kelly favor - book 7 - scar (naked)
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SCAR
NAKEDBook7
byKellyFavor
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KellyFavor.2014
Allrightsreserved.
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Treyseyesweredangerousashecametowardherinthebasement,andCaelynwasterrifiedasshe
backedawayfromhim.
WouldElijahhearherifshescreamed?CouldElijahevengetdownthereintimetostopTreyfrom
whateveritwashewasabouttodo?
YoutryingtoDonnieBrascome?Treyasked,comingtowithinafewfeetofwhereCaelynstood,
hisnostrilsflaring,cheeksred.
IIdontknowwhatyouretalkingabout,Trey.MemoriesofJaysonflashedthroughhermind,
turningherhandsandfeetnumb,asherheartracedfaster.
Wellyoubettertellmewhatthefuckyouredoingdowninmybasementpeepingmyshit,Trey
toldher.Becauseyougotmethinkingtheworstrightnow.
Icamedowntomakemyselfacupofcoffee.Thatsall.Iwashungoverfromlastnight.
Treystrokedhisbeardandglaredather.Hiseyeswerewide,dartingfromsidetosideandthen
stoppingtostareincredulouslyatCaelyn.Bullshit.
Iswear,shesaid,puttingherhandupasiftoswearonthebible.
IcheckedmyscannerandIcheckedthenews,Treysaid.TherewasnothingaboutElijah,
nothingwhatsoever.HowdoIknowyoutwodidntmakethatshitupabouthimbeingAmericasmost
wantedcriminal?
Whywouldwedothat?Caelynsaid,tryingtokeephervoicelight.Treywasparanoid,she
realized,andsheneededtokeephimcalmjustlongenoughtotellElijahandgetoutofthere.Andwe
nevertoldyouhewasAmericasmostwantedcriminaloranythinglikethat.Wejusttoldyouthepolice
werelookingforhim.
Treyseyeswidenedmaniacally.Ormaybeyourebothreallyworkingwiththecops.Maybethey
sentyou.
Overalittlepot?shesaid,gesturingtothepilesofgreenmarijuanabudsonhisdesk.
Thatsnotjustalittlepot,Treysaid,hisvoicedefensive.
Itslegaleverywhere,Caelynlaughed.Whatyouhavedownherewouldprobablygetyoua
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ticketandafiftydollarfinenowadays.
Itaintlegalhere,honey.
Itsnot?sheasked.
No.Notbyalongshot.
Well,IhavefriendsinCaliforniawhocanpickupthatmuchweedattheirlocalcornerstoreand
nobodyevencares.
Hiseyesnarrowed.AreyoutryingtosaythatImsmalltimeorsomething?
Caelynknewshewastakingariskbyactinglikeshethoughtitwasnobigdeal,butsheknewthat
TreywasstartingtodoubttheparanoidstoryhedconcoctedaboutherandElijah.
Imnotsayingyouresmalltime,shesaid,shrugging.Imjustsaying,Ihighlydoubtthecops
wouldputtogetherawholesecretstingoperationjusttocatchsomeonesellingalittlebitofmarijuana.
Youdontknowwhatyouretalkingabout,hemuttered,strokinghisbeardandglancingatthe
floor.Iknowthattheyreontome.IknowtheDEAsbeentryingtofindawaytonailmeeversinceIgot
bigenoughtomakeinroadswithsomeofthebiggerdistributors.
Maybe,Caelynsaid.ButBreakingBadwasaboutmethforareason,right?Imean,thecops
wanttomakemethbustsandstufflikethat.Imsuretheyrefocusedonthereallybaddrugslikeheroin,
meth,crack.
ShejusthopedtoGodthatTreywasntalsosellingsomeofthosedrugs,too.
ButTreyseemedstrangelydefeated,asifhedactuallywantedtobelievethatCaelynwassome
undercoveragentplottingtoarresthimforsellingmarijuana.
Heturnedandwalkedovertohisdesk.Youshouldntgosnoopingaroundpeopleshouseslike
that,hewhined.Still,agreatdealoftheangerhadgoneoutofhisvoice.
Yeah,sorryaboutthat,Caelynsaid.Ireallywasjustthinkingaboutgettingcoffee.
Sure.Sure,Iunderstand,Treysaidsoftly.Hewasstaringathisdrugsasiflostinanotherworld.
Shesighedandstartedtowardsthestairs,justwantingnothingmorethantowakeElijahandmake
theirescaperightaway.
Thissituationwasexactlywhatshedbeenafraidof.
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Caelyn,wait,Treysvoicefollowedher.
Sheturned,anxietybloominginherstomach.Yeah?
YourenotgoingtomentionanyofthistoElijah,areyou?
Caelynlookedathim,measuringherwordscarefully.Idontseewhyyouresoworriedaboutit,
shetoldhim.Elijahwontevencare.
Yeshewill.IknowElijah,hesnotaschillasyouaboutthiswholedrugbusiness.
Caelynalmostlaughed.ShedsomehowmanagedtoconvinceTreythatshewaschillabouthis
drugbusiness,whennothingcouldhavebeenfurtherfromthetruth.
Fine,shesaid,makingeyecontactwithTrey.Iwonttellhimanythingfornow.
Treysshouldersrelaxed.Thanks,hesaid.SorryifIcameoffalittleintensethere.IknowIcan
behigh-strungorwhatever.
Noproblem,Caelynreplied,smiling,andthensheturnedandwalkedupthestairs,herheartstill
pounding.
***
Wehavetogetoutofhere,shesaid.
Elijahblinkedatherfromwherehelayonthebed,hiseyesstillcloudyfromsleep.Huh?
Caelynsatdownontheedgeofthebedandtriedtokeephervoiceeven.Isaid,wehavetogo.
Like,now.
Whatswrong?Elijahsatup,hiseyesclearing,hisbrowfurrowing.WhatdidTreydo?
Keepyourvoicedown,Caelynwhispered,lookingoverhershoulderattheclosedbedroom
door.ItoldTreythatIwasntgoingtosayanythingtoyou.
Sayanythingaboutwhat?Elijahasked,slidingoutfrombeneaththecovers.
Evennow,inthisextremecircumstance,CaelynsbreathwastakenawaybyElijahsincredible
body.Hewaswearingjusthisboxershorts,andseeingtheflexofhismuscularlegs,thebeautyofhis
chiseledabsandbiceps,theflawlessnessofhisskin,stillmadeCaelynwonderhowonearthElijahhad
endedupsomehowbeingherboyfriend.
ShewasntsupposedtobewithaguylikeElijahhot,sexy,smoldering,dangerous.Andyetithad
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happened.Everythinghadhappened,itwasalltoorealincludingthedangertheywerein.
Caelyn,Elijahsaid,wavingahandinfrontofhereyes.Areyoustillwithmeorwhat?
Sorry,Ijusthercheeksreddenedassheshookherhead.CanwejustleaveandIlltellyou
everythingwhenwegetoutofhere?
Elijahwaspullingonhisjeans,slidingthemoverhiships,hisstomachtighteningintoabeautiful
gridofinterlockingmusclesashebuttonedhispants.Idontgetit,hesighed.Ithoughteverythingwas
cool.
Itwascool,shesaid.
IfTreydidsomethingtoyou,youneedtotellmesoIcanhandleit.
Hedidntdoanythingtome,shereplied,standingupandwalkingclosertohim,wrappingher
armsaroundhiswaist.
Elijahbrushedherhairbackfromherface.Hedidsomething,though.Somethingfreakedyouout.
IfItellyouwhathappened,youhavetopromisenottosayanythingtoTrey,Caelyntoldhim,
lookingintohiseyes.
Elijahgrinnedhislittlelopsidedgrinthatalwaysreassuredher.YouknowIcantdothat,kid.IfI
needtosmackhimupsidethehead,thenthatswhatsgoingtohappen.
No,Idontwantyousmackinganyone.Please,Elijah.Cantwejustleave?
Heleanedinandkissedherlipsgently.Tellmewhathappened.IpromiseIwontdoanything
stupid.
Caelynsighed.PartofherreallydidntwanttotellElijahwhathadhappened,butthenagain,the
warmthofhisbodyagainsthersseemedtoremoveherabilitytoresisthischarm.Okay,shesaid,softly.
Igotupandwentdownstairstogetsomecoffee
Suddenly,therewasaknockonthebedroomdoor,cuttingheroffinmid-sentence.
Caelynlookedatthedoor,astheknockhappenedagain,evenlouder.
ElijahglancedatthedoorandthenatCaelyn.Hesawthefearinhereyes.Everythingsgoingtobe
fine,hesaid.
Thenhewentandopenedthedoor.
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Pariswasstandingatthedoorwithherarmscrossed,eyesnarrowassheglaredatCaelyn.Trey
toldmetogoandcheckandmakesureyouwerentsnitching,butwefiguredyoudsnitchanyway,she
saidtoCaelyn.
Ididntsnitch,Caelyntoldher.
Elijahstoodbetweenthem.DontstartshitwithCaelyn,hewarnedParis.Imdeadserious.She
didnttellmeanything,butIbettergetsomeanswersrightnow.Whatthehellsgoingon?
Askthesnitch.
Itoldyoutostopsayingthat,Elijahgrowled.
Caelynlickedherlips.Shewantedtogetoutofthehouseworsethanever.Elijah,weneedtogo.I
dontwanttofightwithanyone.Idontevencareanymore.
YouwanttogorunandtellthecopsaboutTreysbusiness?Parisyelled,tryingtogetpastElijah,
whoheldherbackeasily.
Hey,backoff,Elijahsaid,holdingParisbyherthinarms.Shesquirmedfree,shoutingatthetop
ofherlungs.
Letmego!Parisscreeched,scratchingElijahsfaceassheflailedathim.
Elijahpulledaway,hissingthroughhisteethinpain.Caelyncouldalreadyseetheredlinesfrom
herfingernailsacrosshischeek.
Great.ShesloonierthanTreyis.
ElijahlookedatCaelynandshookhisheadwithdisbelief.Shescratchedme.
Neverlayyourhandsonmeagain,Paristoldhim,hereyeswideandherhairspillingcrazilyonto
herforehead,messyfromthescuffle.
Whatsgoingoninhere?Treycalledout,asheenteredthescenefromthehallwaybehindher.
YourstupidfriendjustputhishandsonmeandIhadtotakecareofit,Parissaid.Hemightbe
hot,buthesalsoarealjerk.
IdidntdoanythingbuttryandkeepherfromfightingwithCaelyn,Elijahsaid.
TreyglancedatPariswearily,thentoCaelynandElijah.Youtoldhim,didntyou?heasked
Caelyn,notevenseemingangry,butmoreresigned.
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Shewasabouttotellhim,Iheardher,Parisshouted.
Caelynneversaidanything,Elijahreplied.ButIwanttoknowwhatsgoingon,dude.Thisis
crazy.
TreyglancedatParis.Getoutofhere,hetoldher.
What?sheasked,lookingasifhedslappedher.
Isaid,getoutofhere.Gotakeashowerorsomething.Brushyourteeth.Youstillsmelllikelast
nightsbeer.
Fuckyou.Sheturnedandstalkedaway,yellinginsultsbutinaudibleones.
TreyturnedbacktoElijah.Imsorryabouther,hesaid,grimacing.Heleanedagainstthe
doorframeandstrokedhisbeard.Yourcheekallright?
Elijahnodded.Yeah,itsjustascratch.Shesprettystrongforhersize.
Crazyaddsatleastonehundredpercenttoyourstrength,Ithink,Treysaid.Itslikea
superpower.
Elijahgrinnedbutthenhisexpressionturnedserious.Sowhatthefucksgoingon?
TreyglancedatCaelyn.Shecamedownstairsthismorningandsawsomethingshewasnt
supposedtosee.
Ijustneededcoffee,Iwasntsnooping,Caelynsaid.
Treyhelduphishands.Nooffense.Shewasnttryingtofindanything,butshedidhappento
stumbleacrossmybusiness.
Yourbusiness.Elijahsexpressiondarkened.Yousellingagain?
Treypaused,asiftoconsidertheramificationsofwhathewasabouttosay.Truthis,Ineverreally
stoppedselling.Notcompletely.
Great,Elijahsaid.HelookedatCaelyn.Getyourthings,Caelyn.Wereleaving.Now.
Holdon,Treysaid.Iknowyouremadbut
Nobuts,Elijahsaid.Youliedtome.Istuckmyneckoutforyoubackintheday.Andyou
promisedmeyoudgetoutofthegame,thatwasthedeal.
