RUNAWAY

/ 45 \

🥾AXTON🥾

"Yeah?"

"Ughh, prez... Ros-."

"She camped outside until someone let her in, didn't she?" Herc and I glanced at the ceiling and sighed.

"Not exactly."

"What's the issue then?"

"Uh, Rosalinda, her male relatives, and a gang are on the front yard."

"WHAT?" Herc and I exclaimed as we sped over to the window.

I slightly lifted the curtains and blinds to see an armed party.

"Damnit to hell, will that woman ever give us some peace." I grumbled as I clumsily threw a shirt on.

"It's doubtful unless someone takes her out." Herc commented as he put on his boots.

I haulted my movements to stare in disbelief. My shock was warranted as he hadn't said anything mean as that about her.

"I think there's still time to bury the hatchet." I replied as I continued tying my boots.

"I hope so, but by the look at that gang, it'll only end in blood and handcuffs."

After I finished tying my laces, I rushed to the door and opened it. The messenger was Jojo, my buddy Jet's fifteen year old cousin.

"Morning," he sheepishly grinned.

"Mornin." I'm assuming the club's aware of the war party outside?"

"Yep, and they're waitin' for you to call church."

"Alright, you run and tell 'em that Herc and I are on our way."

"Yes, sir," he nodded and ran down the hall.

I turned around to find Herc standing directly over me.

"Ready?"

"The girls?"

Herc mentioned, and I slapped my forehead. We rushed to the girl's room and quietly opened it. Shockingly, my pride and joy were still nocked out. Like in the past when we've given them cold medicine.

"I'll take them to the panic room with Jackie and meet you at church." Herc announced as he picked up Reese.

"Okay, but if you don't feel good leaving them, just stay with them." I pecked Leesa's cheek after placing her in his other arm.

"I don't think I'll need to, but I'll consider it," he nodded and followed me into the hall.

We took a few steps in opposite directions when I suddenly remembered.

"OHH. I almost forgot their blankies and dolls," I loudly whispered as I dashed back into their room.

After draping the items over Herc's shoulder, I continued on to church.

🥾🥾

====================

💪HERCULES💪

I quickly fled downstairs to the basement where we'd built our panic room. As it's ground level, and there's an exit in case of fire or grenade attack. At the door of the room, I lowered my face so the scanner could read my pupil. After a moment, there was a click, and the door opened a crack. I pushed it open with my boot and entered the room. Inside were young moms, little children, and Jackie, who was armed.

"I'll take one," Jackie smiled as she spread out her arms, and I gave her Reese.

"Let them share a bunk," I motioned to an empty lower level bunk.