Finding Sage (Young Adult)

Twenty-Eight: Always Leaving

Kellan

In the shower, I compile a song I've been working on for a few days in my mind. It's making my shower extra long, but Sage does not seem to be bothered as she has not asked me to hurry up.

Today, we are going to back to the city and back to reality. Donovan still looms over us and a weight has been pressing on Sage since she spoke to Gretchen. She felt a little better after I spoke to Finley, whom was not the least bit concerned about the threat, but she's worried about me, and us.

I share in her worry, to some extent, and I am hoping I can talk her into staying in brownstone until he's back in jail. I doubt she will agree to it, but I have an arsenal of talking points to change her mind.

"Sage, how much longer until we have to check out?" I say, drying off.

No answer.

"Sage?"

Nothing.

I wrap a towel around my waist and open the bathroom door while I comb through my hair. "Sage, can't you hear me, love?"

The television brings sound into the space, but I don't hear Sage. I step into the small room and see that she is not present. Assuming she went for coffee, I roam through my clothes before I notice her luggage is no longer next to mine.

I look around and see a note under my phone. I pick up the the paper with my named scripted across the front and my stomach goes hollow.

Kellan,

Please know that I still love you. I love you so much, but only I can fix this. Bridget sent a text asking if you've seen Finley. I called her and she told me that he's been missing since he went to workout at the hotel gym last night. I know who took him. You know too. I wanted to tell you my intentions, but I knew you would not like it and I cannot take a chance with Finley's life. It's only me that can get Finley back. I know Donovan and how to talk to him.
     I'm sorry to leave you like this. I had to take the SUV. You can ride back with the others. I'm sorry. 
       I love you Kellan. I really do. One more thing, when I am back in your arms, promise to always sing in the shower.

You have my love, Sage

"No!" I scream. I find clothes and throw them on my damp body.

She could not have done this to me, again!  After everything she's said about sharing and love...

Pulling my loosely laced converse over my feet, I run out of the room and down to where the car is parked.

It's gone.

She's gone.

Sage

I have not driven in a very long time and the SUV is so large it scares me. My nerves aren't helping and I am swerving too much before I take some deep breathes and make myself calm down.

The car is in cruise control heading north on the interstate, knowing where Donovan must have Finley. Ten minutes into the drive, I pull into a gas station to fill up and get a map. Also, I need a camping or sporting goods store. The only weapon I have with me is a stun gun. A knife or baseball bat would be decent supplemental weapons. The sales clerk gives me directions to a sporting good store about ten miles away.

The store was easy to find and it's huge. It has everything one could need for hunting, fishing, camping, and saving your friend while defending you both against a psycho ex-boyfriend. I look at baseball bats first. I grew up playing softball and can really throw a bat; however, I'm not sure I could use it on a person, no matter how frightened. Plus, I can imagine Donovan using it on me. I shiver and move on.

In the end, I purchase some bear spray, a hunting knife and smaller pocketknife to keep in my boot, along with a warmer jacket. I don't know what to expect, but I know Donovan has guns where he is. I'll be under armed, but something is better than nothing.

During the two hour drive, I turn off the radio and try to think. My stomach is bending and rocking with each twist in the road. The closer I get, the more nervous I become.

Remembering the last place to receive cell phone coverage, I pull the car off to the side of the road. Climbing into the back of the SUV, I change into jeans and boots and wait for the sun to descend in the sky. It's too early to go to the cabin. I want to get there just as the sun is cresting the mountain peaks. I used to hike all through the hills surrounding the cabin and know the area very well. In the event that I need to escape, I can hide in the woods and it will be harder for him to find me in the dark.

My hands shake as I turn on my cell phones. Both of them light up with a ton of messages from Gretchen and Kellan. I pull over and use the cell phone Kellan gave me to send him a text message.

ME: I am in the Catskills. I don't know how to get to their cabin by directions, only by site. I loose cell phone coverage here. I am leaving the phone in a bush on the side of the road. I turned West. The cabin is about two miles from this point. Tell Gretchen the cabin is owned by Salvador Portocinni. I love you.

I don't wait for Kellan to respond, but I hear the phone ding and I feel compelled to read it.

KELLAN: Don't do this Sage. Please turn around. Please listen to me.

The phone rings and I put it on vibrate.  I know he or Gretchen can track the location of this phone and can send help. If my plan is successful, which I admit is not a great plan - it has a lot of holes - then I will be able to find Finley and hopefully get him to safety.

As I make my way to the cabin, dusk is on the horizon, coming a little sooner due to the surrounding mountains and threatening rain clouds. I found a half drank bottle of Bourbon on the floor of the SUV, no doubt left over from the bachelor party, and I feel very relieved it's there. On the last stretch of road, I take a long swig of the liquor. After a few more minutes and I take another, downing a good amount of the remains. I pull off the drive for a moment, sucking on a mint and examining my surroundings.

The small cabin looks just as I remember it. It small and wooden, painted green and white. I used to love to come here; it was such an escape for both Donovan and I. When we were having the most trouble in our relationship, I would plan a trip out here. Escaping from the city always settled his temper. Now I look at it and know my memories of this place will forever be negative. Tonight will hold the strongest memory, assuming I live to have memories at all.

Rain drops hit the windshield of the SUV, and I look up just as a crack of lightening explodes in the sky. My frazzled nerves make my entire body jump at the crash. My hands are shaking. The alcohol has not settled on my nerves as I pull the car onto the side of the cabin in the same place Donovan usually parks. There is not car in sight and I wonder if Donovan's even here.

After a deep breath, I get out of the SUV and run through the rain to where they store a key under a fake rock. It's not there.

I knew he would come here, I think. Casually, I go to the front door, pull my dripping hair to the side and turn the doorknob.