Running With The Gang Leader

Prologue

3 days later

I stared around the dingy motel room, frowning. We had just reached somewhere in Wyoming, near the Nebraska state line.

Zamon was in the bathroom, having a shower. I had taken to blankly staring at things.

The same thoughts circled around my mind. For the first time in weeks I had seen Hunter, then I was ripped away from him. I didn't know if he was alive or not. I didn't know anything.

We'd ditched our phones nearly straight away, with me hastily writing down the most important contacts. In my rush, I didn't realize the first number I'd written down. Kyle's. The thought of him still brought an ache to my heart, but it wasn't as prominent. I doubt I'd ever stop loving him, but I'd made enough room in my heart for another.

Zamon and I had hardly spoken. At first I'd yelled and screamed, and then I cried. After that, it was just blankly staring. I'd had so many of my loved ones killed in am ex amount of time, but this, this was on a completely diffeerent level. It wasn't worse then losing someone, but it wasn't much easier.

The fear of having to go on the run was constantly following me. Not knowing, once again, what was happening. Running was a motif in my life.

I didn't know where we were even going, but I refused to ask. I felt betrayed by Zamon, by Holland, hell, even by Adam. Adam died saving me, but I couldn't find it in my heart to feel sympathetic.

My frustration was swallowing me. I didn't have control of my life. Maybe I never did. I was always on a leash, being guided here and there, told to do things. Tears welled and fell, and I let them. My anger was fueling them. My life felt like a loop. Someone would probably die soon, because that's what always happens.

My eyes widened at the thought. I hated this. So much. I didn't quite understand why this was affecting me so much. Maybe Im just being selfish. Life isn't fair, it never was. Maybe I'm just being naive. Bad things always happen to me. Maybe Im just being ungrateful. It could be worse.

Once again, I'm all alone. This wasn't like when I first left. I couldn't just get drunk and let someone find me. This's different.

Sometimes, late at night, Holland and I would talk about just ending it. The way we'd do it. What we'd say in our letters. When and where. My thoughts were a weapon right now, so dangerous, yet so compelling.

A bang nearly made me jump. My heart started racing, adrenaline rushing already. I surveyed the room and stood.

"Zamon?" I called. One beat, then another, before: "Sorry, I knocked the hair dryer off the sink."

I sighed, before collapsing onto the bed.

Zamon:

I bent and picked the hair dryer up after apologizing to Rebecca. I knew she was on edge. She'd hardly slept these last 3 days, instead just watching things. It was slightly unnerving.

I felt bad. I'd gone behind her back with the others, but she didn't understand that we did it for her. It was always for her.

I sat on the edge of the bath with my head in my hands. The girl I love is sitting in the next room, probably hating my guts, and definitely thinking about the guy she loves, who isn't me. I'd pushed her away, lied to her,  and look where it's gotten me.

The desire to talk to somebody was overwhelming, but I couldn't. I didn't have my phone on me, and it was too early to risk going to buy one. My bank account had been cleared, knowing that the FBI or CIA would be able to follow my payments. I had nearly $700,000 in cash in the trunk of my car. I didn't even have a proper plan.

We were supposed to go to New Mexico to seek protection from some allies of the gang, but as soon as they found out who we were running from, they backed out, same with nearly everyone else. Only a few were willing to take us in, and nearly all of them were in different countries. I was too worried to try and get out of the country.

We'd need disguises and fake passports. Plus it was too risky. One wrong move could have us arrested. Our faces would be well known by now. Especially Rebecca's. She'd be on the top wanted FBI list, and every airport, bus terminal, taxi rank, hotel and most motels would have her picture. Except maybe this motel.

We were in the middle of nowhere, off the highway near the Nebraskan state line. I'd seen maybe 2 cars go past in the last hour, but it wouldn't matter, we'd be gone in the morning.

My fear of being arrested was high. My father was MIA, and I didn't even know who was taking over the gang in Adam's absence, if there even was a gang anymore. The thought made me feel sick. I didn't even know if Orion was alive. But still, my main thoughts were about Rebecca.

I felt sorry for her. I'd noticed a change in her. The way she looked at Hunter, was the way she looked at Kyle. She loved him. She'd never love me.

I sighed. I was okay with that. From the beginning, I was only ever her protection, but sometimes, when I think of the night we fucked, I like to think she felt something for me. That she wasn't just drunk and sad. But maybe that was naive of me.

I stood back up and quickly dressed. Time for me to actually talk to her. I pulled the bottle of Jack from my bag, then left the bathroom. I found 2 glasses in the kitchen, and walked toward her slumped form. Her eyes met mine as I stood over her. I held the bottle and glasses up.

"Looks like you could use a drink."