The Iron Soldier: A FourTris Divergent Story

Chapter 5

I couldn't sleep that night. I was haunted by journalism professors telling me my piece wasn't good enough, and piercing deep blue eyes desperately trying to pull me in another direction. I woke up in a cold sweat, my heart racing. I couldn't let this happen. I had to see him one more time, to pay back the money I owed, but that was it. After that, I would steer clear of the Pitt and everyone inside. That wouldn't be too hard. I've lived in this small college town almost four years and just went in there for the first time yesterday. Problem solved.

It was only five in the morning, but I couldn't get back to sleep. I decided on a quick jog before getting ready for my morning class. Hopefully the fresh air would clear my head, making room for a brilliant story idea. I really need this to be great. Nothing sub-par would cut it. I would know it as soon as the right idea popped into my head.

I strapped my IPod to my arm, taking off out the door like a rocket. Considering how little sleep I got, I was full of energy. Ideas bounced around in my head, but nothing felt right. Nothing that might land me the internship at least.

I stopped at the Mom and Pop on the corner to grab a water bottle and catch my breath. Once inside, several loud voices caught my attention. One was that of the shop owner, Carlos. I've been coming here almost daily since I moved into the dorm, so we are on a first name basis. He calls me his favorite customer. Of course, he tells all the regulars the same thing.

The other voice is male. Loud and berating. Is he yelling at Carlos? As soon as I walk through the door, they both go silent and watch me walk to the back of the store where all the refrigerated items are kept. Neither saying a word when I approach the counter.

The man at the counter was dressed completely in black, and his collar was turned up hiding his neck and a portion of his face. "Why don't you go ahead of me."

"No, that's ok. I can wait." I look over at Carlos. He has sweat dotting his forehead even though the store is kept quite cool.

"I insist you go ahead of me. I have unfinished business with the cashier here." He keeps his face hidden, but his voice gets louder. Is he trying to scare me?

I look to Carlos again. "Is everything okay?" I ask.

He only nods, and in an instant I know everything is not okay. Carlos is a very talkative person. Sometimes I dread coming in when I'm in a hurry, because he loves to chat. I've never seen him this quiet.

I turn to the guy in black. "I don't know what kind of business you have with him, but maybe you should come back later. He doesn't look well."

"I think you should mind your own business little girl. This has nothing to do with you. I suggest you leave before you get hurt."

"No!" I blurt out.

"Fine." The dark man pulls a gun from his pocket. "Get over here. You want to play hero? Welcome to the game."

I swallow hard. What did I get myself into? My feet drag, but I approach as instructed. As soon as I'm within arm's reach, he grabs my upper arm, pulling me to his side.

"Now," he turns back to Carlos. "Put the money in the bag, if you don't want to see me blow her brains out.

I try to yank my arm away, but it only makes him squeeze tighter, and it hurts.

Carlos wipes his brow on his sleeve and opens the cash register, the whole time the gun is pointed at him. I probably should keep my mouth shut, but that's just not in my nature. "What kind of moron robs a store in broad daylight?"

"The kind that's gonna shut you up permanently, if you don't shut your trap." He shoves me hard against the counter, now pointing the weapon at me.