IknowwhatIpromisedyou,Treysaid,butIcouldntstayout.Ineededtomakemoney.
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Youshouldvefoundsomethingelse.Oryoushouldneverhavemademethatpromise.Doyou
knowwhatIhadtogothroughtobailyouout?
Treywalkedfurtherintotheroom,hiseyespleading.Ididntwanttokeepselling,Itriedtoquit
likeIpromised.Butthen
Thenyoudecideditwaseasiertosellthenitwastokeepyourpromisetome.
Treysvoicegrewgravelly,chokingalittlebit.No,thenIdecidedthatIwasafuckingloser,and
nobodywantedtohireme.IcouldntevenlastworkingataBurgerKing.Theyfiredmeaftertwoweeks,
andnotbecauseIwaslateorrudeoranything.
Whywouldtheyfireyouunlessyoudidsomethingwrong?
Because,Treysaid.Isuckedatit.Icouldntevenhandledoingthedrivethru.Theytriedtotrain
meandIwantedtolearn,butIcouldntrememberitall.AndIwassoslow.Maybeitwasallthoseyears
ofsmokingweed,Idontknow.Ijustknowthattheyletmego,andIrealizedthatIcouldnthackitinthe
regularworld.
Elijahsighed.HowcanIbelieveyou?Maybethisisjustanewstorytomakemefeelbadagainat
howharditistobeTrey.
Treyscheeksgrewred.YouthinkIwanttoadmitthatImaloser,Elijah?Youthinkthisisfunfor
me?
Elijahshrugged.Idontknow,man.Whatdoyouwantfromme?
Nothing.Nothingatall.
Okay,then.Iguesswellgetourstuffandgo.
IstilloweyouforthehelpyougavemewhenIneededit,andIwanttorepaymydebts.
Elijahshookhishead.Forgetit.Theresnothingtorepay.
Treyglaredathim.Youguysarerunningfromthecops,right?Isthattrueorisntit?
Yeah,itstrue.Youcallingmealiar?
TreylaughedasifhecouldntbelieveElijahsdefensiveness.No,Imjustasking.
Ialreadytoldyouthis.Youknowwererunning.
Andyouredeadbroke,no?
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Elijahranahandthroughhishair.Yeah,werebroke.
YouneedmoneyandIvegotmoneycomingthroughthismorning.Today.
Drugmoney,Elijahsaid.
Treysgrinturnedintoasmirk.Sincewhendoyoucarewherethemoneycomesfrom,buddy?
TreyseyesflickedtoCaelyn.
Shelookedawayfromhim.Dontdragmeintothis,shemuttered.
Icantwaitaroundtocollect,Elijahsaid,butCaelyncouldtellthathewasonlyprotestingonher
behalf.
Sheknewhewantedthatmoneyanddidntcareifitcamefromadrugsale.ButCaelynreallyhada
terriblefeelingnow,andshewantedtoleaveandforgettheydeverbeeninthisplace.
Treystrokedhisbeard,hisshouldersslumpingasherelaxed.Listen,man.Ifyouwanttoleave
bemyguest.Nobodysstoppingyou.
Cool,Elijahsaid.
Butifyouwanttowaititoutforlikeanhourortwo,Illdomydealandthengiveyouenough
moneytogetwhereyouregoingandnothavetoworryaboutsleepinginyourcartonight.Orworse.
Idontknow,Elijahsaid.
Youdonthavetoanswermenow,Treysaid,turningandwalkingoutoftheroom.Justthink
aboutit,hesaid,andwalkedoff.
ElijahwentandshutthedoorasTreyexited.Afterafewseconds,heturnedandfacedCaelyn.So,
whatdoyouthink?
YouknowwhatIthink,shesaid.
Elijahsexpressionwastroubled.Idontwanttostayhereanymorethanyoudo.
Areyousureaboutthat?
Hiseyesmethersandshesawahard,calculatedintensitythere.Caelyn,wereoutofoptions.If
werunoutofmoneyandIgetcaughtbythepolice,Imfinished.Werefinished.
Dontsaythat,Caelynreplied,herthroatconstricting.
Imtellingyouthehonesttruth,Elijahsaid,walkingtoherandgrabbingherhand.Evennow,her
-
handtingledfromhismeretouch.
Icantloseyouagain,shesaid,hatingthewhiningsoundhervoicemadeasshesaidthewords.
Idontwanttoloseyou,either.Butweredesperatenow.ThisisasbadasituationasIveever
beenin.
Sheswallowed.Elijahhadnevertalkedlikethisbeforeshedneverseenhimintimidatedby
anything,andhisconcernwasfrighteningherlikenothingelsecoulddo.
Ijusthaveaterriblefeelingaboutstayinghereabouthim,shewhisperedhervoicetrailingoff.
ShedidntwantTreyorParistohearhertalkingbadlyaboutthem.Thingswerealreadytenseenough
betweeneveryone.
Iknowyoudo,Elijahsaid,andIcantsayIblameyou.Thequestionis,howgoodofafeeling
doyouhaveaboutheadingoutintotheworldwithnocash,knowingthatwecantuseyourcreditcard
knowingthatthecopsaregoingtobecombingeverythinginsightforanysignofus?
CaelynsheartstartedtobeatfasterasshecametotheawfulrealizationthatElijahwasactually
rightaboutthis.
Wehavenochoice,dowe?shesaid,hervoicefaintinherownears.
Weeitherdothis,orIllhavetodosomethingmoredangerousafewhoursfromnow.Thelook
onhisfacetoldherthatwhateverthisotherthingmightbe,itwouldbehorrible.Muggingsomeone,
breakingandentering,robbingabusinesswhateverhecoulddotosurviveandshecouldntallow
that.
No,noyoucantdoanythingelseillegal,Elijah.Youhavetostop.
Thenyouknowwhatwehavetodo.
***
WhenElijahtoldTreythattheyweregoingtotakehimuponhisoffer,Elijahsfriendgavearueful
smile.Good,hesaid.
Treywasinthebasementpackingallofhisdrugsintoasmallmessengerbag,thewayCaelynmight
havepackedclothesforanovernighttrip.Thecasualnesshedisplayedwasthemarkofsomeonewhod
donethisamilliontimesbefore.
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Caelynhuggedherself,feelingsuddenlyverycold.
So,weregood?Elijahasked.
Theresjustonelittleproblem,Treysaid,risingtohisfeetafterclosingthetoponhisbag.
Great,Caelynthought.Herewego.
Problem?Elijahasked,hisvoicetingedwithimpatience.Ithoughtwealreadydealtwiththe
problems.Ithoughtweweresettled.
Thethingis,myboyjustcalledandbailedonme.
Whatboy?Elijahasked.
Mywingman.Mymuscle.
Elijahshookhishead.Youshouldntneedanymuscleonthis.Itsfuckingweed,dude.Yourenot
JohnnyDeppinBlow.
Treylaughed.Veryfunny.Hissmilefadedasheputhishandsonhiships.Thethingis,itsalot
ofweed.Mybiggestdealinayearorso.AndtheseguysImsellingto,Idontthinktheydscrewme
overbutIdontwanttoshowuplookingweakeither.
No,Caelynsaid,steppingforward.Noway.
YoudontevenknowwhatIwasgoingtosay,Treytoldher.
YouregoingtoaskElijahtocomewithyou.
Treygrinned.Iguessyoudidknow.
ElijahglancedatCaelyn,thenbacktoTrey.Shesright.Imnotgoingtodothat,Trey.Younever
saiditwaspartofthedeal.
Treysighed.Fine.Youknowwhat?Youreright.Icantaskyoutostepinandputyourneckonthe
lineformelikethat.EventhoughIdpayyoudoubleathousanddollars.
Elijahhesitated.
Noway,Caelynanswered.Idrathertakenothingandstarve.
Shesright,Trey.ImstartingtofeellikeIvebeensetuphere.
Thiswasnevermyplan,Treysaid,colorrisinginhischeeks.Ididntplanforyouandyourgirl
toshowupatmyhousebeggingforaplacetohidefromthecops.AndIdidntplanforhertocomedown
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thismorningandseemyweedstash.AndIdefinitelydidntplanformyboytoflakeonmeatthelast
minute,either.
Yourboyflakingisntmyproblem,Elijahsaid.
Iknow.Treystrokedhisbeard.Look,justdomeonefavor.
Whatnow?
AllIaskisforyoutodrivetothespotandbemylookout.
No,Caelynsaidagain.
Yourlookout?Whatdoesthatmean?
Youwontbeinanydanger,man.Ipromise.Illbetheonegoinginandtakingalltherisk.Youcan
takeyourowncarandbouncewheneveryoufeellikeit.Butifyoucouldkeepaneyeonthestreetjustin
caseTreyswallowed,andCaelynthoughthesuddenlylookedveryafraid.Treylookedmorelikea
youngteenageboywhodtalkedhiswayintosomethinghedidnttrulyevenwanttodo.
Youthinktheseguyswouldrobyou?Elijahaskedhim.
No,ofcoursenot.But,ifyoucouldjustwatchfromthesafetyofyourcarandlike,sendmeatext
ifanythinglooksfishy.
EvenifIdidthat,itwouldntbeintimetostopanything,Elijahtoldhim.Iftheseguyswantto
jackyou,theresnothingatextfrommewilldotostopthem.
Itgivesmeafightingchance,Treysaid.Anditgivesmesomeconfidenceknowingyoureout
therewatchingmyback.
Icantstepin,Elijahtoldhim.Ifsomethinggoesdown,Iwontbetheretohelpyou.
Iunderstand.Justbemylookout.Canyoudomeonelastsolid,bro?Illpayyouagrandanyhow.
Evenifyoudontcomeinsidewithme.
Caelynwasshakingherheadnoagain.
Fine,Elijahagreed.ButImkeepingfarawayandifIevengetaweirdfeelingthatIwantto
leave,Imgone.Noapologies.
Ofcourse,Treysaid,hisexpressionbrightening.
Andtheminuteitsover,youpayusandwetakeoff.Nomorestallingonthemoney,Elijahtold
-
him.Imdeadfuckingseriousnow.
Yougotit.Treyclappedhimonthebackandofferedhishandtoshake.
Elijahshookhandswithhim.Damn,Ihopeyoudontmakemeregretthis,Trey.
Iwont,brother.Iwont.
Whentheywentbackupstairs,Caelynwasquiet.Elijahglancedatherastheygottheirthingsready
toleave.Iknowyoudontlikethis,andneitherdoI,Elijahtoldher.
Iunderstandwhyyouredoingit,butIfeelsickinside.Somethingswrongwithhim.
Wellbeawayfromhimsoonenough.
Notsoonenoughforme.
Theydidntsaymuchelse,anditdidnttakelongtogetreadyandthengotothecar,afterwhich
theywaitedoutsideforTrey,whodtoldthemhewouldbereadymomentarily.
Themangydogswereplayingnearby,growlingandbarking,eventuallystartingtofightoverabone
beforerunningoffintothewoodsagain.
Thedaywascoldandovercast,andtheweatherseemedforeboding,asachillwindblewhard
enoughtomakeCaelynshiver.
Elijahwrappedhisarmaroundherandpulledherclosetohim.Youokay?
Shenodded,notmeaningit.Yeah,justcold.
Comeon,letswaitinthecar,hesaid.
TheygotinsidethecarandthenTreycameoutnotlongafter.Hewaswearingajacketthatwasa
littlebulkyfortheweather,andhereachedinsidehiscoatasiftoreassurehimself,beforepullingthe
messengerbagstrapoveroneshoulderandcontinuingtothecar.
Hesgotagun,doesnthe?Caelynasked.Thatswhyhewasfiddlingaroundinhisjacket.
Elijahnodded,watchingasTreywavedatthembeforegettinginhiscar.Yeah,hescarrying.
Great,Caelynmuttered.Maybewecanbeaccessoriestomurderandadrugdeal.Wouldntthat
befun.
Dontsaythat--dontevenjokeaboutit,Elijahsaid.
Imnotjoking.
-
ElijahpulledthecarbehindTreyandbeganfollowinghimbackupthedirtpathtowardthemain
road.Treysnotgoingtokillanybody.
Thenwhyshecarryingagun?
Becausehesscared.Hesparanoid,asalways.
Ihopeyoureright.Shehuggedherselfagainandlookedoutthewindow,tryingtowillherselfto
gosomewhereelse,anywherebutwhereshewas.
ShesimplywantedtoskipaheadtowhenthiswasalloverandsheandElijahcouldfinallybe
togetherinpeace.
***
Ittookthemnearlyhalfanhourtogettowheretheyweregoing.
