The Double Mob Job

chapter 2 tired

Chapter Two: Tired

Two Years Later

I had left Boston and was now in the state of Washington. My duffle bag had gained some new additions of which included a heavy winter coat, insulated water proof gloves, hat, scarf, one additional bra and underwear, some long under wear, a couple pairs of socks, mouth wash, deodorant, and a blanket. I had also acquired a special lock on my bag so only I could open it. It was almost midnight as I rode the bus, the lights of the sleeping city flashing by my window. I had taken to riding the bus as long as I could, it was warm and out of the weather.

Most days I stayed on the bus and metro system. As I dozed off I dreamed of a hot shower and a hot meal, of seeing my friend again. I couldn't remember the last time I had eaten something decent. Had it been two days? Two weeks? A month? Two? I could barely remember what season it was, only the weather outside gave that information. I wasn't even sure what year it was. I couldn't even name the month. How many years had I been on the run? I could barely remember what year it was when I left. Making sure my tracks were covered 24/7 was exhausting.

I could barely remember the last warm hug I had received before I left. "Oh Eliot, I miss you and your cooking," I sighed as I was finally kicked off the bus at 4am. I headed for the local gym which was now closed and this particular one had no camera. I went to the back door and picked the lock. I snuck in for a shower, and I usually swiped some shampoo if they had any there so I could get clean. And luckily I had a shaving razor with me so I could feel relatively human.

By five I was back out on the streets looking for a small diner or café that was open at this hour, and not McDonalds. I found an IHOP, not exactly in my budget, but at least I would get a decent meal, some water and hot coffee. When I got inside I was glad I was the only one there waiting to be seated and the place was almost completely empty.

"Just one?" the waiter at the front asked. I nodded as he grabbed a menu and took me to a table in the corner. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

"Coffee and water, please," I said looking at the man who had dark skin, dark eyes that were warm, and he had a brilliant smile.

"I'll be right back with that," he said leaving. I pulled out disposable cell I had bought yesterday and fingered it. Should I call him, to let him know that I was okay? I had finally managed to get the evidence I needed to prove what had been done to me. It would be nice to hear his voice, to hear someone that cared about me. "Here you are miss?" my waiter said and I jumped a little.

"Sorry miss I didn't mean to startle you," he said.

I waved it off, "Don't worry about it. I've been a little jumpy lately."

He nodded and asked, "Are you ready to order?"

I nodded and figured if I ate just one meal today that I could eat a really nice meal if I just ate one today. "I would like scrambled eggs with bacon, Texas toast, along with the side of blueberry pancakes. Two slices of French toast with strawberries and whipped cream on top and a small piece of apple pie."

"Is that all miss?" he asked.

"Yes thank you," I said handing him my menu. I had a few protein bars in my bag that I never let out of my sight; I could eat those later today, if I didn't have any leftovers from this huge meal. I would probably be hungry later today; given it was only a little after five. I sipped at my coffee and continued to finger my phone which held only one number. As I tried to make up my mind I watched the sky turn from gray, to pink, to a pale yellow, the clouds turning purple. Slowly the sky turned red and bright yellow, I sighed continuing to think.

After ten minutes of me thinking the waiter came back and started to put food in front of me. "Here you are miss, is there anything else I can get for you?"