Kidnapped by the Assassin

Chapter 9

It was early in the morning when Michael knocked on the door. Nearly four a.m. He had insisted they leave right that moment and told each Seven and Alexandria they had five minutes to pack. Alex's stuff was already packed, as Seven told her it should be. She carried it downstairs, nearly half asleep. Seven and Michael looked wide awake, and she didn't know how. She, at least, would sleep another two hours before she got herself up. Alex had always been a morning person, she wasn't sure why, but she liked it. As they put their things into the trunk of a different car, Alex climbed in the back, lying down across the backseat. Seven sat in the front seat, reclining all the way and putting his hands behind his head. Michael climbed in the front and shook his head at both of them.

"Kids these days." He muttered, pulling out. Even thought Alex was tired, she couldn't go back to sleep. So instead, she talked to Michael.

"Do you have kids?" She asked. He was startled by her voice.

"I thought you were asleep." He admitted. She shook her head, waiting for an answer. "I have three boys. Duke, Dale, and Darryl. They're triplets, all a year younger than Seven. Thankfully, they get along pretty well."

"So, Seven's like your. . .adopted son?" She asked carefully.

Mike laughed. "A bit. More like foster. He didn't want to be adopted into a family with so much going on already. So I just agreed to look after him until he came of adult age or we found a relative. The relative thing never happened. Can't say I'm sorry though, I love the kid like my own."

"I kinda figured. You guys have that kinda relationship. It's nice. I like watching you guys. It's clear you care a lot about each other." She said. Seven was sleeping, his soft snores were quite adorable, Alex smiled.

"I'd take a bullet for the kid." He told her seriously. She nodded, knowing Seven would do the same for Michael.

"Why won't he tell me his real name?" She asked. Michael thought a moment.

"Maybe he's just messing with you. Knows you want to know it and likes seeing you worked up. It's how a boy's mind works." He shrugged. Alex groaned, boys. Michael chuckled. "Get some sleep, it's a long drive."

~§~

They were stopped at a gas station. Seven and Alex were inside, searching through the store looking for snacks. Their been driving for several hours and Michael barely stopped for anything. He said this was the last stop for so many miles. They got a few drinks and junk foods, then went up to cashier and paid. Michael was pumping gas.

"So, why Maine? Why not Pennsylvania or New Jersey? Somewhere a bit closer?" Alex asked as they walked out.

Seven shrugged. "Not a clue. It might have to do with knowing people. Plus, there's a safehouse in Maine."

"A safehouse? Like the one back in Iowa?" She asked. Seven nodded, climbing in the front seat. She climbed in the back, stretching out.

"Yes and no. It's has more surveillance. It's safer." He told her. "After we get to Maine, we'll hang out for a few days, make sure the coast is clear in New York and then head out. We should be in Quistrea in less than a week."

Less than a week. She wished it would come sooner. Alex is dying to meet everyone, to see what her country's like. Why couldn't Yegor just die already? She stopped what she was doing, furrowing her brows. Had she really just thought that? Was it really that easy for her to turn against her own parents, or at least the people who raised her? Why didn't she feel any sort of sadness for them? Was she just heartless or still shocked?