A Way Out

Part IV: Land of Opportunities

I wake up to the sound of the helicopter landing on concrete. I look around, nothing but concrete and grass surrounds us. Shawn told me he knew a gal who owned an air strip that wed land on. I think he said her name was Lily, some gal he met at a bar. Classic Shawn, him and I always hung out at the bar, at least when Hector didnt have us doing jobs.

Rise and shine sleeping beauty! Shawn shouts as he opens the sliding door on my side. I look at him and smile.

You always were an asshole. I laugh as he hits my arm, Mac sitting up.

You doing ok Mac? I ask. He sighs and looks at me.

Yeah, Im fine. I just wasnt used to seeing what we saw last night. He says, rubbing his eyes. I nod and pat his back.

Were free, thats all that matters. I step out of the helicopter into the blistering sun. I look down at my hands then my clothes, nearly forgetting they were covered in blood. I scan the area nothing in sight as I hear Mac step down behind me. Shawn comes around from the other side of the helicopter.

Leo, Mac, this way. He says, gesturing for us to follow him. I catch up to him as we go around the copter and towards a small wood building. Mac followed close behind. I could see Lily sitting on the porch, cigar lying in her mouth. We stop at the steps leading to the house.

Hey Lily. I say to her as she stands up. She ashes her cigar and stands in front of us.

Hey Leo, long time no see. She gives me a small hug and steps back.

This is Mac by the way, he helped us out. Shawn points to Mac and he smiles. Lily shakes his hand and smiles.

Well I have clean clothes in the bathroom, get cleaned up the we need to talk. Lily says, looking me up and down. We all head inside and get clothes from the bathroom. I decided to wear jeans and a white shirt, simple. I got the bathroom first, changing into my new clothes and washing my face and hands. I investigate the mirror, thinking to myself. What could I have done? Where did I go wrong? Am I just prolonging the inevitable?

I watch the red leave my hands and pool in the sink. Some much blood, and for what? I cant keep fooling myself into thinking I am some sort of hero when I know I am only an angel of death. Who am I to judge or determine what justice is? If there is a god, please have mercy.

I set the wet red rag on the counter and dry off, blood no longer coating my filthy skin. With one last look in the mirror and a sigh, I exit the bathroom. The smell of cedar filling my nose as I walk down the hall to the dining room where I could hear all three of them chatting. I glance at pictures of landscape hanging on the walls as I pass and enter the dining room. I sit next to Shawn as they finish their conversation.

So, Lily, whats going on? Why didnt Hector get us out? I ask, everyone silent. She clears her throat and sighs.

Hectors been off the grid since the bank. I havent heard a peep.

So, hes just gone? Shawn says with a frown.

Like I said, he just disappeared. The only thing that happened was he sent hit squads to eliminate anyone involved with the bank job, including their families. She explains. I go pale, my heart dropping.

Lily, what happened to Hailey and Luke? I ask quickly.

Theyre safe, theres a guest house behind this building that Ive been keeping them in. She says. My face relaxes and my heart returns to normal.

What about Tom? Shawn asks, the room beginning to feel awkward.

No one knows. She says, shrugging her shoulders. We are then interrupted by the ack door swinging open and Hailey and Luke walk in. I stare at them as they see me, and their jaws drop. I walk over to them, slowly. Lily walks Shawn and Mac out the front door.

Leo? Hailey says softly, her eyes wide. I nod as they both inch out of the room, quickly shutting the door. I sigh and look out the window as they enter the guest house. It was stupid of me to think that they would forgive me. Theyve been through so much that they didnt cause. I walk to the front door and open it, seeing the three talking by the helicopter. The sun was still beating down, sweat instantly dripping down my neck, reminded me of the war.

I walk over to the three, standing in the shadow of the helicopter. Then I thought to myself, Ive always been standing in the shadows. Trying to e something that Im not. Letting myself believe Im the good guy, when all along Im a shadow of myself.

So, whats next for us? I ask the group as we ponder.

I say we find that bastard Hector and take whats ours. Shawn says with a somewhat angry tone. Lily nods and looks at me.

We need to find out where he is first. I say, looking at Lily scratches her head then perks up.

Ive seen some of Hectors guys cleaning up the remains of the old warehouse on the docks, he used it for cocaine storage and is trying to get rid of the evidence. Lily says. I smile and look towards Mac.

So, Mac, are you in? I ask him. Mac looks nervous as he thinks. After a minute he nods and smiles.

Not like I got much of a choice. Mac laughs.

Alright, Mac and I will go to the warehouse. I say.

What about me? Shawn asks.

Leos right, its best not to have too many people they recognize going in. Lily says, staring at Shawn. Shawn nods and smiles.

Well find someone who knows something, but well need someone on standby with a truck.

Why do we need a truck? Shawn asks, raising his eyebrows.

Guns, lots of guns. I say, my smile widening. Shawn pats me on the back.

Ill be waiting with the truck when you guys are done. Shaw says, smiling. Lily nods and Mac does the same.

Mac, lets go. I say to him.

Theres a car in the garage, take it. The warehouse is just off 98 near Perdido. Lily shouts as we walk towards the garage.

We enter the musty garage, dust everywhere as I flick on the light. A Chevy Nova sits in front of us, so beautiful. I look around to see the keys hanging on the wall. I grab the keys and walk over to my door, unlocking it. The sound of the lock opening echoed in the garage. We get in the car, the smell of new car emanating from the inside. We shut our doors as I stick the key into the ignition, the engine roaring to life.

Thanks Leo. Mac says to me as I adjust my seat.

For what? I ask him.

For being a friend. He replies, my cheeks turning red.

Dont mention it.