Caelynhadprayedforthemtogetaflattireormaybeevenhavetheengineexplode,anythingto
stopthemfromgoingtowhereTreywasdoinghisdrugdeal.
Buttherewasnosuchluck.
Treystoppedandparkedonthesideoftheroadnearaclusterofdingyapartmentbuildingsina
neighborhoodthatlookedsketchyatbest.
Therewasnothingelsearoundbutsomeabandonedhomes,agiantliquorstore,andabasketball
courtwithweedsgrowingupthroughthecracksinthecementandhoopswithnonets.
Afewpre-teenboyswerethrowingrocksthroughthehoopsandthenslappingfivewhensomeone
succeeded.
Sothisistheplace,Caelynsaid,lookingaround.IdontblameTreyforbeingnervoushere.
Elijahwaswatchingeverythingcarefullytoo.HedparkedabouttenyardsawayfromTreyscar,
andTreygotoutnow,walkingquicklytowardthem.
Shit,whatnow?Elijahmutteredtohimself.HerolleddownhiswindowasTreyapproached.
Hey,takethis,Treytoldhim,andhandedElijahsomethingthatlookedlikeabigwalkie-talkie.
Whatsthisfor?
Myscanner,Treysaid,alittlebreathless.Justincase.
Incasewhat?
-
Idontknow.Ijustwanttohaveallmybasescovered,dude.Itcanthurtforyoutohaveit.
Yeah,wellIdidntwantanyonetothinkyouandmeknoweachother,Elijahsaidwithfrustration.
ThatswhyIparkedawayfromyourcarinthefirstplace.Nowyoucomeoverandifanyoneswatching
outtheirapartmentwindow,theyknowweretogether.
Treygrinned.Relax,partner.Yousittingoutsideisjustaprecaution.Illbeoutintenminutes,
twentyatmost.Keepaneyeoutandtextmeifsomethinghappens.
Fine.ElijahrolledthewindowupandTreywalkedoff,shoulderinghismessengerbagand
headingforoneofthedingyapartmentcomplexes.
Caelynsstomachtwistedwithnervouscramps.Shebitherthumbnailandwatchedthestreetas
Elijahflickedonthepolicescanner.
Therewerevoicesonthescannersayingthingsfollowedbyburstsofstatic,butshecouldntmake
headsortailsofanyofit.
Youthinkhellbeoutsoon?sheasked.
Heliterallyjustwentin.Givetheguyfiveminutesatleastbeforeyoustartfreakingout.
Imnotfreakingout.
Iknow,hesaid,gentlytouchingherlegwithhishand.Iknow.
Caelyntriedtocalmdownbuthernervesweregettingworse.Herlegwasshakingandeveryfresh
burstofstaticfromthescannerwasmakingherwanttoscream.
Buttheminutestickedbywithoutanythingofnotehappening.Afewcarspassedby,hardlyslowing.
Thensomemoreteenagerscameoutsideandbeganplayingnearby,yellingandhollering,theirvoices
risingloudenoughtopenetratethesealedcar.
EveryneweventmadeCaelynmoreanxious.Eachshout,eachnoisefromthestreetmadeherwant
topullherhairout.
Elijahlookedather.Everythingsfine,hesoothed,buthisvoicehadanedgeandhewassitting
stifflyinhisseat.
Howdoyouknowitsfine?sheasked,asalargewhitevanpulleduptothecornerofthestreet
andparkedthere.
-
Elijahwaswatchingherclosely.WerenotinsidewithTrey.Hestheonetakingalltheriskright
now,Caelyn.Heputhishandoutandsoftlystrokedhercheek.
Sheblinkedbacktears.IdontthinkIcantakemuchmoreofthis,Elijah.Imscared.
Iknow,kid.Iknow.ButImnevergoingtoletanythingbadhappentoyou.
Shetookadeep,shudderingbreath.Okay,Imoverit,shesaid,tryingtoconvinceherselfas
muchasElijah.
Youredoingfine,hechuckled.Butthenheglancedforwardandsawthewhitevan.Hiseyes
narrowedandhesatupmuchstraighter,hisneckstiffening.Whendidthatvanparkthere?heasked.
Justasecondago,shetoldhim.Why?
Heshookhishead,staring.Didanyonegetoutofit?
Idontthinkso.MaybeCaelynwasntsure.Shewastoofreakedout,didnttrustherown
perceptionswiththewayshewasfeelingrightthen.Maybewejustmissedthem.
Elijahdrummedhisfingersonthesteeringwheel.Fuck.
Itssomethingbad?
Hebeganplayingwiththescanner,turningthedialandlisteningmoreintently.Imsureitsjusta
coincidence.
Butsomethingaboutthatvanismakingyouworried?
Helookedupatitagain.Sometimesavanlikethatcancarryabunchofpeople.Ifyouwantto
haveabunchofarmedguyssittinginsideandnobodycantellfromtheoutside,thatsthekindofvehicle
touse.
Caelynswallowed.Elijah,weneedtogo.
Itmightbenothing,hesaid.
Shestaredatthevan,too,asifbysheerforceofwillshecouldgetx-rayvisionandseewhatwas
goingoninside.Thevanhadtakenonsomekindofhorrifyingpresenceasshewatchedit.Itsatthere,
malevolent,inert,quietandsimmering.Shepicturedabunchofmenwithguns,readytopouroutofthe
backdoorsandbeginshootingupthestreet.
Doyouthinktheyrewatchingus?shewhispered.
-
Idoubtit,hesaid.Ifanything,theydbewatchingthebuildingwhereTreyandhisbuddiesare
doingthatdeal.
Herheartwaspounding.Iknewthiswasabadidea,shemuttered.Fromthesecondwegotto
hishouse,Iknew.
Nothingshappenedyet,Elijahremindedher.
Idontthinkweshouldjustsitaroundandwaituntilitdoes.
Werenotdoinganythingwrong,Elijahsaid.
Butdoyouthinkitcouldbethepolice?
Hehesitated.Itcouldbe.
Elijah,weneedtogo.Now.
Wehavenomoney,Caelyn.Wecantletourparanoiascareusoffwhenweresoclosetogetting
thatcash.Withoutit,weretotallyscrewed.
Idontcareanymore.Shelickedherdrylipsandtriedtoswallow.Ihavethisterriblefeeling
anditsgettingworse.
Elijahsighedandshookhisheadandthenstartedthecar.Itrumbledtolife,andeventhesoundof
theenginewasmakingCaelynanxious.Sheclutchedherseatbelt.
Suddenly,anotherwhitevan,almostidenticaltothevanparkedonthecornerofthestreetinfrontof
them,pulledoverandparkedbehindthem.
Elijahsfacegrewslightlypale.Ohman,hemoaned.Thisisnotgoodatall.
Caelynreachedoutandgrabbedhisarm.Whatsgoingon,Elijah?
ItsgottobetheFeds.Theyreabouttoraidthisbuilding,Caelyn.Thatswhatthesecondvanis
for.
Wehavetodrive,now!
No,hesaid,hisvoicerelativelycalm,allthingsconsidered.Ifwedrawattentiontoourselves,
theymightstarttowonderaboutustoo.
Sowejustsithereandwaitforthemtonoticeus?
Elijahseyeswentfromlookingatthevaninfrontofthemtoflickingupsohecouldglanceatthe
-
rearviewmirrorandwatchtheothervan.Theyregoinginwithinthenextminuteortwo.Oncetheystart
theirraid,wemove.Notasecondbefore.
Caelynleanedherheadbackandclosedhereyes.Please,sheprayed.Pleasedontletanything
badhappen.
Wereokay,Elijahsaidtoher.Wereokay.
Shekepthereyesclosed.Donttexthim,shesaid.
What?
DonttextTreytowarnhim.Ifyoudo,thecopswillseeit.Theyllfigureoutthatyouwarnedhim
andtheylltraceitbacktous.
Elijahletoutahissofairthatshowedhisfrustration.Damn.Youreright.
Wehavetoprotectourselvesfirst,Elijah.
Shedidntopenhereyes,andinsteadallowedherselftofeelhishandasitenvelopedherhand.His
warmskinwasareminderthattheywerestilltogether,andsheclungtoitlikealifeline.
Weregoingtoprotectourselves,Caelyn.Youknowthat,dontyou?
Shenoddedandtriedtokeepbreathing.
ThethoughtthatshecouldloseElijahatanymomentwasmorefrighteningthananythingshedever
felt.
Howcouldshekeepfromlosinghim?Itfeltlikethewholeworldwasdeterminedtoseethem
rippedfromeachotherslives.
Nowbeprepared,Elijahsaid,hisvoiceinsistentinthestillnessofthecar.Inamomenttheres
goingtobealotofloudnoiseastheycomeoutofthosevans.Theresgoingtobemorenoiseastheyhit
thedoorandbreakitdownwithabatteringram.Therellbeyelling,maybegunshotstoo.
Okay,shewhispered.
Andthenithappened,exactlyasElijahhadjustsaiditwould.
Therewastheunmistakablesoundofdoorsswingingopenandbootshittingtheground.Nobody
wasyellingyetbutsheheardthevoices,thequickandurgentcommands.
Caelynseyespoppedopen,almostagainstherwill,andshewatchedasperhapsadozenpolice,
-
armedandcladinprotectivegear,ranforthebuildingsatfullspeed.Theywereorganized,signalingto
oneanotherastheymadetheirwaytotheapartmentcomplexandsurroundedit.
Afewofthemenwerecarryingalargebatteringram,andshewatchedastheyswungitbackand
thensmashedinoneofthemaindoors.Secondslater,theofficerswerefilingintothebuilding.
CaelynturnedtoElijah.Drive,shegasped.
Heglancedather,thenbackatthevans.Okay,hesaid,shiftingintodriveandpullingawayfrom
thecurb.
Astheypulledoutoftheirparkingspotandbeganslowlydrivingawayfromthescene,theypassed
bytwocopcarsandthenathird,lightsflashing,sirenswhoopingaggressively.
OhmyGod,shesaid,feelingsick.Sheclutchedherseatbeltagain.Thisissobad,Elijah.
Helookedstraightahead.Dontfreakout.Dontdoanythingbutjustlooknormal.Wecantdraw
anyattentiontoourselves.
Theyturnedoutoftheroadthatledtotheprojectsandontoanotherstreet,asanambulanceand
anotherpolicecruiserflewbythem.
Suddenlytherewasaburstofactivityfromthescannerthatwassittingonthedashboard,the
scannerthatTreyhadgiventhem.
Beadvised,wehavethesituationundercontrol,avoicesaid.
Therewasarashofstaticbeforeanothervoicespoke.Backuphasarrivedonthescene.Repeat,
backuphasarrived.Pleaseadvise.
Suspectshavebeenapprehended.Continuetosecuretheperimeter.
Areallsuspectscurrentlyinthebuilding?
Thatiscorrect.Allsuspects.Shotswerefiredandwehaveonewoundedofficerandonewounded
suspect.
Morestatic.Ambulanceisoutside.EMTsareontheirwayintothebuilding.
Elijahswore.
Caelynlookedathim.IhopeitisntTreythatsbeenhurt,shesaid.
Itmightvebeen.Hewasarmedandhesnotthemoststableguyintheworld.
-
Elijahstarteddrivingfaster.Hisknuckleswerewhiteashegrippedthesteeringwheel.Thepolice
scannerhadfallensilentforthetimebeing,buteventhewhitenoisecomingfromitfeltlikeabadomen.
Dontspeed,shesaid,asElijahcontinuedtoincreasethespeedofthecar.
Imnotspeeding,hereplied,anedgeinhisvoice.
Slowdown,Elijah.
Heglaredatherbriefly.ShouldIjustturnaroundandgobacksotheycanarrestme?
Dontbeangrywithme,shesaid.Donttakethisoutonme.
Hisjawflexedandheshookhisheadalmostimperceptibly.Afterafewmoments,shesawhis
shouldersloosen.Youreright,hesaid.Imnotmadatyou,Immadatmyselfforbeingstupidenough
totrustTrey.Ivebeenburnedbyhimbefore,butIstillmadethesamemistakeofthinkinghedchanged.
ButhesthesameoldTrey,thesamemoronthatnearlygotmekilledyearsago.
Dontblameyourself,shesaid.Youredoingthebestyoucan.
Wellitsnotgoodenough,isit?hesaid,smirking.
Yesitis.Werehere,weresafe,weretogether.
Forhowlong?Hesaid,hiseyessearchingtheroadaheadasifforanswerstohisquestion.
