Michael's Story

Chapter 18

Before the sun had even set, disaster had struck once again. Just enough light for the metropolis came from the big massive star, a quarter of which poked over the planet's edge. The dogs in the neighborhood were barking alertly, cars were honking, and children were playing outside on a warm evening.

He rushed along the graveled lane, puffing heavily. Even though Eric tripped over his feet, he quickly recovered and continued running. Suddenly, police sirens could be heard booming through the streets. As the automobile slipped into the corner, the tires screeched.

Eric forced himself to increase his speed; today would be the day he found out if he could outrun a patrol car. Eric, his shirt fluttering in the summer breeze, his bag slapping the side of his torso, and his cheeks puffed out, focused on a fence in a neighbor's yard.

Eric climbed over the barrier without trouble. Quick as a flash, he made it through the backyard, hopped over the neighbors' flowers, and sprinted to the front. At that moment, another police car sped around the corner and blocked Eric's path to the roadway. Eric changed his course abruptly and ran down the street in the direction from which he could see the two police officers pursuing him. Eric turned around and ran back into the backyard he'd just come from.

"I got him." The first officer yelled out as he sprinted after Eric.

A second cop accompanied the first. Despite his exhaustion, Eric was confident he wouldn't be discovered. Trinity betrayed him and gave him up, and the experience left him emotionally devastated. The loss of her would leave him helpless.

His rage flared as he imagined the terrible things he would do to her if he had the chance. Eric had just remembered the revolver he had stashed in his backpack. At that moment, he decided he'd had enough of running. He came to a halt, yanked his bag off his shoulder, and began rummaging around.

"Stop right there. Don't you fucking move!" The officer caught up.

As he shuffled forward, one foot in front of the other, the first cop aimed his gun directly at Eric. The other officer was close behind him, his arm extended to protect his partner. Eric's back was still turned to the law enforcement officials. He paused to consider the outcomes of his choice. Eric grabbed the gun out of the bag and fired several shots at the two policemen. Unfortunately, Eric didn't realize the rounds had struck both officers until they were both lying on the ground. Eric took a step backward, trembling with shock at their lifeless bodies.

The sound of the siren abruptly reminded Eric of his escape plans. Trinity may have started digging the hole for him; he'd just managed to make the hole bigger. The police were expecting him to flee in a specific direction, but he devised a plan B.

Mr. Johnson lived a few houses from where he and Trinity did. Mr. Johnson's home was hidden behind a high wooden fence. His yard featured a spacious porch where he often left his dog, Buck, to snooze.

Buck knew Eric well and the dog even liked him. Nevertheless, Eric was intent on reaching Mr. Johnson's residence, so he continued to speed in the direction he had just come. There, he could wait out the chaos in peace.

Eric was close to home, so he hurried to Mr. Johnson's in no time. In the distance, he could hear sirens wailing and cars whizzing by. Buck jerked his gaze toward the fence's jumbled latch. Eric peered out the back door and into the yard. As soon as Buck saw Eric, he started barking wildly.

"Shhhh, Buck. Come here, boy." Eric patted his knees.

Buck quickly approached him. Buck grunted playfully as Eric caressed his head and tussled with his ears. He wiggled his tail and bounced about excitedly. Eric got on one knee and grabbed him around the face.