Heartbeat

Chapter 21- Win

Win continued running down the empty streets of the Warehouse district, with Rudy trying to keep pace behind her. She didn't know Ketterdam as well as Rudy and knew she needed his help developing a plan. So, she slowed her pace, her skirts almost tangled in her legs.

"Rudy, what do we do," She asked; Rudy's breathing was hard, and he was panting.

"What do you mean? What Mouse said." He struggled to get out. They rounded a corner on their left, and both stopped running, leaning against a building. Rudy was clutching his side. Win waited for him to catch his breath as she tried to catch her own. Her mouth felt dry, and she knew she should feel hungrier as she hadn't eaten in hours.

"Rudy, do we run? I don't know what happened there, but it doesn't seem good. This could be our chance." He looked at her, confused.

"Run where? Win, I got nowhere I can go."

Win looked at him, pitying.

"You may have just killed Oskar. People are going to be after you. We could get out."

"Together?" He asked. Win noted the hope in his voice.

"I don't know, but how can we stay? This is, maybe, too much." Win blurted out. She thought if she could hold out one more day, she could get more certainty from Alevier. Now she wasn't sure if they would all make it until then.

"Win. I have nowhere to go. Nowhere I could convince my mom and the kids to come to."

"But what about if Zelda and the rest come after you?" Win asked.

"Win, I was born in the Barrel; it's not the first time there's been some kind of the target on me. People come and go. I just gotta survive it." Win realized that Rudy's lack of options made life almost more straightforward. She wasn't choosing how to survive but what would be the best option for her. Win sighed.

"I think I'm going to try to find Alevier." Rudy looked disappointed.

"The Merch kid?" He asked, his head hanging low. Win nodded.

"Mouse told me I could go. Everyone thinks I should." She added, trying to justify it to him and to herself.

"I understand; you're too good for this life, Win. You shouldn't have to fight to survive." He said quietly. Win sighed and put her hand behind his neck, cupping it around his large jaw.

"Rudy, you've been the sweetest friend. But, unfortunately, you're too good for any of this. You should have a farm, land, and somewhere where your sweet nature is revered." She said, giving him her sweetest smile.

"I'd like that." He replied, cupping his large hand over hers.

"Ok, I'm going to take the canals to the Financial district."

"Want me to follow? Make sure you're safe?" Win couldn't help but chuckle.

"At this point, I think I'd be safer not keeping your company. You're about to be a wanted man." Rudy sighed and chuckled himself. They held each other's gaze and then separated. Rudy doubled back to go back into the Barrel, while Win left to hit a canal that would go to the financial district.

Win hit the canals quickly and didn't have to wait long to find a boat she could score a ride from. The benefit of tourist season meant many ships would float by, charging a small amount for a ride. Win sat in silence, ignoring the chatter of four older women giggling and laughing around her. Win tried to let her hair hang in front of her face but knew she was a conspicuous person who could be easily spotted.

The ride went without incident, and Win felt relieved. She wasn't sure where Alevier would be, but she had always been lucky about running into him. He will likely stay with his family tonight if he plans to go out tomorrow. She thought. Win knew where he lived but had never been to his home.