Foraslongasweneedto.Imnotgoingtoloseyou.
Heglancedather.Hiseyesweretroubled.Wevegotnomoney,Caelyn.Inafewhourswere
goingtoberunninglowongas.Thenwhatdowedo?
Idontknow.
WellIdoknow.Imgoingtohavetogetussomecash.
Dont,shesaid.Please,dont.
Itneedstobesaid.ItoldyouwhatwouldhappenifIdidntgetthatmoneyfromTrey.
Notnow,though,Caelynsaid.LetsjustgetasfarawayfromTreyandthecopsaspossible,and
thenwecantalkaboutwhattodonext.
Asifoncue,thereweremorevoicespipingupoutofthescanner.Itwasrapid-firecommunication,
andsomeofitwasunfamiliarjargon,withthecopsusingnumbersascodeandpeopletalkingoverone
another.
-
Butfinallysomethingmadesense,whenavoicesaid,Suspectisclaimingentrapment.Suspect
statedthattheofficerswereworkingwithinformantswhoforcedhimtomakeadrugdeal.
Copythat,anothervoiceresponded.
Thevoiceoverthescannercontinued.Suspectstatesthathewasharboringacouplethatclaimed
theywerepolicefugitives,andthesuspectbelievestheywereactuallyworkinginconcertwithauthorities
tocoercehimintothisdrugdealinordertomakealargedrugbust.
Therewassomelaughterandmorestatic.Soundslikewegota5150.Morelaughter.
Suspectgaveustwonames.Officersonornearthesceneshouldbeonthelookoutfortwo
subjects...
AburstofstaticmadeCaelynjumpassheturnedtoElijah.Isthataboutus?sheasked,hoping
againsthopethattheremightbesomeotherexplanation.
Elijahwasputtinghisfootonthegasagain,andthistimeCaelyndidnttellhimtoslowdown.
Thesceneoutsidestartedtoblurastheybeganracingthroughthestreet.Rainhadalsobeguntofall,
andnowdropletsweresplattingastheyhitthewindshield.
Aretheytalkingaboutus?DidTreygiveournamesout?sheaskedagain,waitingforElijahto
speak.
Soundslikeit,Elijahsaid.Hisexpressionhadgrownintenseanddark.Weneedtofind
someplacesafe,quickly.Somewhereoffthegrid.
Caelynsheartwaspoundingfaster.Icantbelievethis.Thiscantbehappening.Itdoesntmake
sense.Whydidhetellthemaboutus?
Hesparanoid.Hethinkswesethimup.
Ifwewereworkingwiththecops,thentellingthecopsaboutusisntnewstothem.
Treydoesntthinklogically,Elijahsaid.Hesprobablyscaredandthinkshecantalkhiswayout
ofthis.Throwingournamesinthemixisjusttheonlythinghecandotoshakethingsupandmaybebail
himselfoutoftrouble.Hellsayanythingtotakethefocusoffofhim.
Thatshorrible.
Inhismind,gettingcaughtbythecopsisallourfault.Heneedstoblamesomebigconspiracy
-
insteadofacceptingresponsibilitythathejustscrewedup.
Caelynputahandonherforehead.Thisisunbelievable.
Wereokay,Elijahtoldher.Weregoingtokeepmovingforawhileandthentakecover
somewheresafeforafewdaysuntilthisblowsover.
ThatswhatyousaidwhenwewenttoTreyshouse.
Anditalmostworked.
Caelynstaredoutthepassengerwindowasthedropletsofrainhittheglassandthenrandown,
leavinglittletrailsastheywent.Herthoughtswerespinning.YourealizethatifwedstayedatTreys
house,weneverwouldveknownhegotarrested?Andhestillwouldhaveblamedusandtoldthepolice
wherewewere.Wedbearrestedrightnow.
Elijahseemedtoconsiderthisasifforthefirsttime.Iguessthatmakesuslucky,hesaid,
chuckling.
Itsnotfunny.
Whatdoyouwantmetodo,Caelyn?Pullthecaroverandcryandpunchthedashboard?Shakemy
fistattheskyanddemandtoknowwhytheworldisagainstus?
ThatswhatIfeellikedoing,shemuttered.
Yeah,well,oneofushastostaystrong.
Caelynfeltwounded.Imnotbeingstrong?
Imjustsaying,Iknowthissucks.IknowyourescaredandIrealizethiswasaclosecall.Butwe
gotaway.Justbarely,butwedid.
Nowtheyknowwerenearby.Theyregoingtobelookingforusandwecantgetfarenoughaway
tobesafe,shesaid.Wereoutofmoney.
Wecandothis.Wewilldothis,Elijahtoldher.Heglancedatherandhiseyesweresteelyand
determined.Imnotgivinguponus.
Somehow,seeingthelookonhisfacegaveCaelynaburstofoptimism.IfElijahcouldbestrongand
confident,therewasnoreasonshehadtothinktheworst.Illnevergiveuponuseither,shereplied.I
hopeyouknowthat.
-
Ido,Elijahsaid.Helookedbackattheroad.
***
Thelowgastanklightinthecarsdashboardflickeredonandnowwasablaring,brightyellowthat
Caelyncouldntseemtostopwatchingfromthecornerofhereye.
Neitherofthemhadspokenofit,becausetherewasntmuchtobedone.Elijahhadjustcontinued
drivingandtherainhadcontinuedpouringdown,aswindbatteredthecarandthegreyskiesstretched
relentlesslyintothedistance.
Theyhadntspokenmuchthepasthourorso,bothlostintheirownthoughts.
Caelynhadthefeelingthattheywerecomingtotheendofthingsherstomachhadbeenclenched
forsolongthatshecouldhardlybreathe.Shewashungryandtiredandafraid.Shedidntrememberwhen
thelasttimewasthatshedbeencompletelyunafraid,butitseemedlikemaybethatwasathingofthe
past.
Happinesswaslikesomeoldphotographthatyoulookedatandcouldhardlybelievethatithad
everhappenedtoyou.
ButthenshelookedatElijahandsherememberedwhyshewasdoingthis,whyshewasgoing
throughitall.
Ilovehim.Ilovehimsomuchithurts.
Butwasitsupposedtohurtthismuch?Itwaslikeabulletwoundinherstomach,andshewasso
tiredsotired.
Eventually,therainbecameadrizzleandthenstoppedcompletely.
ElijahpulledthecarovernexttoasmallconveniencestoreandlookedatCaelyn.Imgoinginside
forasecond,hesaid,hisvoicelowanddull.Hiseyeswerehard,unforgiving.
Butbutwehavenomoneytobuyanything,shesaid.
Hesighed.Iknowthat,Caelyn.DoyoureallywantmetotellyouwhatImgoingtodointhere?
Shegotasuddenjoltofintensepanicandgrabbedhisarm.Dontyoudoit,Elijah.Dontstealor
robthemorwhateveritis.Dont.Please.
Hedidntpullawayfromher.Hejustlookedather,hiseyesstillandcalm,butdeeplysad.
-
Caelyn,hesaid,hisvoicealmostchoked.TheresnothingelseIcando.Itsthisororcallitwhatit
is.
Whatdoesthatmean?sheasked.
Itmeans,maybeitstimeyouwenthome,hesaid.
Nowthejoltoffeargrewstronger,likeapainthroughherheartthatwassointenseshethoughtit
mightbeanattackofsomesort.Wesaidwednevergiveuponeachother.
Imnotgivinguponus,hetoldher.ButIcantdragyoudownwithmeanymore.
Yourenot
Stopit,hesaid.Justlistentomeforasecond.Hishandgrabbedhersandsqueezed.Ilove
you,hetoldher.Youknowthat,right?
Elijah,shewhispered,tearssuddenlyspringingtohereyesandbeginningtopourdownher
cheeks.
Iloveyoumorethananyoneoranythinginthisworld,hecontinued.Iddieforyou,Caelyn.I
woulddieforyou.
Shecouldntlookathim.Becausethesoundofhisvoicewastellingherthatitwasover,justas
shedsuspecteditmightbe.
Hewasgivinguponthemafterall.
Icant,shesaid,stillwhispering.Icantleaveyou.
Youneedtogohomeandpickupyourlife,hesaid.ImgoingtobearrestedandImgoingback
tojailforalongtime.
No,Elijah.Youdontknowthat
Webothknowit,hesaid,cuttingheroffwithfinality.Itsjustamatteroftime,Caelyn.AndI
wontletyougodownthedrainwithme.Ifwerecaughttogether,youllgotojailtoo.Yourelifewillbe
over.
Mylifesoverifyourenotinit.
Thatsnottrue,hesaid.Lookatme,kid.
Shewassobbingnow,butsheliftedherheadandlookedathim.Hiseyesweresoftagain,andkind.
-
Hedidloveher,andshecouldseeitsoclearly,seethetrueandpureloveinhisheart.Itwasshiningat
her,anditwasthemostbeautifulthingshedeverseen.
Icanseeyou,shetoldhim.Icanreallyseeyou.
Hesmiledthen,anditwasasifhedallowedhertotrulywitnesswhatwasbehindthetough
exterior,andallhiswalls.Hewaslikeanangel,shethought.Anangel,onlyhewastorturedandpainedin
thiscruelworld,andtherewasnoplaceforhim.
Icanseeyoutoo,beautiful,hesaid,andnowhewastouchinghercheekandsmilingather.But
itstime.Itstime.
No,shesaid.Icant.
Imgoingtoletyouoffhereatthisstore.Givemehalfanhourbeforeyouasktoborrowtheir
phoneandcallhome.
No,Elijah!sheyelled,horrified.No!Icantgohome.
Caelyn,hesaid.
Iwontleaveyou,shesaid.Iwont.Notyet.Please,justgivemeanothercoupleofhourswith
you.Please,shebegged.
Illpickyouupandputyououtofthecarifyoumakeme,hewarned.
Imnotachild,shesaid.Iwanttostaywithyou.Nomatterwhathappens.
Hebrokehisgazefromhers,lookingdown,troubled.Icantletyoudothat,hesaid.Icantbe
responsibleforwhathappenstoyou.
Yourenot,shetoldhim.Iam.
Andjustthen,therewastheloudWHOOPWHOOPofasiren,andElijahsheadsnappedup.He
turnedandlookedoutthebackwindshield,cursing.Fuck,itsthecops.
Drive,Elijah!Drive!
Helickedhislips.Wecantoutrunthem.Imgoingtogivemyselfup,hesaid.
Aloudmegaphonesoundcrackled.STEPOUTOFTHECAR.IREPEAT,STEPOUTOFTHE
CAR.
Caelyngrabbedhisarmandsqueezedwithallhermight.Drive,Elijah.Getusoutofherenow.
-
Yousure?
Justgo.Justgo.
Heshookhisheadandsworeagain.
Caelynlookedoutthewindowandsawthatitwasonepolicecar,anditwasapproachingthem,the
sirensflashingandswirlingmenacingly.Inalllikelihood,thepolicehadalreadycalledforbackupand
soontherewouldbemore.
Afeelingoftotalhelplesspanicwelledupinsideofher,butshepusheditdown.
AndthenElijahhitthegasandtheywereflyingawayfromthepolicecruiserataspeedthatseemed
impossible.Theengineroaredandrumbled,asifitwascryingoutfrombeingpushedtoohard,andthe
entirecarvibratedfromthesoundandforceofit.
Caelynhadneverbeeninacargoinganywherenearthatfast.
ShelookedoverandElijahsbodylanguagewassurprisinglycalmashisgazeflickedtothe
rearviewmirrorandbacktotheroadinfrontofhimagain.Thecarpickedupspeed,theengineprotesting
evenmoreloudlyashepinnedtheneedleonthespeedometer.
Theyweregoingoverahundredmilesanhourdownasmallcitystreet.Caelynturnedandsawthat
thepolicecarwasnotfarbehindthem.Itssirenwasblaringanditwasntgoingquiteasfastasthem,but
itwaskeepingup.
Thecruiserwastryingtokeeptheminsight,sherealized.Aslongasitdidntlosesightofthem,it
wouldgetmoreandmorepolicecarstocomehelpsubduethem.
Soontherewouldbeanotherandanother,shethought.
Maybetheyllsendahelicopterortwoforgoodmeasure.
Thethoughtmadehernearlylaughoutloud,andshefelthermindstretchingasifhersanitywas
trulyabouttosnap.
Holdon,Elijahsaid,andthenheabruptlycutthesteeringwheelandtheyspunonehundredand
eightydegrees,theirtiressquealingashepumpedthebreak,andCaelynwatchedhimhandlingthe
steeringwheelastheyskiddedoutofcontrol.
