Resilience | Sweet Pea.

57 - Free the Jailbird

"Nova we have to get him out of there." Veronica says, ranting to me about Archie, and the illegal underground boxing league Warden Norton has forced Archie into.

"Jesus Christ. Okay, we need to get who we can, and fast." I tell her.

"Who're you thinking?" She asks.

"Well, Jug, Fangs and Pea are G&G crazed, so not them. Hm. Reggie?" I ask.

"Reggie works." Veronica hums. "Betty?"

"Of course." I reply.

"Maybe even Kevin?" Veronica says.

"Are you just listing people that care about Archie now?" I ask.

"You won't like this last one..." Veronica says, I look at her, confused. "Josie."

"No." I state.

"She's sly, and smart-"

"I don't trust her. No." I argue.

"I do!" Veronica fires back.

"V. No." I growl.

"You just don't like her because of Sweet pea, Nova." Veronica whines.

"Damn right. If she can get into bed with my ex as soon as I leave town, how do we know she won't do us dirty." I hiss.

"Nova, please." Veronica asks.

I sigh.

"Whatever, V. Do what you want."

Later, I sit in La Bonne Nuit with Veronica, Reggie, Betty, Kevin and Josie, Veronica looking distressed.

"Thank you all for coming." Veronica begins. "As you all know, Archie's stuck behind bars."

"And his life is in danger. We need your help." I add on to Veronica's words.

"Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that yes, we're flying by the seat of our pants here but as much as possible, we must follow the plan." Veronica says

"The slightest deviation and Archie could wind up dead, and we could end up in some hot water." I admit. "We'll need a distraction to disorient the guards and hide Archie's play for the grate."

"Something we can sneak into the location easily that won't arouse suspicion, something we make ourselves. As for the getaway route. I want you positioned for the pickup here, B." Veronica points her finger to the edge of the map. "If you stick to the woods, their cars shouldn't be able to follow you."

"Just in case..." Betty begins, looking over at me. "Might I suggest we put another precaution in place?"

*

At the place in Seaside where the Warden had Archie doing the underground fighting, I sit waiting for my signal, ready to make a break to help Archie's escape.

Veronica knew whatever was going on in the ring today was going to be too much for me right now. It was bad enough I'd be seeing the aftermath so instead of escorting Veronica and Reggie inside, I sat in Reggie's car, waiting to be the getaway driver to meet Veronica who'd hopefully be bringing Archie to us.

The only problem with being the getaway driver, is the fact that now I'm left alone, wondering what's happening, if they're okay, and if Archie's okay.

I feel like a failure. Usually, I'd be up in the action on my way to save my brother, usually no one would stop me, and I'd be ready to fight. But Veronica had been right. I'm too distinct, even if I was to wear a wig and sunglasses like she had. We couldn't risk it, not to mention watching Archie fight for his life would hurt me in a way no one was sure I could handle.