THE CAGE (The Chosen Series #3)

CH17. ♙f4 ♟e4

As soon as my feet touch the ground, I push off and run.

Adrenaline and something else- something colder, pumps through my veins, driving me to go faster. My heartbeat, however, remains steady, pre-conditioned from years of dancing, and allows my brain to stay focused.

I've already calculated the time it will take to travel the 20 miles on foot to the safe house; then, adding the drive to the city, I should arrive at the Bradshaw building by 5:00 PM.

I know I should feel something, guilt maybe, for tricking Maria and the others. But the coldness I feel is growing stronger and only fuels the primal need I have within.

After 30 minutes, my pulse still steady, I finally round on the familiar cluster of white pine and ash trees and see the grey, tiled roof of the old farmhouse just over the rise.

Surrounded by a large wood and stone fence, the farmhouse, built in the late 1800s, is a Cape-cod design with whitewashed weatherboards and a full wrap-around porch.

Pumping my legs harder, I increase my pace and don't change speed as I reach the 10 ft high fence. Applying additional pressure to my calves, I jump and clear the barrier with room to spare. I land gracefully on the other side and push on.

The action doesn't slow me, and I continue running towards the two-story barn, hidden off to the side of the main house.

I open my senses and am relieved when I can't detect the energy of another.

Even though my focus is solely on the plan, I'm grateful Shay's no longer here. Otherwise, I'd have a lot of explaining to do.

When I was in Maria's embrace and decided to come to the farmhouse, I knew Shay wouldn't be here, having planned a trip back to the Ranch. The timing of his departure couldn't be more perfect, and he isn't expected to be back in the city for at least a few more days.

Otherwise, I know he would try and stop me.

Scenting the air, I feel a flicker of emotion when I pick up the two lingering scents. At least things are going well for one of us.

Arriving at the side of the barn, I lift my wrist and enter the six-digit code to release the locks. Standing back, I watch the metal brackets covering the access to the cellar door release and slide back, the steel doors underneath slowly parting and swinging open in the middle.

Not waiting for them to finish, I push myself up and slide my body between the gap in the metal, my feet landing on the stone steps leading to the cavern below.

I begin my descent, and when I reach the bottom, I activate the secondary code and listen to the doors close behind me.

Immediately the interior of the barn lightens as several overhead bulbs flare to life. By releasing the locks, I know that Shay's sister watch would be notified of my presence.

Not wasting time, I stride over to the large object in the center of the room, covered in an old tarp and tug. The cotton, polyester material glides off and falls to the ground, releasing the masterpiece beneath.

"Betty," I whisper and run a hand over the hood of Shay's 1970 Dodge Charger. Black and specked up, with a few minor enhancements of my own, Betty is a replica of the car driven in The fast and the Furious movies.

I make my way to the driver's side door, open it, and slip inside.

I lower the visor, and the keys automatically fall into my outstretched palm.

I insert them into the ignition and turn them, my body thrumming when the beast of a car purrs to life.

Immediately music begins to play, and I know it's one of the mixed tapes I'd made Shay. Guns and Roses blast through the speakers.