Smokefromthetiresontheroadbillowedupandaburningsmellhithernostrils.
-
Weregoingtodie,shethought.
Butthen,theyweredrivingagain,thistimebackintheoppositedirection,asthepolicecarwent
pastthem,skiddingandtryingtostopintime.ButElijahhadsurprisedthecops,andhehookedarightturn
downanotherstreet,thenturnedleftdownanothersidestreet,racingfasteroncemore.
Hiseyeswerefocusedashetookthemdownstreetafterstreet.
Okay,weneedtoditchthecar,now,hetoldher.Wedonthavemuchtime.Comeon.
Butthenwewontbeabletogetaway,shesaid.
Elijahpulledthecarintoanarrowalley.Wereoutofgasanyway,hesaid.AndIboughtusa
minuteortwoatmostwithmylittlestuntbackthere,hetoldher.Theyregoingtohaveanarmyofcops
lookingforthiscar.Weneedtogo.
Withthat,ElijahgotoutandCaelynfollowedhim,andtheystartedwalkingawayfromit,leavingit
sitting,steaming,parkeddiagonallyinthealley.
Elijahgrabbedherhandandthenledherthroughagapbetweentwobuildingsandintoanewstreet.
Casual,hetoldher,almostwhisperinginherear.Likewerejusthavingafundaytogether.
Theywalkedslowlydownthestreet,hearingsirenuponsirenbuildingintheneardistance.
Caelynsheartwasthumpinginherchestandshefeltdizzywithanxiety.
ThescannercrackledandaburstoflowstaticemittedfromElijahsperson,andCaelynrealized
hedstuffedthescannerbeneathhisjacket,intothebeltlineofhispants.
Astheywalkedtogether,theycouldlistentothedispatcherandpolicecoordinatingtheirsearch
efforts.Theystillhadntfoundthecaryet,sothatwassomething.
Afteraboutfifteenminutesofwalking,theywentintoaDunkinDonuts.Beforeenteringtheshop,
Elijahturnedhisscanneroff.
Onceinside,Elijahduginhispocketsandcountedoutalmostenoughchangetobuyasmall
containerofchocolatemilk.Theywereaquartershy,andthegirlattheregistertookpityonthem.
Dontworryaboutit,shesmiled,takingthemoney.IvegotaquarterIcanuse.
Thanks,Caelynsaid,relieved.
Theywentandsatdownatatablejusttotherightofthewindowsotheycouldstillseethestreet
-
butnotreallybeatriskforbeingseenbyanypassingcars.
ElijahopenedthemilkandthensliditovertoCaelyn.Shedrankitgratefully,surprisedathow
amazingittasted.ThatmightbethebestchocolatemilkIevertasted,shetoldhim.
Elijahgrinned.Hisgrinfadedasfirstone,thentwo,thenthreepolicecarsflewbytheDunkin
Donutsshop.
Caelyntookadeepbreathandletitoutslowly.
Anoldmanandanoldwomansippingcoffeewatchedthecopcarsgo.Christ,lookatemgo,the
oldmansaid.Wonderwhathappened.
Theoldwomanshookherhead.Thiscitysgettingworseandworse.Someoneprobablygotshot.
Theoldmancockedaneyebrow.Youthink?
Teenagers,theoldwomansaid,shakingherhead.
Probablyright,themanagreed,andthenwentbacktoreadinghispaperandsippinghiscoffee.
ElijahandCaelynlockedeyesandgrinnedatoneanother.
Teenagers,Elijahwhispered.
Shehadtolaughalittle.Probablyright,sheagreed.
Asbadasthiswas,sherealized,itwasntsoterriblebecauseshewasstillwithElijah.Caelyn
dranksomemorechocolatemilkandreachedacrosstoholdhishand.
***
Aftertheydspentaboutaslongashumanlypossiblefinishingthatonechocolatemilk,Caelynand
Elijahgotuptoleave.
Thecashierwalkedovertothemastheywerejustabouttoexittheshop.Shewasholdingasmall
boxofdonuts.Hey,shesaid.
Yeah?Elijahasked,suspiciousnow,hisshoulderstensing.
Thegirlsmiledwithsomeembarrassment.IjustIthoughtyoumightwantsomedonuts.Wewere
goingtothrowtheseoutanyway.Sheshrugged.
Elijahstaredattheboxandswallowed.HeclearedhisthroatandCaelyncouldtellthegesturehad
reallytouchedhimdeeply.Thanks,herasped.Hetooktheboxfromherhands.Thismeansmorethan
-
youknow.
Itsnobigdeal,thegirlsaid.
No,Caelynreplied.Itisabigdeal.Itreallyis.
Thegirlwatchedthemgowithaslightlypuzzledexpression,andtheywalkedoutintothebright
sunlightastherainhadstoppedandthecloudshadmovedon.
Theybeganwalkingwithnoapparentdestination.TherewerenomorecopcarsandElijahs
scannerwasbackon,buttherewerenolongerconstanttransmissionsaboutthesearch.
Eventually,theydwanderedfarfromthemainroadsandintosuburbia.Withoutdiscussingit,theyd
continuedmeanderingintoaneighborhood,onenotmuchdifferentfromtheoneshedlivedinwithher
parents.
Thehouseswerefarenoughapartthateachhaditsownnicelymanicuredlawn,andtherewerelittle
fencesandthesoundsofchildrenplayingrangout.
CaelynwonderedwhetherthepolicehadgivenuponfindingherandElijah,orifshewassuddenly
goingtobesurprisedbyaswarmofcruiserspullingupandcopsjumpingoutwithdrawnpistols
demandingthemtoputtheirhandsup.
ElijahopenedtheDunkinDonutsboxandshowedCaelyntheselectionthegirlhadputintherefor
them.Thereweretwochocolatefrosteddonuts,ajelly-filled,acoupleofplainandtwoglazed.Caelyn
thoughtaboutitandthenfinallychoseachocolatecovereddonut.
Salivafilledhermouthbeforeshedeventakenthefirstbite,andsherealizedshewashungrierthan
shedbeeninalong,longtime.Maybeever.
Asshebitin,thesugarandsweetnesshithertastebudsandCaelynmoaned.
Elijahglancedoveratherwitharaisedeyebrow.IfIdidntknowbetter,Idwonderwhatthatgirl
putinthosedonuts,Elijahchuckled.
Thisisamazing,Caelynsaid,stillsavoringherfirstbite.Arentyougoingtohaveonetoo?
Maybelater,Elijahsaid,closingtheboxandcontinuingtowalk,nowlookingintothedistance.
Shewentcoldasshewatchedhim.Yourenotstillthinkingthatweneedtosplitup,areyou?
Caelynaskedhim.Pleasetellmethatwasjustapassingthought.
-
Elijahdidntanswerforawhile.Thenhesigheddeeply.Youneedtogohomesometime,Caelyn.
Hereyesfilledwithtearsinstantly.Shethrewherdonutontheground,notevenwantingtoeatit
anymore.Fuckthis,shehalf-sobbed.
Elijahturnedandlookedather.Youknowitsforthebest,hesaid.Ifwestaytogether,youre
goingtoendupinjailrightalongwithme.
Iwillanyway.Theyhavemyname,theyrelookingformetoo.
Youcandenyitandtherewontbeenoughproofforthemtoactuallyconvictyouofanything.Ill
lieandsayIwaswithanothergirl.Nobodywillbeabletoproveanythingaslongasyourenotcaught
withme.
Yousaidyouwouldntgetcaught.Yousaid
IknowwhatIsaid,Elijahinterrupted.Hisfacewasgrimnow.AndtheresnothingIwantmore
thantohaveyoubymysideeverysecond.
Thenletmestaywithyou.
ImnotgoingtoputwhatIwantaheadofwhatsbestforyou.
Shesmirked.AndyouknowwhatsbestformebetterthanIknowitmyself?
MaybeIdo,hereplied.
Shewasfilledwithanintenserage.Shespunaround,lookingforsomewheretorun,wantingto
makehimchaseher.Buttherewasntreallyanywherelefttorun,sherealized.
Nearby,therewasahousewithaForSalesigninthefrontyard,andCaelynwalkedoverandsat
downonthecurb,allowingherselftocry.
Hey,Elijahsaid.
Justgoaway,shetoldhim.Leaveme.Ifthatsreallywhatyouwanttodo,thenleave.Illfigure
outawaytogowhereverIwanttogonext.
Imnotleavingyoulikethis,hesaid.
Whynot?Shecouldhardlyseethroughhertears.Bettertojustdoitnow.Justdoitandgetit
overwith.
Caelyn,hesighed.
-
Dontsaymynamelikethat.
Weshouldkeepmovingbeforesomeonenoticesus.
Idontcareanymore.Andbesides,thishouseisforsalesonobodysgoingtonoticeanything.
HefellsilentandCaelynjustkeptcrying.Shewassosickofhavingtoleavehim,havingtobe
separated.Theywerentsupposedtoseparateagainshedhavedonealmostanythingtostaywithhim,
evenifitmeantgoingtojailherself.
ButElijahhadlosthope.
Finally,shelookedupandfoundhimstaringattheForSalesignwithanoddlookonhisface.
Whatareyoudoing?sheasked.
Itjustclickedinmymindwhenyousaidthatnobodywasgoingtonoticeanythingbecausethe
houseisforsale.Hesmiledalittle.Caelyn,thishouseistotallyempty.Icanseeinthefrontwindow
andtheresnofurnitureoranything.
So?Caelynsniffled,wipingtearsfromhercheekswiththebackofherhand.
So,Elijahssmilebrokeintoaconfidentgrin,IthinkImighthavejustfoundatemporary
solutiontoourtroubles.Hestartedupthelawnandthencircledaroundthebackofthehouse.
Caelyngotupandfollowedhim.
Aroundback,theywereprotectedononesideoftheyardbysomelargehedges.Ontheotherside,
therewasahousewithaclearview,butitwasquietandtheshadesweredrawn.
ElijahpassedCaelyntheboxofdonutsashestartedcasingtheplace.
Caelynwaitedanxiouslyforsomeonetobeginholleringatthem,alertingthewholeneighborhoodto
thepresenceoftwothieves.
Meanwhile,Elijahwaslookingineachwindowoftheemptyhouse,andtryingtofindonethat
wasntlocked.Witheachfailure,hesighedimpatientlyandmovedtothenext.
Whatiftheresanalarm?Caelynsaid,herpulsestartingtoincreasethelongerhekeptatit.
Isawthealarmpanelthroughtheslidingglassdoor,hesaid.Itsnotarmed.
Butwhatifpeoplecometoviewthehouse?sheasked,followinghimasElijahkeptchecking
windows.
-
Hekneltdowntoasmallerwindowatgroundlevel.Itwasdustyandneglected,andgrasshad
grownupinfront,almostblockingitentirely.Elijahfiddledwiththewindow.Itslidopen.Jackpot,he
said,grinning.
Elijah,thishouseisforsale.Thatmeanspeoplecouldshowupatanytimearealtor,anybody.
Thatstrue,hesaid,butitsalreadygettinglaterintheday,anditsdoubtfulanybodywillcome
afterlikefiveorsixoclock.
Buttheycould,sheinsisted.
Sowellkeepaneyeontheroad,andifsomeonecomes,wellrunoutthebackdoor.Heglanced
upandwinkedather.
Shedecidedtoshuthermouth,becauseeventhoughsheknewthiswasahorribleidea,itstillmeant
thattheycouldbetogether.Andrightthen,shewantedtobetogetherwithhimmorethananythingelse.
Andalsotherereallywasnowhereelsetogo.ThiswasprobablytheleastillegalthingthatElijah
wouldcomeupwith,soCaelynfiguredshemightaswellacceptit.
IdontthinkIcanfitthroughthis,Elijahsaid,peeringintothebasementthroughthenarrow
window.Butyoumightbeableto,hesaid.
Caelynkneltdown,puttingtheboxfromDunkinDonutsdownonthegroundnexttoher,asshe
lookedatthewindowmoreclosely.Imightbeabletojustgetthrough,sheagreed,butshealreadyfelt
claustrophobicattheideaofsqueezingthroughtheopening.WhatifIgetstuck?
Elijahlaughed.Youwontgetstuck.
Fine.Sheglancedaroundagain,justtoreassureherselfthatnobodyhadnoticedthemyet.But
everythingwasstillquiet.
