𝚁𝚄𝙽𝙰𝚆𝙰𝚈 ° racetrack higgins

Out of Sight

"Sullivan!" I heard Snyder yell again. While I was confused on who he was calling, I just kept running, not wanting him to get too close. Race released my shoulder only to snatch up my hand a few seconds later, pulling me quickly into an alley. He ducked behind a dumpster, pressing his back to it while he pulled me down close to him. My back was pressed against his chest and he put a hand over my mouth the muffle my heavy breathing. His other arm was wrapped around my stomach, holding me against him, as if letting me go would ensure our capture. I felt the boy trembling slightly out of fear, and I instantly felt bad for him.

"Stay still." Race whispered softly, his shaky breath blowing lightly against my neck. "Don't speak."

We waited for a few seconds until I heard Snyder come skidding into the alley. His footsteps slowly hit the pavement as he made his way closer and closer to our hiding spot. "Where'd you little rats go?" The man growled, irritation clear in his voice. "Can't hide forever."

I felt as Race stiffened, keeping his arm around me. The footsteps got closer and closer until I could see Snyder's shadow on the pavement next to me. I closed my eyes, waiting for our hiding spot to be discovered. Suddenly, the steps stopped as Snyder froze. He stood there for a moment before I heard his boots going the opposite direction. The two of us waited until we could no longer hear the steps before Race eased up, letting out a breath he had been holding in.

"Are yous ok?" He asked, taking his hand off my mouth and moving his arm that was wrapped around me.

I nodded. "Y-yeah. I'm fine." With that said, I stood up and brushed myself off. "That was just a close call."

Race stood up, adjusting his cap. "Too close if yous ask me. Come on, we'd betta get back to da house before he come back." Before I had time to answer, the newsboy took my hand and started me leading out of the alley. I instantly thought back to the first day we met, where we ended up in a situation just like this; him helping me avoid the bulls before taking my hand and leading me home. Thinking back to the night made a blush come to my cheeks. I shook my head in attempt to clear the thoughts, but it didn't help that much.

Soon enough, we were back to the lodging house. The two of us heading up to the door before Race stopped me. "Ise had a good time taday. Apart from da whole Snyda incident."

I laughed slightly which caused a smile to appear on Racetrack's face. "Yeah, I did too. It was nice getting to know you."

Race nodded in agreement before he opened the door and the two of us headed into the house. We headed upstairs only to be met with the stares of the newboys. I sighed. This had honestly become a regular thing for me.

"Where were you two?" Specs asked curiously. "We were thinking sumthin happened."

"Almost." Race said as he removed his cap, tossing it into his bed. "Had a little run in wit Snyda."

"How close of a run in?" Finch asked.

I lifted my hand up, holding my thumb and pointer finger about an inch apart. "This close. But we hid and managed to get away. We're fine, though."

Before anyone could answer, Jack burst through the door. He scanned the room until his eyes landed on me. "Tate." He said as engulfed me in a hug. "I saw Snyda on da way here. Thought da woist."

I hugged him back. "I'm fine."

"Good." My brother pulled away from me, a smile placed on his face. "Cause we've got plans."

"Plans? What kind of plans?"

"I wanna introduce you to a friend of mine."

Author's Note
I apologize if these chapters are kinda boring. They're kinda filler chapters for the few things I have planned. I'll probably have a short time skip in one of the next few parts so I can finally start the strike. Cause I'm impatient 😂

Word Count: 663