Diary of a Sociopath

Chapter 31- Madmen Don't Negotiate

Driving for over ten hours, I began to feel the muscles in my body ache but kept my dedication strong. My eyes were growing dry as well as gaining a burning sensation, as I could also not cease yawning every two minutes or so. Using the cold air, loud music, and even rolling down my window did nothing but annoy Matthew-so I decided to pull off for the night. As it was two in the morning, the only places with vacancies on the coast had been seedy motels that appeared cautionary tales for murders. I found the irony humorous-but my goal still replacing any other thoughts. Placing Matthew's bags on the floor, I turned to find him on the edge of the bed clutching his stomach. Along with that, something that sounded a mix between a gargle and a growl screamed towards me as he looked to me with sad eyes.

"Are you hungry?"

He nodded before letting out a groan. I smirked before taking him across the road to the gas station. Entering by the sound of a small bell, I told him to pick whatever he wanted as his eyes grew wide and he moved directly to the candy section.

"Something that will keep you filled up." I corrected as he glared for a moment before moving to the hotdogs rolling on the machine, keeping them warm-along with a soda, some chips, and a candy bar. Feeling guilty for all he had been through, I allowed him the treats before moving back to the motel. He requested to watch some TV before bed and I granted him this for the same reason I granted him the food. Flipping through the channels, I avoided the news or anything alarming and chose an animated superhero cartoon that he seemed to already have an appreciation for.

Finishing his food, he rested between the sheets as I heard a soft snore come from his direction. Taking this as my que, I shut the television off before copying the process and taking my phone to my eyes. Typing quickly, I sent a message to Ava-knowing her captor would have taken her phone. The message was vague but direct; I know you have her, tell me what you want, and it's yours. I waited for several minutes but my fatigue was too strong, I fell asleep a little after three.

Waking up to the sound of maid service. I found Matthew already in the bathroom-showering, and my exhaustion slightly relieved. Moving to the door, I ruffled my fingers through my disaster of a hair condition before denying the service. She nodded and apologized as I shut then locked the door. When I turned, I found Matthew on the bed, playing his gaming device with wet hair dripping on his legs and shirt.

"Are you ready to go?"

He nodded as we moved back into my car. Once again, we went to the gas station to fill up before heading the final miles to the coast. Upon one of the stops, I received a text back from her captors as they typed in the same fashion I had; vague but direct; Gator Supper Club. Nine Tonight.

Not giving a demand, I realized it must have been me they wanted. Realizing I was sealing my fate, I returned to the car before Matthew turned off the radio.

"Something you want to talk about?" I asked as I could see he was fighting for words.

"I...Why are we doing this?"

"To get your mom back..."

"But why?"

"Well...some bad person has taken her..."

"I know that...I was there when it happened...I mean...Why go all this way? Can't you just call the police?"

"Sometimes you have to handle things yourself...and men like this-they are the best example."

"Mommy was right about you, Lincoln."

"Oh yeah? Why's that?"

"She told me you were a superhero..."

"Really?" Suddenly my heart softened. For a moment, my vengeance plan faded and the sweet moment soaked into my soul.

He nodded. "She told me how you get rid of bad guys...and make sure we are safe."

"I do my best."

He then moved his attention to the game as I made it into town of the Gator Supper Club. Choosing a hotel a few miles away, I gave Matthew specific directions to watch television and answer the door. Before leaving for the night, I gave him several snacks to keep him full. But as I went to leave, he pulled me towards him-wrapping me in his small embrace.

"What's wrong?" I asked as I heard him sniffle.

"Sometimes superheroes don't come back..."

"I'll-" I realized I could not lie to him. I knew I probably wouldn't be. "I'll always be here." I said honestly as I placed my fingers on his heart. He smiled before speaking to me as the door closed. "Be careful."

Sliding the DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door, I moved to the main desk and placed the letter and a time to deliver before going to the club-thirty minutes ahead of schedule.