Shestartedcrawlingforward,thenrealizedhermistakeandturnedaround,slidingherlegsthrough
thewindowfirst.Herbuttalmostseemedtogetcaught,onlyitwasamomentaryproblem,becauseafter
shegritherteethandpushed,shepoppedthroughthewindowlikeacorkexplodingfromachampagne
bottle,droppingtothebasementfloorbelowinaheap.
Elijahstuckhisheadinside,andhiseyeswerewide.Shit,areyouallright?
Caelynlookedupathim,andshewaslaughinghysterically.Thatwasfun,sheadmitted.
-
Heshookhishead.Youhadmescaredforasecondthere,kid.
Shelookeddownandsawblood,realizedthatshedfallenontosomething.Shit,Caelynsaid,
gettingupandtryingtoseewherethebloodhadcomefrom.Itwasherelbow,whichhadbeensliced
open.Shelookedaroundandcouldntfindwhatithadbeencuton,butthenshenoticedthattheledge
insidethewindowwassharpandmadeofconcrete.
Probablythespeedwithwhichshedfallendownhadcausedherelbowtocatchandsliceonthe
hardledgeasshewentover.
Yourebleeding,Elijahsaid.
Itsnotthatbad,shesaid,butitwaskindofdeepandgross.Theflapofskinnauseatedherand
shefeltdizzy.
Comeupstairsandletmeinthebackdoor,okay?heasked.
Okay,shetoldhim.Hervoiceechoedslightlyintheemptybasement.
Caelyngrabbedthebottomofhershirtandpulledituptopressagainstherwound,applying
pressureasshewalkedupstairs.Thehousewasprettybig,anditfeltverystrangealmosthauntedin
someway.
Werenotsupposedtobehere,shethought.MaybethatswhyIgotcut.Thehouseistryingto
warnustostayout.
Buttherewasnowhereelsetogo.Howmanyplacescouldtheyrunfrom?
CaelynopenedthebackdoorandElijahwalkedinside.Letmeseethatcut,hetoldher,hiseyes
displayingrealconcern.Shehissedasheheldherarmandexaminedthebleedingcut.
Itsokay,shesaid.IjustwishwehadaFirstAidkit.
Youprobablyshouldgetstitches,Elijahsaid,frowning.Hisfrowndeepenedandhisbrow
creased.Ishouldnthavemadeyougointhatwindow.
Youcouldnthavefitin,shetoldhim.Ijustbarelymadeitmyself.
Hesighed.Comeon,letsseeiftheyleftanysoapinthebathrooms.Theywalkedtothefirstfloor
bathroomandfoundthattherewasanearlyemptycontainerofliquidsoap.
Elijahpumpedsomeofthesoapdirectlyontothewound,whichburnedwhenitseepedintothecut.
-
Ouch,shecriedout.Thatreallystings.
Weneedtocleanit,hesaid.Wedontwantittogetinfected.
ElijahturnedthewateronandthenhelpedCaelynmaneuverherarmunderthefaucetsothewater
couldcleansethearea.
Bloodandwatermixedinthesinkandrandownthedrain.
Thatsalittlebetter,hesaid.
Caelynpulledherarmoutofthewaterandreturnedtopressingherbloodstainedshirtagainsther
elbow.Nowwhat?sheasked.
Nownowwewait,hesaid.
Waitforwhat?
Helookedather.Tomorrow.
Andwhathappenstomorrow?sheasked,wishingshedjustkepthermouthshut.
Tomorrowyougohome,hesaidsoftly.
***
Caelynwasstaringoutthesecond-floorwindowfromanemptyroomthathadlikelybeenthe
masterbedroom.Now,itwasjustalarge,vacantandchillyspacewithanuncomfortablehardwoodfloor
thatshedbeensittingonforthelastfewhours.
Elijahhadtriedtotalktoherafewtimesearlierbutshehadntwantedtoengagewithhim.Shewas
angryandhurtandsadinawaythatshecouldntevenbegintoexplain.Instead,shesatandstaredoutthe
windowattheroad.
Nobodywascomingtoseethehouse,sherealized.Eventually,thesunbegansettingandthenwent
down.Elijahtoldhertheyprobablyshouldntputanylightsonthatcouldbeeasilyseenfromthestreet,
buthedturnedonthelightsinoneortworoomsthatwerelessrisky.
Still,itwaslikebeinginahousewiththepowerout.Onlytheydidnthaveanycandles.Or
furniture.
Hey,Elijahsaid,startlingher.
Caelynturnedandsawhisdarkshadowinthedoorway.Youscaredme.
-
Weshouldtalk,hesaid,andthefloorboardscreakedashesteppedinside.Shecouldtellfromhis
toneofvoicethatthistimehemeantitandwouldntletherbrushhimoffanylonger.
Idonthaveanythingtosay.Shepursedherlipstightly,feelinglikeapetulantchild,butstill
unabletochangeherattitude.
Letsnotwasteourlastfewhourstogetherbeingangry,hesaid,hisvoiceinfuriatinglycalm.
MaybeIdratherbeangry.
Elijahcamecloseenoughthatshecouldbegintomakeouthisfeatures.Hesatdownnexttoher.
Imsureyouwouldratherbeangryrightnow.Itseasierthatway,hesaid.
Whatsthatsupposedtomean?
Itmeans,hesaid,reachingoutandputtinghishandonherleg,thatifyoureangrywithme,you
donthavetodealwithhowsaditistosaygoodbye.
Caelynpulledherlegawayfromhishand,eventhoughshedidntreallywanttopullaway.Butshe
wassomad,sofuriousthathewassayingthesethings.Iamangrywithyou,Elijah.Yourethereasonwe
havetosaygoodbye.WhoelseshouldIblame?
Maybeyoudonthavetoblameanyone.
Donttryandtalkyourwayoutofthis,shesaid.
Imnottalkingmywayoutofanything,Caelyn.
Youare,shesaid,hervoicecatchinginherthroat.Youretheonegivingup.Imreadytokeep
fightingforus,andIwonteverstop.Butnowyourequittingonme.
Imnotquittingonyou.
Youare.Thisisthedefinitionofquitting.Youreactinglikealoser.
Hewasquietforamoment.Iknowyouremad,butdontevercallmealoser.
Shelookeddown,eventhoughshecouldhardlyseehiseyesasitwas.Shecouldfeelhimwatching
herwithdisappointment.
Imsorry,shewhispered.Andthenthetearscameandhershouldersshook.
Elijahleanedinandgrabbedher,wrappinghisarmsaroundherandhugginghertightly.Hekissed
hertearycheekswithhissoft,warmlips.Iloveyou,hetoldher.Illalwaysloveyounomatterwhat
-
anybodydoesorevenifIneverseeyouagain.
Dontsaythat!shecried.
Ihaveto,hetoldher.IfIdie,orIgotojail,oryoumoveonwithyourlifebecauseyoucant
waitformeanymore
Thatwonthappen,sheprotested.
Shhhhehushed.Letmesayit.Justletmesayit,okay?
Shequieteddown,buthavinghimholdherandloveheratthesametimethathetoldhertheymight
beapartforeverwasalmosttoomuchtobear.
Evenifyoumoveonwithyourlife,andhaveahouseandahusbandwiththekidsanddogand
whitepicketfenceevenifyoudoallthatIwonteverforgetyou.IllloveyoutilthedayIdieand
beyond.AndIwontblameyoufordoingwhatyouneedtodotobehappy.
ButIwontbehappyifwerenottogether,Elijah.
Iknowyoudontthinkyoucanbe,hesaid,rockinghergentlyashespokeintoherear.ButI
wantyoutopromisemeyoulltry,hetoldher.
Icant.Ijustcant.Shesobbedsomemore.Theangerhaddrainedfromherbodyandnowshe
waswrackedwithsorrowbecauseshefelttheendwascoming.
Weregoingtobeapart,shethought.
Yourestrongerthanyoucanpossiblyimagine,hesaid,andshecouldhearhissmile.Yourethe
strongestpersonIveevermet.
Imnotstrongwithoutyou.
Yes,youare.AndIknowitbecauseIvegottensomuchofmystrengthfromyou,hesaid.Just
beingnearyouhasgivenmesomuchstrength,andjustknowingyourealiveinthisworldwillgiveme
allthestrengthIneedfortherestofmylife.NomatterwhatelsehappensIvehadthistimewithyou,and
Itreasureit.Illremembereverylittlemomentwevehadfortherestofmydays.
Hebegankissingher,then,hislipscaressingtheskinofherneck,hercheek,hisfingersdrifting
alongherface,arms,breasts,touchingherbody,warmingher,relaxingher,creatingtheheatthatwas
unlikeanythingCaelynhadeverknown.
-
ShemoanedasElijahlaidherbacktothehardwoodfloorandbegankissingherlipswithslow
burningpassion.
Astheirlipstouched,andthenhistonguemethers,CaelynssensedopeneduptoElijahinanew
way,adeeperwaythanwhatshedeverexperiencedwithhiminthepast.Itwasalmostasif,inknowing
thatthismightbetheirlastnighttogether,shewassuddenlyabletoappreciatehiminanentirelynewway.
SheletElijahexploreherbody,moaning,herbreathingdeepandfullassheenjoyedhisattention
withoutanyself-consciousnessorworry.Hereyeshadadjustedmoretothedarkness,andtherewasjust
enoughlightcominginfromthewindowthatshecouldlookintohiseyesashelookedintohers.
Gently,heremovedherclothingandthenhisown,continuingtokissandloveherwithexquisite
softnessashisnakedbodypressedagainsthers.Theirfleshwashot,burningalmost,andthefireshefelt
ashepresseddeeplyintoherwaslikenothingshedeverimaginedinherwildestdreams.
Shecriedoutinintensepleasure,andthepleasurewasallthemorepoignantbecauseitwasinfused
withtheknowledgethatthismightneverhappenagain.
Everysecondwaspurebliss,andthetimestretchedoutinawaythatmadetheirlovemakingseem
likeitwasalmostaneternity.
Hewasinsideherforalongtime,movingslowlyatfirst,stirringher,makinghermoanwithdeep
pleasure,andthenhewasgoingfasterasheseemedtoinstinctivelysensethatshewasneedingmoreand
more.
AndElijahgavehermore,andhisbodywasgracefulandsexualandstrongandeverypartofhim
wasconnectedtoeverypartofher.
Shedidntknowanymorewherehestartedandsheended.
Shedidntcareanymore.
Andthenthepassionwascresting,andCaelyncriedoutintotalabandon,havingoneorgasmafter
another.
Whenitwasover,Elijahstayedthere,caressingherhair,andkissingher.Theirbodieshadcreated
heatandsweat,andtheystayedconnectedlikethatforalongtime.
Idontwantyoutoeverleaveme,shesaid,lookingintohisdarkeyes.
-
Illalwaysbehere,justlikethis,hereassuredher.
Butthenherolledoffandcradledherinhisarms,andCaelynfeltanemptinessopeninsideher
body,likeacanyon,andsheknewthathewasleavingsoon.Hewasgoingtobegone.
Elijahfellasleepnotlongafter,butCaelynwasntableto.Shesatupandlookedoutthewindow,
havingheardsomepeoplesvoices.Sherealizeditwascomingfromthehouserightnextdoor.
Therewasafamilycarryingshoppingbagsintothehousetogether.Afather,amother,ateenagegirl
andanotherlittlegirlwhocouldnthavebeenmorethanfourorfiveyearsold.
Watchingthem,Caelynsensedthattheyweretrulyahappyfamily,whichseemedraresomehow
andbeautifulinaway.Shecouldnthearexactlywhattheyweresaying,butshewatchedthewaythey
interacted.Thewaytheparentsweresogentlewiththetoddler,andthewaytheteenagerlaughedand
seemedhappytobewithhermotherandfather,insteadofannoyedandsulkylikemostteens.
Shecouldheartheirlaughter,butnotmuchelse.Thelaughterfloatedintotheroom,faintly,and
Caelynschestgrewtightwithemotion.Shedidntknowwhatitwasatfirst.
Forasplitsecond,sheactuallythoughtthatmaybeshewasmissinghermotherandfatherandsister.
Butthatmadenosenseatall,andCaelynrealizedafterashortmomentthatshewasntmissingherfamily
atall.
ShewasmissingthefamilythatsheandElijahmighthavehadtogether.
Westillcould,asmallvoicesaid.
Wecouldstillhavechildrensomeday,afamily,ahousejustlikethatone.Wecouldlaugh
togetherandplayandourkidswouldbesoloved.Whynot?
Butsheknewwhynot.
Becausewellneverbemarriedlikethatcouplenextdoor.Theyrenormal,andtheydonthave
parentswhohatethehusbandorasisterwhotriedtoframehimforacrime.Theydonthavepolice
chasingthemeverywheretheygo.
