New Rome || COMPLETED

Chapter 19

I pass the border easily, after Terminus questions me of course. I'm stranded on the side of a small dirt road. I see a few cars drift by, and thank the gods, one taxi.

I wave it over and hop in.

"Where to, mister?" The driver asks. He's an old, frail man with a British accent and bad teeth.

"To the nearest gas station!" I shout.

"That'd be two miles away, mister." He responds. "That'll be eight dollars exactly."

Oops. I don't have any money.

We pull up to the gas station quickly. "Your money, sire?" The driver smiles at me.

"Don't have any, sorry!" I shout but I'm already hopping out.

"Wait right there! The authorities will hear about this! Ye hear! Kid! Stay right there while I get the police!" He yells. Of course, as soon as he drives away I dash into the gas station.

I head a newspaper. I guess the fates were smiling upon me, because the first page has an article about Percy. Here is the whole article:

Percy Jackson Reconsideration

Remember the teen who blew a hole in the Gateway Arch, blew up the Goode High School band room, stole a motorcycle, kidnapped his own mother, ruined his first and second stepfathers's cars, was kicked out of six schools in six years, and went missing several times for months at a time? He was deemed innocent, but is it time to reconsider?

In the American court system, if someone is tried for their crimes, and ruled innocent, they cannot be tried again for the same crimes. However, Perseus Jackson was only tried for blowing a bowl in the Gateway Arch, kidnapping his mother, ruining his first stepfather's car, and being kicked out of six schools in six years. This means he can still be tried in juvenile court for blowing up the Goode High School band room, going missing, ruining his second stepfather's car, and stealing a motorcycle. However, although Perseus is eighteen, since these crimes were committed when he was a child, he will be tried as a child, not as an adult.

His second stepfather, Paul Blofis, does not want to press charges for the ruined car, and the owner of the motorcycle was found dead. There is no proof that Perseus is the murderer, but knowing this boy, anything is possible.

Goode High School has been extremely considerate.

Perseus Jackson disappeared for junior year, and made a reappearance at Goode High School for senior year, but has not been seen or heard of since graduation day.

So, is Perseus just a misunderstood teen, or a serial killer? Tune in at 8PM on channel 78 for more!

Well, that's everything I need. Annabeth is dating a serial killer and doesn't even know it. A destructive serial killer. I wouldn't be surprised if he kills Annabeth next...

Annabeth! I can't let that happen to her! I run outside, and when no cars come by, I start my two mile jog back to NRU. Normally two miles would be hard for me, but today I'm pumped full of adrenaline.

I'm going to save Annabeth, be her prince in the sunrise, and she'll love me.

I put on an extra burst of speed. I have to get there before Percy murders her in cold blood.

I have to.

Thanks for reading!

7-18-20