Apocrypha ✔️

Chapter 35

"For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me."
Psalm 18: 39

A SUMMER DAY was meant to be spent by a lake, drinking lemonade and trying not to get sunburnt under the scorching sun.

The hot day should've been time to relax. At least, that's what Gabriel wanted to do.

"Is that really safe?" Gabriel asked.

He watched as Mamillius slid down a plastic tarp that had running water.

"He's fine." Kari replied. "It's one of the few ways we can have fun without shelling out $20 at the local pool."

Gabriel shrugged and sat in the shade, knowing how easy his skin is to the sun.

Horatio had remained silent. And that was because of the secret he held that no one knew. He had let Sempronius free. He believed his words when the prisoner said he wouldn't leave.

For now, Sempronius had kept his word.

But that promise didn't hold long.

As the sun had begun to set, the night proved to be a little cooler. It was time to get adjusted for bed. But Timon had a concerned look on his face.

"Something wrong?" Kari asked.

"I feel like something is going to happen." Timon muttered.

"Like what? An accident?"

"I don't know." Timon said. His stomach began to feel empty. "Make sure you check your phone."

Kari was alert but chose to believe that it was just Timon's paranoia.

Their dinner was interrupted when Alcibiades burst through the door, a panicked look on his face.

"The prisoner's gone!" He shouted.

Everyone had stopped eating and quickly they all ran down to the basement. Empty chains were all that was left.

"What the fuck?" Cassio shouted.

"Wait, how did he get out?" Gabriel asked.

Lysander searched around, finding the key to the padlock having been tucked under the mattress.

He held it up. "Someone gave this to him."

It was now time for the blame game. Everyone accused one another for having set him free. Gabriel looked over at Horatio, seeing him bite on his lip.

Their arguing was stopped when Kari's phone began ringing.

"It's the mayor." She said.

She answered the call and went on speaker for the others to hear.

"Hello?" She asked.

Mayor Helicanus let out ragged breaths. "They've found you." He whispered.

"Who?" Cassio asked.

"I don't know. But the Archs are on their way. You guys have to leave, now!"

The call ended quickly. Kari looked up slowly as her heart began to beat out of her chest. No one wanted to admit it.

So, Gabriel said it first.

"We have to leave!" He shouted. This disrupted everyone.

They knew exactly what had to be done. They had practiced for this, just in case such an event came up. It was time to leave.

For the next few minutes, the house was hectic as people packed their clothes and valuables. Anything that couldn't be taken by hand or packed in a bag was left behind.