Born to Run

Chapter 17: Sent Away

Dressed in soldier uniform, Ted’s boots seemed to slam against the stones of the tunnel floor as he followed Ken through the labyrinth of passageways. Ken moved forward in front of him, his boots making no sound at all. He made it all look so easy!

Ted tried hard to focus on their purpose for being in the tunnels, but it was so hard, especially after having to let Esme go with that man.  She had been so willing! So eager to leave him! His heart ached for her. Oh Esme, why is it so hard for you to see me the way you see him?

“So you understand what you are to do?” Ken stopped walking, and turned to face him.

His partner nodded. “Say nothing, let you talk, and follow your lead.”

Ken smiled a weak smile. “We cannot let the Monster know that Curtis has escaped. So I have a stand-in. The key is to always make sure that we are never in the shifts for feeding the prisoner, otherwise the guards will suspect something.”

He continued, “Our stand-in looks a great deal like Curtis, and he has agreed to a sum to pledge allegiance to our cause.”

Ted’s jaw dropped. “Where did you get the money?”

Ken looked away. “That is not for you to know. Just trust that I came by it honestly, and it’s for Esme.”

Ted’s expression softened. “Of course.”

“Good,” Ken said, satisfied. “Come with me.”  They continued to walk to the trap door that led to the cell in the stable. Ken wrapped his fingers around the rusted handle, and cringed as the little door opened with a groan. Taking two steps at a time, Ken climbed up into the cell, with Ted close behind. “Good evening, Somers,” Ken greeted, his gaze focusing on the big man in a corner of the musty room. “We must thank you again for agreeing to this.”

Somers slowly raised his head, and glanced at Ted. “He with us?” he asked in a low and gruff voice. The resemblance between Somers and Curtis was uncanny. They both had firm and square body builds, and cropped blond hair. There were differences in some traits, but none recognizable by an average guard.

Kenneth nodded. “Ted Falcon is a very good friend of mine.”

“Ah,” Somers smiled. “Welcome, boy.”

“Thank you,” Ted returned.

Somers turned to Ken. “So how long am I going to have to keep this up?”

Ken thought a moment. “A fortnight, at most, but it is still indefinite. You will get your money, have no fear.”

Somers nodded. “Aye, I trust that. I do hope you boys know what you’re doing.”

Ken looked at Ted. “You are not alone in your concerns.”

(#)

Up and down, up and down went the notes, imitating the range of Esme’s attention. She jumped at every footfall that resounded through the halls during the lesson, quite expecting Julian to come back.