The Dream Catcher (book 1 of the Arcana series)

Gunslinger

Loud sirens pierced through the quiet summer night. I knew they'd be after us but I didn't realize how quickly they'd come. I felt my heart race as panic took over. Malachi grabbed my hand and we both started running down the lonely dirt road as if our lives depended on it. Because they did and not only ours but all the other kids. We made it to the end of the road where a giant oak greeted us. We hopped over the ditch and made our way through the tall grass.

"Keep your big head down so they don't see us" Malachi whispered sharply. It was the first thing I'd heard him say in what felt like an eternity.

"You're telling me" I whispered back

"Ouch that's the thing I'm sensitive about" His humor helped ease my nerves.

We got to the tree and Malachi collapsed on the ground.

I swung my backpack off my shoulders "So what's the plan?"

He shrugged "I honestly didn't think we'd make it this far"

"Same" I laughed "but here we are"

"First off give me that water bottle, I'm not as in shape as I thought I was"

I tossed it to him "I think if we can make it to the underpass down the road there's a gas station there and we can use the pay phone outside"

"Yeah and who do we call? Ghostbusters?" He took a swig "The cops aren't going to listen to a couple of runaways"

"They might, if we explain to them what those freaks are doing"

"You've never had a run in with cops have you?"

I shook my head "No but it's worth a shot. I mean what other options do we have?"

"True" He said as he got up "You ready?"

"Yeee boi" I said hoisting myself back onto my tired feet. We then took off running again into the night.

Hope grew as the lights from the small town got closer and closer with each stride. My muscles ached but it'd all be worth it soon. A pair of headlights appeared on the road in front of us. My heart dropped. They were coming fast and we were surrounded by empty fields with nowhere to hide. Now I know how deer feel. Panicked and frozen. Luckily Malachi saw me disassociate and pulled me down into the ditch with him. The car slowed to a stop and I held my breath.

"Who's out there?" A gruff voice called "I ain't gonna hurt ya"

We peaked our heads up and the man in the truck let out a bellowing laugh.

"What in god's name are you kids doing in a ditch at this time of night?"

My mind raced because you can't just say "ah you know, running from the cops. As one does at eleven pm on a Thursday" and you can't say "just chilling" either. Once again Malachi came to my rescue.

"Actually sir we could use a ride to the gas station if it's not to much trouble"

"Well sure! Hop right in!" He said swinging open the passenger door.

I grabbed Malachi's hand and shot him a warning glare. Hitch hiking wasn't part of the plan.

"Don't worry" he mouthed

My stomach felt like it was in knots and walking up to those blazing headlights felt like I was on my way to death row. We hopped into the cab of the truck and squeezed together.

"Sorry kids kinda tight in here. Names Kent" he said "what're yours?"

"My names Malachi, and this is my sister Eden"