Shattered Innocence

A Fateful Encounter

I continuously check my rearview mirrors for any sign of that SUV. There's something off about it that doesn't sit well with me. It doesn't look like a regular mourner's vehicle, and its presence still lingering raises suspicions. The SUV has no license plates, and its windows are completely blacked out. It's definitely there for a reason. Is it watching me? Trying to find me? Could it be him? Damn it, I shouldn't have gone. I knew better.

I step on the gas pedal, speeding back to the hotel to seek refuge and lay low. As I turn onto the busy road, I notice the SUV skillfully maneuvering through traffic, weaving in and out of cars to catch up with me. Determined, I lower my visor and increase my speed. It's my turn to navigate through the congested lanes, disregarding the honking and swearing from other drivers. I push myself to go as fast as I can. Glancing back, I see the SUV relentlessly tailing me, matching my every move. It's clear that they are following me. Damn it.

Realizing I won't be able to outrun them, my mind shifts into survival mode. The road widens ahead, leading to an empty path that stretches towards the outskirts of the city. I know I must either lose them or find a place to hide. They could easily knock me off my bike or ram into me at any moment. Despite the risky maneuvers I attempt, they manage to keep up, never losing sight of me. They don't strike me, but I can feel the heat and the growl of their engine. Fuck.

Finally reaching the hotel, I swiftly park my bike and turn, ready to confront them. But to my surprise, the car is nowhere to be seen. I scan the road outside and the empty parking lot, finding no trace of them. Shit, am I overthinking things? I wipe my face, taking another cautious look around before heading upstairs to my room. My heart pounds as I climb the stairs, sensing an unseen presence watching my every move. The spot between my shoulder blades tightens and beads of sweat form as if there are eyes fixated on me.

I make it to the second floor when I hear a faint scuff of a boot on the floor. The silence is otherwise deafening. There are no footsteps, but I know they are following me. I keep walking, trying to discern their position. I can feel their presence behind me, but I risk a quick glance without their notice. There they are—five guys, the same ones I saw at the funeral. I notice the concealed weapons they carry, the tension in their muscles, and the determination in their eyes. They are armed and dangerous. Fuck, I was right, and now I'm trapped.

Turning a corner intentionally, I draw my gun and wait. As they stomp around the corner, I silently slip behind them, aiming my weapon. "Who are you?" I demand. One of them starts to turn, but he spots the gun and freezes, causing the others to begrudgingly raise their hands. "Who are you?" I repeat, glancing behind me, ready to leap from the two-story balcony and make my escape. These men must be connected to my father, involved in whatever business he was a part of. It's no surprise he would keep tabs on me. Stupid, Nora.

"We're friends," one of them reluctantly responds. "I don't have any of those," I snap, beginning to back away. They hear my words, even though I've been silent, and turn to face me. The one who spoke takes a step forward, and another one grins. 

"Well, that's lonely," he teases. I swiftly point my gun at him. 

"Laugh at me again, and I'll shoot you in the balls." He laughs and looks at the others. "I like her; you were right."

I scan their faces, realizing I want no part in whatever is happening. Although I'm skilled in combat, these men are highly trained, and I can sense when a situation is becoming dangerously unpredictable. It's time for me to escape and regroup. Keeping the gun trained on them, I slowly back away while they leisurely advance. Once I reach the railing, I holster the gun and smirk at them. "Tell the old bastard that if he's still alive, he'll have to kill me if he wants me."

With those words, I grab the railing, hoist myself over it, and leap to the ground below. Rolling as I land, I hear them curse in frustration. Getting back on my feet, I glance up to see the others rushing down the stairs, except for the largest one who takes a daring jump off the balcony to pursue me. Shit. I start running, aware that they are skilled and won't be easily shaken off. Riding my bike is not an option since the time it would take to mount it would cost me, and their car clearly outpaces me. It's better to lose them on foot, especially since there are more places to hide.