Kids in the Dark

Chapter 21

Ryder's P.O.V

Almost a week had gone by since we had arrived at our spot by the lake, and we were all beginning to feel restless. Theo was watching the news like a hawk, nothing more than the announcement of the search for us spreading into other states, coming to light. That did not concern us, but it was the announcement made on the evening news that truly set my nerves on edge.

I was sat on the couch watching an old re-run of AFV, a bowl of mac 'n cheese mixed with ketchup, balanced on my lap. Tank was curled up beside me, and I could hear Theo and Marc skateboarding outside. I was just shoveling another mouthful when the 10 o'clock news came one. The news presenter began running through the top stories of the day, but that was not what caught my attention. The banner scrolling across the bottom of the screen read 'Police have confirmed that 2 of the 3 apprehended in connection to the death of Mr. Chesters, await trial.' Luckily I didn't have to wait much longer to find out more as the news presenter began to say more.

"2 of the 3 minors apprehended in connection to the death of Mr. Chesters await trial, the 3rd of whom has been released on bail. The trial is scheduled to take place on the 10th of October. While they await their trial the two are being held in a secure juvenile detention center.

"In similar news, the police have confirmed that they have narrowed down their search to the state of Alabama after receiving a call about the 2 suspects still on the loose." This didn't sound good.

"Theo," I called shutting off the tv and jumping to my feet, abandoning my bowl on the table. I hurried to the door and threw it open. "Theo," I called again grabbing his attention. "We need to get out of here. The cops know we're here." Theo gave a curt nod before I ran back inside and up the stairs Tank hot on my heals.

I stuffed my clothes back in my bag snatching a few books off the shelf as I did so. I shouldered them and ran back down the stairs, running into Marc on my way.

"Tank grab your bed," I told the dog who ran off to grab it while I got his 2 bowls and the bag of food. I headed outside, throwing my stuff haphazardly into the trunk, and helping Tank into the back. Marc joined him, pulling some of his bags with him. Theo was just shoving the last few items and finally, he shut the trunk and joined us in the car.

"We should stick to the back roads," I said as we began to drive.

Theo nodded and turned left out of the driveway and onto a road shadowed by trees. "Did they say anything about the others?" He asked drumming his fingers on the wheel. I knew he only wanted news of Adam.

"One got out on bail. That's most likely Raven. Adam and Jace are in juvie until their trial in October." I said watching for my brother's reaction. His knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip on the wheel.

"Why does it matter?" Marc asked from the back seat running his fingers through Tank's fur.

"Adam, one of the guys. Let's just say he and Theo were close." I explained. Marc put two and two together and nodded at me signaling that he understood.

"Just shut up and read the map." Theo snapped. I lowered my head and did as I was told.

"Just stay on this road, it will take us to the next state over. It'll be a long time but better than trying to go by the highway." I muttered tracing the line with my finger. Theo let out a sigh and handed me my phone.

"I need music." He said not removing his eyes from the road. I fiddled around with a black cable, finally plugging it into the phone into the speakers and pressing shuffle. Miss Missing You came through the speakers, and Marc began to sing along. The guy had one set of pipes managing to hit all the notes in time with Patrick Stump.

"You can really sing." I complimented him causing him to turn, cheeks flushed.

"Thanks, I used to be in a band, but all we did was mess around in the garage." Marc laughed as the next song began to play. We both became silent listening to the first few bars.

"I love this song." I said as Twin Atlantic's 'Cell Mate' reached its first verse. "Fever another case of honor mixed in with paranoia. There's only so much more of this that I can take." I sang, Marc, joining in a line later.

"Follow the crooks are in their office putting whiskey in their contract, coffee as well." He sang, putting my basic vocals to shame.

"They're sick, They're sick to the core. I've never needed you- hey!" Theo had switched the song.

"I don't want to listen to it." He muttered through gritted teeth. I shrugged it off and began to sing along to the new song. We passed almost 2 hours this way, Theo finally joining in. It was all smooth driving until Theo began yawning.

"Pull into the trees next chance you get. It's half twelve mates you need to sleep." Theo did as I said turning off the road and driving deeper into the thick trees that surrounded us. When we were sure that the car wasn't visible we all settled down tried to sleep.