The Enhanced

Chapter Forty Six

The back of my head presses lightly against the fabric as I stare out at the lights whipping past. There was a novelty to car journeys when you were a passenger, as if you are watching it on a television in fast motion.

The highway was nearly empty, except for the odd car. Aiden was driving now, he had been driving since we had taken the car from the gas station parking lot hours ago. Yellowstone was far behind us now, miles away, its calm had gone with it. I flick through the radio channels, wincing when I hear my name again.

"We would like to remind you that a dangerous man is still at large, with a young girl in his possession, Juliet Sterling has been missing for over a week now as authorities widen their search for the couple. While witnesses have assured police that her kidnapper is not violent, those leading the search are preparing for the worst. We can all only hope and pray for her safe and speedy return," the man calls over the speaker.

I close my eyes and thread my fingers through Aiden's beside me, I knew it bothered him. I knew he hated that everyone thought he had taken me away to hurt me. I squeeze my hand in his and hope he understands my gesture.

The time passes quickly as night turns to dawn and we pull over at a truck stop as the sun begins to rise for a rest. There was no one here yet so we didn't need to worry about being spotted yet. However, as it got lighter I would have to start draping the scarf over my face once again, it was too risky to be driving around with my face out still, they had my picture plastered on every news channel nationwide still. They weren't giving up easily.

Aiden sleeps beside me while I continue driving, we were headed for Arizona, to see the Grand Canyon, and then we would go someplace else. I had been thinking about leaving the country, but that would be risky and expensive, but if it worked we would be in the clear, possibly forever. I smile thoughtfully as I think about growing old in the South of France or Italy or maybe even Australia.

At midday, with a growing cloud over my head, I pull the car over and park behind some tall trees, before resting my head back on the seat.

Aiden rouses slightly before rubbing his eyes and turning to look at me, "what's going on?" he asks, half asleep.

I shake my head, "I don't feel right about this," I reply, gnawing on my lip slowly.

He straightens and rests his hand on my leg, "we're moving forward, like we need to. We need to keep moving forward," he insists.

"Yeah, yeah, I know that. Believe me, I know that," I reply. I pause for a moment, feeling the thoughts rolling around my brain like laundry in a washing machine. "I need you to know something, to understand something," I say, grabbing his hand and squeezing it tight.

I meet his gaze, "I would rather die than go back there, Aiden. I would rather die. don't know what they'll do to me if they find me, and they'll kill you. I don't know what will happen, but I know what I want, and I know death is the only way out," I explain.

He stares at me, scared. "What are you talking about, Juliet, you can't die,"

"I need you to understand," I insist, squeezing his wrist harder, "I need you to promise me that if I can't do it. You will. I just have a bad feeling is all, and I need you to make this promise to me now. If I can't do it, you will,"

I feel the gulp in his throat as he nods hesitantly. I feel the ache of worry and hesitation in his every movement. I hated myself for putting him in this position. How could I ask the man I love to kill me?

"You're hurting me," he saids, nodding to my grip on his wrist.

I shake his hand away, "Sorry, I'm just worried, sorry," I apologise.