Untold Secrets

II

*Violet's POV*

I heard a loud bang and stood frozen, unable to move. I heard footsteps run into the room. I turned to see Isabella's panicked face.

"I'm sorry-" I began to say. "I-I don't know-"

"Shh, it's okay. Give me this," she said, grabbing the gun from my numb hands. "Come on. We need to clean this up."

"Officer Barnes called for backup before... before he-" I stammered.

"That means the police are going to be here in a few minutes." she said.

"You take Aaron. I'll take Barnes. Hide him." I said.

She immediately bent down and grabbed Aaron's limp body, lifting him as well as she could, and disappeared out the door. I did the same for Barnes and stumbled out to the backyard. I dragged him to the side of the garage and began frantically covering him with leaves, branches and dirt. I heard a sound come from the other side of the yard. 'It's probably Isabella,' I thought to myself. I decided to go back into the house before someone saw me and ran upstairs.

"What do I do?" I whispered to myself.

I paced up and down the hall a few times, frustratingly gripping a fistful of hair in my hands. I made a fist and punched the wall. Pain shot through my wrist and up my arm. Bad idea. I walked into my bedroom. A few seconds later, Isabella ran into the room holding two empty duffel bags. She handed one to me and began frantically packing her own.

"Last stop. Grand Central Station, New York City." the voice on the intercom announced.

The train came to a slow stop. Bella had fallen asleep on the long train ride so I gently shook her to wake her up.

"We're here." I stated.

We grabbed our bags and walked out into the station. It was busy and filled with hurrying crowds of people. New York City was the perfect place to blend in. We walked out to the street and both agreed that finding somewhere to eat was our first priority.

"We need to look for somewhere to stay," Bella said. "We don't know anyone in the city, we don't have jobs, and we don't even have a whole lot of money."

We were sitting across from each other at a retro booth in the 50's style diner that we decided on.

"After we find a place, we need to trash everything we brought and buy new stuff. Then we'll find jobs." I said.

"Where does one even begin to look for places to stay in New York City?" Bella said.

"Here you are, ladies." the plump, middle-aged waitress said, as she placed our plates on the table.

"Thank you." I said.

She started to walk away and then changed her mind and turned back towards our table.

"Sorry to eavesdrop but if you girls are looking for a cheap place to stay, I might be able to help." she said.

"Really?" Bella asked.

"Well, all I know is that The Busy Bean on 56th Street is hiring. And the apartment above is also for rent." she shared. "It might be worth it to go check it out. You might be able to make a deal with the owner. That's how we work here in the city."

"Thank you so much." Bella said and the waitress walked away.

I began shoving a piece of bacon into my mouth when I saw Bella's face change. Her eyes widened with concern.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Your hand!" she pointed.

I looked down at my right hand, which was holding the bacon. My knuckles were purple and swollen.