Wecantbelikethembecausewerenevergoingtobeallowedtohavethislove,tojustbelike
everyoneelse.
Caelynfelttheemptinessofhersituation,thehopelessnessofit,likeapunchtothestomach.The
-
laughterfromthefamilynextdoorhadfadedtonothing,andnowtheyweregonetheydalldisappeared
intotheirhouse.
CaelynliedbackdownnexttoElijahonthehardwoodfloorandtriedtoimaginewhatthatfamily
wasdoingnow.
Sheclosedhereyesandpicturedthemotherandfatherhuggingandsmilingatoneanother.
Caelynsighed,smilingalongwiththem.
Andthenshedriftedintoasleepthatwasplaguedbystrange,impenetrabledreamswhereshewas
chasedbyfacelesscreatureswithmisshapedbodies.Shescreamedandranandran,butwherevershe
went,thecreaturesfoundher,asiftheycouldsmellher.
Finally,oneofthefacelesscreaturescaughther,corneredherinthedeadendofsomewretched
maze,andpinnedheragainstawall.Itshandwascoldandtheskinwasgreen,smelly,likesomething
deadandblackened.
Caelyntriedtoscreambutnowhervoicewouldntwork.Thatthingwassqueezingherthroat
closedasitchokedher.
Itsmiledatherwithadroopinggrin,itsdeadfisheyesstaringatherasitsblack,stringyhair
swunginfrontofitsface.Andthen,justwhenitseemedlikethenightmarecouldntgetanyworse,the
disgustingcreatureshoveditsfingersintohermouth.
Theytastedlikeblackdeath,likeburningsmokeandrottingmeatandashes.
Ashes.Therewereashesinhermouth.
Caelyn!Itcroaked,onlynowthecroakwassomethingelse.Itwassomeoneelse.Wakeup!the
monstersaid,onlyitwasntamonster.Itwas
Suddenlyshewokeup,hereyessnappingopenasshesatup,blinkingandconfused.
Elijahwasstandingup,staringoutthewindow.Theresafire,hesaid,hisvoicestrangelycalm.
Itwasntjustsometinyfire,Caelynrealized,asshelookedoutthewindowandsawthatthehouse
nextdoorwasblazing,andflameswerecomingoutthewindows.Blacksmokepouredintothesky,
billowingout,andactuallysomeofitwasseepingintotheirroom,too.
Elijah,shegasped,grabbinghisarm.Elijah,ohmyGod.
-
Helookeddownatheruncomprehendingly.What?Whatisit?
Theresafamilyinthere,shesaid.
Areyousure?
Maybetheyleftbynow,shesaid.Theymusthave.
Elijahstartedforthedoorway.Comeon,hesaid,andshecouldhearhimturningthescanneron
ashemadehiswaydownstairs.
Elijah,shesaid,hurryingtokeepupwithhim.Weneedtogetoutofhere!
Elijahwasoutthefrontdoor,stridingquickly.Caelyncaughtuptohimintimetoseethefireblazing
upclosenow,andtheneighborswereallcomingoutoftheirhomestoseeit.
Elijahlookedatallofthem,andCaelynfollowedhisgaze.Theneighbors,maybeeightortenof
themsofar,werehypnotizedbythefire.Theirfaceswerebathedinorangeandyellowlightasthey
stared,transfixed.
Theywereyelling,callingout,tellingoneanotherthatthefamilymusthavebeentrappedinside.
Elijahwalkedclosertothefrontyard,staringattheblazinghouseashewent,andCaelyngrabbed
hisarmagain.Wehavetogo,shetoldhim.
Didntyouhearwhattheysaid?Thefamilysinside,hereplied.
Wecanthelpthem.Thefiresalreadyhuge,shesaid.Andthepoliceandfiredepartmentwill
beheresoon.Ifwestay
Idontcare,hereplied,lookingherintheeye.Imnotgoingtostandhereandletthemburn.
Elijah,no!shecalledout.
Elijahpushedthescannerintoherhands.IfImnotoutandyouhearthepolicegettingclose,take
off.Okay?
Dontgointhere!shescreamed,buthewaslikeapossessedperson.
Hestartedupthefrontlawnandabig,burlyguygotinhisway,shakinghishead.Dontbeahero,
theguytoldhim.Thishouseisalreadytoast,andifyougointhere,youwillbetoo.
Soyouregoingtoletthatfamilydie?
Theyrealreadydead,theguytoldhim.
-
Howdoyouknow?
Thebigmansgazefaltered.Well,lookatit,hesaid.Itslikeanuclearbombwentoff.Butthe
mannolongerseemedassureofhimselfasElijahglaredathim.
Youdontknow,Elijahtoldhim.Someonemightstillbealiveinthere.Nowyoudonthaveto
helpme,butifyoudontgetoutofmyway,Illneedtomakeyoustepaside.Elijahballedhisfists.
Theburlymantookasteportwoback,holdinghishandsup.Hey,itsyourfuneralpal.
AndthenElijahwasrunning,andhewasthrowingthefrontdooropen.Hebackedawayfromthe
doormomentarilyassmokepouredoutofit.
Caelynshriekedforhimnottogoinside,buthedidntacknowledgeher.Maybehecouldnthearher
overthenoisefromthefire.
ThecrowdgaspedcollectivelyasElijahboltedinsidetheburninghome.
Caelynclosedhereyestightly,wishingherselfawayfromthescene.Ifonlyitcouldhavebeena
dream,shethought.Abaddream,onethatshewouldwakeupfrominElijahsarms.
Theneighborsweretalkingandshoutingasthehousecontinuedtoburn.
Manyofthemwereonphonesand911hadbeencalledrepeatedly.Therewerestillnocopsorfire
enginesinsight,andnothingapproaching.Somepeoplewerediscussingthefactthattherewasavery
smallskeletoncrewonthistimeofnight,andthattheywouldpossiblyneedtocallinauthoritiesfrom
neighboringtowns.
Caelynbackedawayfromthehouseandtheneighborsandputthescanneruptohereartolisten.
Therewereburstsofcommunication,lotsofjargon,andshethoughtshecaughtamentionofthefire.But
asthesecondsdraggedintominutes,allshecoulddowaswaitandpray.
Thefirewasburningsohotandsobrightthatithurttolookatit,andthesmokewasmakingithard
tobreathe,evenfromyardsaway.
Hecantsurviveinthere.
Thethoughtlefthercold.
Sheevenheardtheotheronlookerssayingthatthecrazykidwhoraninside,tryingtoplaythe
hero,waslikelyalostcause.
-
Anoldwomanshookherheadsadly.Somepeople,shesaidratherloudly,havemorebravery
thangoodcommonsense.
Caelynwantedtoscreamather,tellallofthemthatElijahwastentimesthepersontheywouldever
be.Butshecouldntbringherselftodoanythingmorethanstandthere,nobetterthantherestofthem.
Andthen,justasshewastrulystartingtogiveuphope,Elijahemergedoutofthefrontdoor
carryingsomething.Hewascoveredinsoot,likesomethingoutofabadmovie,andhewascoughingand
stumblingalittle.
Theneighborssurgedtohim,takingthetoddlerfromhisarms.
Caelynrantohimastheonlookersbegantryingtoattendtothechild.
Elijah,shesaid,grabbinghishand.Areyouokay?
Hecoughedsomemoreandnodded.Wherearethecops?heasked.
Noonescomeyet.Peoplearesayingtheydonthaveanavailablecrewintownatthistimeof
night,soitsgoingtotakelongerforhelptoarrive.
Ivegottogobackinside,Elijahtoldher.
Theburlymancameoveragain.Listenkid,youreagoddamnhero,seriously.ButIcantletyou
gobackinthatfuckinghouse.Itsadeathtrap.
Elijahlookedathim.Imgoingbackin,hesaid.Ihaveto.Theresmorepeople.Iheardthem
screamingforhelp.
Caelynbitbacktearsandprotests,knowingitwouldntdoanygood.Elijahwasdetermined.
Iloveyousomuch,shetoldhim.Nomatterwhathappens,rememberthat,okay?
Elijahlookedatherandsmiled,andsomehowheseemedmorecarefree,morerelaxedthanshed
everseenhim.Hey,Imgoingtobefine.Imgoddamninvincible,kid.
Andthenhewasrunningintothehouseagain.
Thelittlegirlwascrying.Caelynwentoverandsawthatshehadvomitedupsomeblacklooking
chunksonthegrassandsomeoftheolderwomenweretryingtosootheher.
Iwantmymommy,shescreeched.Iwantmommy.
Mommyscoming,someonetoldher.Anicemanisgoingtogether.
-
Caelynhuggedherself,lookingatthehouse.Everyminutethatwentby,theflamesgrew.Piecesof
thehousewerestartingtofalloffinlarge,frighteningchunks.Theroofwasbeginningtocavein.
Occasionally,therewereloud,explosivesoundsthatcamefrominside.
Hecantsurviveanotherminuteinthere,Caelynthought.Shewassqueezingthescannersohard
thatshethoughtitmightshatterinherhands.
Atthispoint,shedidntevenmindifElijahwascaughtandwenttojail.Jailwouldbesomething
shecouldvisithim.
Illvisithimforever,andIllbegratefultodoit.IllbehappyjusttoseeElijahsface,hearhis
voice,seehimsmile.PleaseGod,lethimlive.Justlethimlive.
Likeananswertoherprayer,Elijahcameoutofthehouseagain,thistimehewashelpingtwo
peoplehobbleoutofthefrontdoor.Theyweresoburntandblackenedthatitwashardtotellwhowas
who.
ItsTomandLinda,someonecried,andthentheexpandedgroupofneighborsrushedoverand
swarmedaroundthem,tryingtohelp.
CaelyncouldhardlygettoElijah.Peopleweretouchinghim,thankinghim,crying,babbling.
Itwasasifhedtransformedintosomethingotherworldly,andpeoplehadgonefromthinkinghe
wasinsane,tobelievinghewasacomicbookhero.
Theygavehimsomewater,whichhedrankdownasCaelyngrabbedhisarm.Promisemeits
over,shesaid.Yourenotgoingbackinside.
Theolderdaughtersstillinside,Elijahsaid.
Elijah,theroofiscavingin.Yousavedthreepeopleslives.Dontkillyourself,please.Caelyn
realizedshewouldbeghimifthatswhatittook.Please,please.Dontgobackin.Ihavethemost
terriblefeelingthatyouregoingtodie.
Elijahtookthebottleofwater,lifteditupandpouredwateroverhisface.
Shecouldseehewashorriblyburnedonhisforeheadandcheekandneck.Elijah,yourehurt.
Otherswereclawingathim,too,tellinghimtostop.
ButallhedidwasleaninandkissCaelynscheek.Iloveyouandonlyyou.Rememberthat.
-
Thenhewaspushingpasteveryoneandrunninginside.Therewasnowayhecouldmakeitbackout
again,Caelynthought.Shecouldfeeltheheatfromthehouseallthewaybackatthetopofthedriveway.
Gettingclosewaspainful,andshecouldseetheflameslickingthedoorway.Thefrontdoorwascharred
andblackenedandbeginningtofalloffitshinges.
Atthatmoment,thefirstpolicecarsandfiretrucksarrived,alongwithanambulance.
Whentheypulledup,thecopsimmediatelyforcedalloftheneighborsbacktotheothersideofthe
street,includingCaelyn.
Shetriedtotelloneofthepolicemanthatherboyfriendwasinsidetheburninghouse.
Welldoourbesttogethimoutsafely,thecopsaid,buthewashardlyevenlookingather.They
hadahugefireontheirhandsandseemedalmostconfusedbywheretostart.
TheEMTshadbeguntryingtodealwiththesurvivingvictims.
Themotherandfatherwereconscious,butnotdoingverywell.Themother,inparticular,seemed
likeshewashavingtroublebreathing.Theyputanoxygenmaskoverherface.
Herhusbandwasbadlyburnedonhischestandarms,andtheydcuthisshirtoffinorderto
immediatelybegintreatingthewounds.
Morepoliceandfiretrucksarrivedonthescene.
Astheminutescontinuedtopass,Caelynbegantogetthesick,sinkingsensationthatElijahhad
finallygonebackintothehouseonetoomanytimes.
Shefeltangrierandangrierasshewatchedthefiremanfighttheflameswiththeirgigantichoses,
sprayingtheupperwindowsandintothefrontdoor.
Whydidhehavetokeepgoingbackinside?Wassavingthreepeoplenotenoughforhim?Wasnt
Caelynenoughofareasontotryandsurviveanotherday?
