Always on the Run

4. Hide and seek

Hi guys! Sorry for the delay. At least it wasn't as long as the last one. ;) I'm back at work full time now so I can't always update as often as I want but I do try. Whatever happens, I am not going to suddenly stop this story. I will finish it. :) I hope you enjoy the chapter.

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“Stop! Police!” I hear him yell as I dash out the door.

I’ve never been a fast runner. I go to the gym to work out occasionally but I never run. It just doesn’t do it for me. Right now though, I swear I’m running faster than Usain Bolt.

I don’t pay any attention to where I’m going, I just run. I can now hear voices calling for me, not just him. The bastard has sent out other officers after me! How could he?

You just ran out of a police station. Of course he’s going to send people after you. You’ve just admitted you’re guilty.

Damn. I’ve stuffed up big time. As I run, I sneak a peek over my shoulder and see three officers gaining on me, one of them being Constable Evans. They’re much faster than me and I panic even more. Determined not to get caught, I push myself even faster and manage to pick up speed. It’s adrenalin alone that’s getting me through this nightmare.

I need to lose them! Spotting a side street up ahead, I push myself even harder to gain a lead. Looking over my shoulder once more, I curse when I notice they’re not that far behind. How the hell am I supposed to lose them? The street approaches and I turn into it quickly. Only a few metres away is another side street, which I also take. As I take turn after turn, I can hear their voices still but I can’t see them. I’m losing them!

I take another look over my shoulder and notice they’re not there. I know they’re close though, they’re still calling out to me and I can hear their footsteps pounding on the pavement. In desperation I look around for somewhere to hide. The street I’m down is just your average residential street. Nothing but houses and cars parked on the road.

Realising I have no choice, I turn into a random house and am thankful when I see they have an open driveway. I dash into their backyard and stop when I know I can’t be seen from the front of the house. Looking around, my heart leaps when I spot a treehouse in the corner of the yard. As I take in my surrounds and spot the swing set, slippery dip and kid’s toys strewn around, I start doubting my choice of hiding place. If they’ve got kids, I don’t think I can stay hidden for long.

Hearing voices again, this time louder, I realise they’re on the street. Cursing, I look around to make sure no one is looking then scramble up the steps to the treehouse. When I’m safe inside, I collapse to the floor and take long, drawn out breaths. My lungs feel like they’re burning, it actually hurts to breathe. I’m so unfit it’s not funny. I barely noticed it when I was running but now that I’ve stopped…my god it hurts!

As my breathing slows down, I begin to feel sick and clammy. I’m really not cut out for running. My face now feels hot yet sticky and I’m suddenly desperate for cold air. As the clamminess worsens I fear I’m going to either throw up or faint. I can’t do either while I’m playing hide and seek with the police but I don’t seem to have the ability to move either.

Looking around in desperation, I spot a small window behind me. I use all the strength I can to get up on my hands and knees, which shake uncontrollably. The air is quite cool today so if I can find a way to open it, it might be just enough to help me feel better. As I’m looking around for any latches I look out briefly and my heart leaps. Right in front of me is the park where I met Julian. It’s not far from where I live!

I had no idea how close I was to home. It’s determination alone that gets me moving and soon enough I’m quietly poking my head out the door. I look around and hold my breath, listening intently for any noises. The sound of walkie talkies can be heard on the street but I can’t tell how close they are. Mumbled talking filters down the drive but my gut tells me they’re not at this house. If I’m quick, I might be able to dash out. I could always climb over the fence. It’s large but not impossible. Well from this vantage point at least.