Burn slow

Chaper 8| They long to kill us

POV Wednesday

While we were on our way to Atlantic City, Xavier tried to strike up a conversation but due to the fact I do suck in maintaining small talks at some point he gave up and started looking outside the window. Houses, trees, people were scrolling through like footage of an old silent black-and-white movie. The world seemed to me even more tedious and colourless than earlier.

Suddenly the car which was behind us caught my eye. In the side mirror I noticed a navy-blue Ford which was still following us from the beginning of the trip. I could bet people in the car were watching Xavier and me:
- Xavier, - I whispered like I was afraid that people in Ford could hear us, - we have probably been chased. Navy-blue Ford. Don't turn around. Just use a side mirror.
- What? - Xavier automatically turned his head back.
- I said. Do. Not. Turn. Around, - I breathed out deeply and loudly. - Did you at least recognise the exact model of the car?
- Yes, it's Ford Focus. In 2016...
- Splendid. Memorise it, - I interrupted Xavier. - I'll take care of memorising numbers.

But when we entered the city, the car which was chasing us dissolved in the stream of other vehicles. Perhaps I just went bananas and got mistaken. Apparently some family just drove to Antlantic City for a holiday having no clue I suspected them of chasing.

On Xavier's request Lurch dropped us off in one of the remote districts of Atlantic City.
- What are we doing here? - I was puzzled.
- You'll find out soon, - it looked like Xavier enjoyed keeping me in the dark. I do like darkness. But not in this case.

Xavier checked his phone and lured me inviting to go with him.
And I followed him unquestionably.

We took several turns and got to the narrow street that led to the one of the most rundown areas of the city. Unfriendly shabby high-rise buildings leaned over Xavier and me like giants. Weird screams and noises were coming out from the open windows. I regretted I would miss fun they were having there.

- If you wanted to murder me, it would be more sense to bring me to the woods. Not to the city, - I gave Xavier a piece of advice.
- Okay, my plan is out of the beg now, - Xavier rolled his eyes but in the corners of his lips I could recognise a smile.
We were moving down the street and got to the crossroad. We stepped on the road having double-checked that there were no cars and green light allowed movement for pedestrians. We got to the middle of the road when suddenly the navy-blue Ford sprang up out of nowhere moving towards us. I got frozen in front of the death:
- Wednesday! - Xavier's scream tore me out of trans. In a couple of seconds I was lying on the crosswalk pressed underneath Xavier's body. I blinked several times to come to my senses. The Ford had already vanished into the thin air. - Are you okay?
Xavier sounded alarmed and worried. His hair tickled my cheeks and I felt his warm breath on my skin. I got shivers. We both were breathing heavily looking at each other's eyes. My mind got frozen being not able to produce any thought.

When it dawned on me that we were so close to each other I jumped out of Xavier crawling back several meters:
- You're acting like I am sick with Ebola, - Xavier failed to conceal offence.
I still breathed hard watching Xavier standing up and giving me his hand to help. I got up by myself. Xavier scoffed and turned around:
- Thank you, - I gulped, - for saving my life.
- You're always welcome, - Xavier's heart melt and he turned to me after a short pause like he needed time to explain to himself that it was in my nature to manage everything by myself.
- Did you get the feeling that it wasn't a coincidence and they really longed to kill us? - I broke the silence.
- I felt it in my bones, - Xavier nodded and his eyes went down. He still breathed heavily.
- Then we need to hurry up with the investigation until they accomplish their purpose.
- Actually we almost made it to the place we need.

I made several steps to explore the area better. We stood on the dirty sidewalk smelling something foul. The dumpsters were more then full and if we had spent several more minutes nearby, we would have smelled like the rubbish itself. Time to time strangers swam out the dark corners of the street staring at Xavier and me crossed-eyed.

Suddenly I noticed an old teal signboard in the corner of the street. I took out of pocket Francis Polish's business card comparing:
- Does that ring any bells? - I showed Xavier a business card.
- Apparently it does, - Xavier stretched the words out comparing the card and signboard. - As far as I know Polish has launched his carrier here, in Atlantic City. And when the things went up, he moved to New York. However, Francis visits his old office time to time.

- Francis is in his old office now? - I clarified. I stared at a brick cramped building with old wood windows:
- Yep, he should be, - Xavier nodded with satisfaction. - I heard Vincent talking to Polish a couple of days ago and he invited my father to meet in his office in Atlantic City. So we also can come to talk to him and do some reconnaissance.

I grabbed the handle but the office turned out to be closed. The lights were also switched off.
- Weird, - Xavier looked at the building one more time frowning, - Polish is supposed to be here. Let's wait then?
- I came here not to waste time.
I took out my pocket knife.
- Stop, - Xavier, having understood my plan, touched my hand like he was warning me. I threw a heavy glance into him. Xavier got the nod and removed his hand. - I mean, - Xavier dithered, - we can't pick locks to the lawyer's office in broad daylight.
But I have already made a decision.
- Are you on board? - I had no time for bickering.
Xavier stared deeply into my eyes then looked aside, sighed and said:
- Let's get down to business.

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Hi guys!

I just want to say thank you for staying with me. If you have any comments or ideas just let me know. I will try to interlace that with the main plot :)

I hoped you enjoyed this chapter.

Love,
Oryna