Run (#Wattys2016)

33

It’s your fault that you’re back in this situation. Couldn’t stay awake long enough to tell them anything. You’re barely conscious as it is. I moved my fingers deftly, making sure they were still working with lack of blood flow. 

I had woken up hanging from the ceiling again. No indication of how long I’d been there. Just the numbness of my arms and the soreness from the pain. 

My legs felt like lead. I couldn’t even move them. Could barely move my head. Your fault. Your fault. Your fault! Aaron could’ve been caught by now. Emily, Levi, Kala, and Keke could’ve been safe. You could’ve gotten justice for your sisters. Why didn’t you tell them everything the moment you knew they were Elite?

I didn’t move as the door opened. Already knew who it was. What was the point?

“Hello, beautiful. You fell asleep last night just before things got fun!” My face was lifted to meet his. “It was nice to do it without you in chains. Maybe next time we can try it when you’re awake.” He kissed me with force, laughing at the same time. 

I didn’t kiss him back. No matter how tempting it was. He finally pulled away, sighing deeply. 

“Unfortunately, we can’t have any fun tonight.”

“How sad,” I muttered.

“You’re still in a lot of trouble for escaping,” he placed his forehead on mine. His breathing was getting heavier. I should’ve seen it coming. It caught me by surprise. Before I knew it, Aaron had dropped my head and punched me in the gut. I groaned. This is going to be a long night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lansing jerked awake as someone tapped his shoulder. 

“Did you fall asleep here?” Carly asked him. Lansing rubbed his eyes, “Little bit. Why?”

“What did you find?” Carly asked.

“Aaron Lakuan has no rap sheet. Not even a parking ticket. Nothing that would suggest that he was capable of kidnapping!” Lansing stood up in frustration.

“Did you find anything on the school?”

“There’s the few complaints about the fighting with Lekia. They all state that Aaron took the first move and Lekia only defended herself.”

“How could they prove that?”

“There were always witnesses. The main one being another girl every time. I think I fell asleep before I got any farther than that.”

“Okay, well let’s just keep digging deeper. Who are these main witnesses?” Lansing looked down at the open file he’d been using as a pillow, “According to their statements, Lekia....” Lansing’s eyes got as big as saucers. He reached hurriedly for another file. After skimming through that one, he grabbed two more and repeated the process. 

“How in the heck did I miss this!” Lansing cried.

“What?” Carly asked, peeking at the files over Lansing’s shoulder. 

“I’ve got motive,” Lansing breathed, “Yes, yes, yes! It all fits! The fighting wasn’t Lekia poking the bear like I originally thought!”

“Are you gonna clue me in?” Lansing looked her full in the eyes, “In every case, Aaron was harassing a girl. Each time this girl, the main witness, says that Lekia saw what was happening and stepped up while everyone else stood back. And every single time, Lekia took Aaron out. I’ll have to get the security tapes sent over for these dates... But anyway, he took Lekia because his pride was hurt. He wanted to show the world that he could beat Lekia Born.”