Runaways: A Romeo & Juliet Story

Chapter 27

"I'll take care of you, take care of you, that's true."

- Take Care by Beach House

ROMEO

I was speeding through the forest trying to get home. The longer I was away from Juliet, the more uneasy I felt.

When I drove through the gate to our property, I saw a couple figures behind me come through the gate. Before I could stop them, Iago and that fucking thug sidekick of his were inside the property but I didn't know that's who it was yet. It was too dark and I couldn't really see what was going on or where they went. I figured driving right to the front door would be the safest bet.

As I drove past Hammer's post I noticed the lights were on and the door was wide open. Definitely wasn't getting out there. I needed to get to the house and find Juliet. I pulled up at the front door and stepped out. I immediately felt a punch.

Everything since that was just pieces. I remember seeing Juliet. Lysander and Evana seem to be working with Iago and The Butcher. Fuck.

I open my eyes and I'm sitting in the storeroom. I'm tied to a chair and my head keeps bobbing up and down. I'm so tired. I hadn't really been sleeping and now....

Where's Juliet? I struggle against my restraints. It's pointless. I know she'll hold her own. She'll fight.

But I have to get out of here.

One thing is clear: I can't lie to myself any longer– we're never going to be safe here. My father was right. We have to get out of this state and return to Verona.

The door opens and Lyander stands there with the gun.

"Benefit of an accelerated security clearance," he says waving the gun, "is that I knew where all the emergency weapons were."

I can barely speak, I make some noise and mumble, "Juliet."

"Don't worry Iago and Dick The Butcher are taking care of your woman."

"I'm...kill all...you." I say, croaking through my swollen face.

"Not very convincing." Lysander says, crouching down in front of me.

"What do you want? You want this house. It's yours, take it. Just let me and Juliet go."

"But here's the thing, Montague properties can't be sold... they remain in your family."

"Who sent you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know a lot...about our real estate policies...for some hitchhiker..."

"I'm someone people use in tricky situations."

"And who's using you?"

"Someone who is done being humiliated."

"You left her with Iago. You think her father wants that?"

"Her father said he doesn't care what state she's returned in. He just wants her physical body back in Verona."

I feel sick.

"At first he thought you were heading to the lake town where Juliet's family has property. But clearly she's never even heard of it. She really was sheltered. Then I had to get out and regroup without y'all there. I started to get word after the kidnapping and made quite good friends with Iago and The Butcher."

I knew this guy was trouble–stupid, charming, good looking villain.

He takes the barrel of the gun and pushes it into one of the open cuts on my face.