The Red Doves

Chapter VIII

           Her breathing getting faster, Suziky was running away from the unknown person. She was escaping for only 1 minute and her breath was cutting because of the cold and the rain. As for her opponent, he was a real jaguar. She was now sweating, of fear and of tiredness. She needed a time out but it was impossible : her assailant wasn't letting her a chance.

She entered in the forest near the gas station, having no chance of getting in the store to call for help. Her phone was on the ground near her car who was now out of her view and she wasn't able to speak because of her irregular breathing and her dried throat. She started to think she didn't even have a chance to survive. She was weak and soon enough, the mysterious thief would catch up on her.
Speaking of him, this one was getting closer to Suziky. He tried to get its hand on her but almost fell because of a big root standing in their way. Surprised that Suziky jumped above the obstacle, the mysterious person stopped for a moment then started running back after her like nothing happened. In a few second, it got the distance missing between them to catch her hood and pull her to him.
Suziky screamed, fearing to fall and to be killed. Before she touched the ground, instead of stabbing her like a killer would do, the person caught Suziky and put her on the ground slowly. Then, with its right hand, the free one – the left one had the knife – it took its hood and mask off. The long brown hair of the young man under the costume fell on his head and a nervous smile appeared on his face.

- Alan?!? shouted Suziky, confused and terrified at the same time. What the heck were you doing and wh-

- Could you keep it down for a minute? Alan said, cutting Suziky by putting his hand on her mouth to cover the sound of her loud voice. I don't want people to see me.

Suziky moved his hand away with one of hers and stood on her feet. She walked away from Alan, looking at him like he was an enemy, a stranger. His best friend was trying to kill her a second ago and now he wanted her to shut up? Did he want to kill her in silence? What was he even trying to do to her?

- Ok, listen, continued Alan, calmer than before. I can explain.

- What can you explain? screamed Suziky, still scared and panicking. That you didn't mean do to this maybe? Alan, what the heck were you thinking?

- Can you let me explain? tried to say Alan but Suziky kept talking.

- You're crazy! The police could see you. You were trying to steal me? To rob me?

- It wasn't my intention, I swear! Alan said to defend himself. I didn't recognize your car.

- Because you were still trying to steal? Why are you even doing this, Alan? Why aren't you at work?

- This is my work, Suzy! screamed Alan.

She could see some tears coming from Alan's eyes as he looked away from her. Alan never really told her what his work was. He just said it could help her mother with the money so they could all eat and live under a roof with no problem. But she never had the idea that he could be a robber or a killer.

- I have shame to do this, Suzy, continued Alan with sadness in his voice. I tried to join my dream work but they refused me.

- Why didn't you tell us then? asked him Suziky. We could help you.

- How can you? You can't! And it's too late anyways. Now that I'm involve in this, I can't get out.

- Involved in what?

- I joined a gang. I was going back home the night we refused me and some guys ran into me. They were escaping the police and they put a gun to my head, saying that if I don't cover them, I would die. I followed their instructions and they got away.

- They brought you with them I guess, said Suziky, knowing a little what was coming next.

- Yea, they did. They brought me to their boss. He said I had to steal for him or my family was going to die. I got scared, I panicked, so I accepted of course.

- I understand, I would of did the same if I were at your place, admitted Suziky, walking toward Alan, a little less scared. But why didn't you call the police after?

- They wouldn't believe unless I show them the place. The thing is, I don't know where it is.

- How is it possible? You go there every time they call you, right?

- Not exactly. They make me wait near a bus station. Then, they cover my eyes and they bring me to the secret place. I know it's in a field, I felt the grass under my feet. When we are there, they uncover my eyes and the boss show me what I need to do, where I have to go. Then, they cover my eyes again and bring me back to the bus station.

- And you listen and do the job.

- Exactly, said Alan, looking at Suziky's eyes. Please, Suzy, you have to keep it for yourself. I don't want to do anything to you.

- You have to kill me if I know?

- Usually, yes, I have to. But I can't, you are my best friend and you understand me. But you have to promise me you won't tell anyone or act suspicious around my mom. It's really important.

- I know it is, but...

- Please, Suzy, I'm begging you. I don't want to go in jail knowing it is bad. Plus, I don't want my mom to turn against me, she is awesome.

- I know, she is...

- Please, Suzy. I will do anything if you do, Alan said, now kneeling on the ground, looking at her.

Suziky knew that it was bad. She knew she was supposed to call the police and tell them everything. But somehow, she trusted Alan. She knew he didn't mean any of this. She knew he wouldn't hurt her or lie to her then kill her out of nowhere. She knew him too well. Inside Alan, a storm was turning and ravaging him, hurting him like hell. Alan was born to be good and nice. He would never hurt anyone, not even a bug, unless he was obligated, forced. He was lonely in all this.

- Suzy? Will you keep this between us? asked Alan, bringing her out of her mind.

- I will... But with one condition.

- Anything...

Suziky knew it was bad. She knew it from the bottom of her heart. Alan would hate her maybe but that wasn't the point.

- Bring me with you next time.