-by what they were ‘into.’
Sci-fi fans, but warm, friendly and always welcoming to anyone who wanted to drop by, watch DVDs or play on the myriad of computers they kept out in the back.
Win was a big guy, standing at six-foot-five. Once a rugby player, he gave it up after injuring his knees. Now overweight, he spent most of his time at his computer, designing game software. Providence helped set up all the power circuits for the back shed, computer room.
Darkness fell and Zelron slept the whole three hour drive. With the car off, she unbuckled her belt and leaned over him. In the faint lamp lights outside the Wrangler, she brushed the hair from his face, gently tracking his rugged jawline, stopping at his scar.
The masculine beauty floored her every time. His hand moved to cover hers, his eyes opening. She loved his eyes; it was like staring into the universe itself—so full of depth and mystery.