Sheknewthathedbeenbrave,buttheachingpainreverberatinginhersoultoldherthathis
braverywouldnothelphertogetoverthepainoflosingheronetruelove.
Andthefiremenweretakingforevertoenterthehousethemselves.Shedheardtheneighbors
desperatelytryingtotellthemthatElijahandtheteenagedaughterwereinside,andthepoliceandfiremen
justkeptrepeatingthephrasesthattheyweredoingtheirbestandtheydeventuallygetin,onceitwas
-
safertodoso.
Aboutsixorsevenofthemwereactuallyapproachingthefrontdoorofthehousewhenthe
unthinkablehappened.
Theroof,whichhadbeenblackenedandsmokingandlookingprogressivelyweakened,suddenly
crashedinward,collapsinglikenothingmorethanacharredpieceofpaper.
Halfofthehousewasdemolishedintheblinkofaneye.
Ahorrifiedwailwentupfromapersonneartheambulance,andCaelynlookedovertoseethatit
wasthemother.No!shecriedout,throwingoffheroxygenmaskandtryingtofightthroughtheEMTs
andpoliceasifwantingtogoinsidethehouseherself.
ThewhispersandconversationtoldCaelynthatherworstfearswererealized.Thedaughtersroom
wasonthatsecondfloor,theonethathadbeenwipedoutwhentheroofcavedin.
WhatwerethechancesthatElijahhadntbeenupthere,tryingtoextricatethegirlwhentheroof
collapsed?Caelynwondered.
Thatsifhedevengottenthatfar.
Thecrumblingofthestructurehadmadetheauthoritiesevenmorecautiousaboutenteringthehouse.
Theycontinuedtofighttheflameswithhoses.
Caelynmadeherwayovertotheambulance,wherethehusbandwasarguingwithapolicemanas
hetriedtocomforthissobbingwife.Someoneneedstogointhere,thehusbandsaid.
Listen,itstoodangerousrightnow,thecoptoldhim.Ifourmenhadbeeninsidewhenthatroof
wentdown,yourdaughterwouldntbeanysaferandallwedhaveisabunchmorevictims.
Shesgoingtodieifnobodytries,thehusbandsaid,holdinghiswifewithonearm.Cantyouat
leasttry?
Look,weredoingourverybestandIcanpromiseyou
Suddenly,therewasarushofscreamsandcriesfromonlookers.Everyoneturnedtoseewhatwas
goingon.
Someonescomingout!Caelynheard.
Ohmygod!anotherpersoncried.
-
Caelynsawthatsomehow,unbelievably,Elijahhadreemergedfromthefrontdoorofthehouse,
literallycarryingthedaughterslifelessbodyoverhisshoulders.
Hecollapsedtothegroundandthenthecopsandfiremenwerealloverthem,andpandemonium
ensued.
Instantly,therewerepeoplesurroundinghimpoliceofficers,firemen,EMTs,andnowthe
neighborswerecrowdingcloseraswell.Theyallwantedtogetclosetotheaction,wantedtoknowifthe
girlwasalive,andeveryonewastalkingabouttheherowhodgoneintotheburninghomethreetimesto
savethepeopletrappedinside.
CaelyntriedtopushthroughthethrongsofpeopletogettoElijah,butitwasnearlyimpossible.
Thefirefighterswerestillfightingtheblaze,andcopsweretryingvigorouslytopushthecrowd
back.
Morepeoplewereshowingup,andevenanewscrewhadarrivedonscenewithcamerasand
reporters.
Excuseme,Imhisgirlfriend,Caelynpracticallyyelled,asshepushedandmaneuveredherway
aroundtheonlookers.
Anofficertriedtostopherfromgettingcloser.Excuseme,youneedtostayback,hetoldher.
Thatsmyboyfriend,shesaid,tryingtocranehernecktoseeifElijahwasokay.Shewasclose
enoughtogetaglimpseofhimnow,butshecouldonlyseeabitofElijahsarm,astherewasahuddleof
peopletendingtohimandthegirlhedcarriedoutofthehouse.
Whosyourboyfriend,maam?thecopasked.
Him,shesaid,pointing.Theonewhosavedthosepeople.Ineedtofindoutifhesokay.
ThecoplookedoverhisshoulderandthenbackatCaelyn,beforepullingtheradioattachedtohis
shirtandspeakingintothereceiver.
Shecouldnthearwhathemutteredintoit.Helookedatheragain.Whatsyourname,maam?
Caelynhesitated.
Whentheofficersawthat,herolledhiseyes.Pleasestepback,pleasestepback
MynameisCaelyn.
-
Thecopstaredather,notimpressed.Okay.Istillneedyoutomovebackacrossthestreet,Caelyn.
Itsnotsafethisclosetothefire.
Look,ImhisgirlfriendandImnotgoinganywhereuntilyouletmeseehimandknowifhesall
right.
Thecopsighed.Comeon,hesaid,usheringherquicklytowheretheparamedicswereworking
onElijah.
Sheputherhandsoverhermouthwhenshesawhimlyingontheground,half-conscious,hisface
blackenedfromsmokeandash,hisshirtbeingcutoffhistorsobecauseofthefactthatithadburneditself
intohisskinfromtheheat.
Ishegoingtobeallright?shesaid,tryingtocontrolthepanicrisinginherchest.
OneoftheEMTsturnedandlookedupatherashetriedtogetanoxygenmasksetupforElijah.
Excuseme,weneedthissceneclear.Wecanthavethisrightnow.
Shesayssheshisgirlfriend.
Iamhisgirlfriend,Caelyncorrectedhim.Imnotlyingaboutit.
Elijahliftedhishead,openedhiseyesandlookedather.Heykid,hesaid,hisvoicerasping.He
grinnedather.
Youneedtoliedownandbequiet,sir,theEMTtoldhim.
Thecopturnedtoherandnowhisfacewasmoreconcerned.Wereyouinthehouseatall?he
askedher,lookingheroverclosely.Areyouhurtinanyway?
No,Ineverwentinside.Iwasoutsidewitheveryoneelse.
Thecopescortedherawayfromthecrowdslightly.Yourboyfrienddidsomethingverycourageous
tonight,ifwhatpeopletellmeistrue.Theysayhewentintothatburninghouseandrescuedthree
individuals.
Four,Caelyncorrectedhim.
Four?Theofficerseyeswidened.
Yeah.Imean,heonlywentinthreetimes,buthesavedfourpeoplethemotherandfather,the
littlegirlandtheolderdaughter.Isshegoingtolive?
-
Listen,Idontknow.Imjusttryingtokeepthiscrowdundercontrol.Theofficersmiledather.
Butyoubettergetready,becausehesprobablygoingtobefamousaftertonight.
Famous?Caelynasked,astrangeanxiousnesscreepingintoherbody.
WhatthisguydidislikenothingIeverheardof,nothingIeverseen.Theysaysomeonetookvideo
ofit.HesgonnabeonYouTubeandthenprobablyhalfthefreeworldwillhaveseenit.Youmarkmy
wordsbytomorrowafternoon,millionsofpeoplearegoingtoknowhisname.
Shit,Caelynsaid.
Shitisright,thecoplaughed.
Caelynthoughtthatthecopwouldntbelaughingifhedunderstoodwhyshewassostunned.After
all,thelastthingonearththatElijahneededrightnowwasformillionsofpeopletofindouthisnameand
knowthathewaswantedbythepoliceforescapingfromprison.
***
CaelynhadtowaitaverylongtimebeforeshewasabletofinallyseeElijahagain.
Infact,hewassleepingwhentheyfinallyallowedCaelynintohishospitalroom.Shewalkedin
slowly,andanursewhowascheckinghisIVturnedandgaveherastrangelook.
DotheyallknowwhoIam?Caelynwondered,anddecidedthatyes,theyprobablydid.
Apoliceofficerwassittinginachairjustinsidethedoor,andhenoddedatCaelyn.
Shetookadeepbreathandletitout.
Thenursewasleavingtheroom,andCaelynstoppedher.Hey,shesaid,softly.Howishe?
Hesgotafewseriousthirddegreeandseconddegreeburns,shesaid.Healsosufferedfrom
smokeinhalation,sowevebeengivinghimoxygenperiodically.Hesrespondedwell.
Buthesgoingtobeokay,right?Caelynasked,herfingerstwistingagainsteachotherasshe
askedthequestion.
Thenursemadeastrainedsmile.Imsorry,Icantgiveanykindofprognosis.Imjustanurse,
youdneedtospeakwithhisdoctor.
Okay.Well,thanksanyway,Caelyntoldher.
Thenurselookedawayandthenwalkedoutoftheroom.
-
CaelynwentandpulledachairclosetoElijahsbedsideandthensatdownasneartohimasshe
couldget.
Closeup,shecouldseetheburns,althoughhewasbandagedoverhischestandshoulders.Someof
thelesserburnswereslickwithointmentandhadntbeenbandagedorcoveredinanyway.Theywere
redandrawlooking.
Hishandswereblistered,andhissheetshadspotsofbloodfromalloftheopensoresthatwere
bleedinganddraining.
ShecouldbarelystandtothinkofhowmuchpainElijahwasin,althoughhedidlookpeaceful
enough.Hiseyeswereclosed,hismouthslightlyopen,andhischestroseandfellrhythmicallyand
deeply.
Iloveyou,shewhispered.
Hiseyelidsflutteredbutremainedclosed.Partofherwashopinghedwakeupsoshecouldtalkto
himandmakesurehewasallright,butanotherpartofherjustwantedhimtobeatpeace.
Hedlikelybeinprofounddiscomfortifhewasawake,sosheoptedtojustsitbesidehimand
watchhimsleep.
Youtwoareluckytobealive,theofficersaidfromhisseatbythedoor.
Caelynturnedandlookedathim.Iknow,shesaid.
Theofficerwasolder,withaclean-shavenface,palefreckledskin,andlightgreeneyes.Hehad
bagsunderhiseyes,andapaunchystomachthatthreatenedtopopthezipperonhisjacket.Youknow
hesgoingtogotojail,right?thecopsaid,examininghisfingernailsashetalked.
Caelynhatedthefactthattheofficerhadtobeintheroomwiththem.Ireallywishyouwould
leave.YoudounderstandthatElijahcouldntpossiblygoanywhereinhiscondition,shetoldhim.
Notverylikelyhesgoingtojumpoutthewindow,thecopagreed,stilllookingathiscuticles.
ThenwhyareyouguardinghimlikehesHannibalLector?
Thecoplaughedatthat.Heglancedupather.Itsjustaprecaution,hesaid,hissmilefadingashe
lookedather.Andyoureluckytheyhaventarrestedyouyetforaidingandabetting,obstructionof
justice,breakingandenteringshit,maybetheystillwillarrestyou.
-
Maybetheywill,Caelynsaid.Sheglaredathim,notafraidofhisopinionsorjudgments.Shed
alreadygivenherstatementtothreeorfourdifferentpoliceofficersandshedbeencompletelyhonest
abouteverything.
Iftheywantedtoarresther,theywerewelcometodoit.
Sofar,theyhadntquiteseemedtoknowwhattodowithher.Therewassomuchchaoswiththe
fireandElijahsheroics,andpeopleweredumbfoundedthatthisherowasalsoaconvictedcriminalon
therunfromthelaw.
Fornow,itwasawaitinggame.Shedbeentoldtostayinthehospitalwhilethepoliceawaited
responsefromtheauthoritiesinMassachusetts.
Andthatwasjustfinewithher,asCaelynwantednothingmorethantobewithElijahandmakesure
thathewasgoingtorecoverfromhisinjuries.
Thecopquieteddown.
CaelynsatandwatchedElijahsleepforthenexthourorso.
Hebeganstirring,moaningabitinhissleep,hiseyelidsflutteringashiseyesmovedfromsideto
sidemaybehewasdreaming,Caelynthought.Andthenhestartledawake,andhewasbreathingfast,his
eyesopenwide,staringintohers.
Caelyn,hegasped.Oh,shit,Caelyn.Ihadadreamthatyouwerestuckinthathouse,hesaid,
histhroatgravelly,hisvoicelowandstrained.
Shhh.Shewhispered,gettingoffherchairandleaningclosertohim.Donthurtyourselftrying
totalk.
Helaidhisheadbackonthepillowandblinkeduncertainly.Fuck,itwassoreal,hesaid,asif
amazed.Idgotteneveryoneoutofthehouse,andIfeltlikeIwasabouttodropdeadmyself.ButthenI
lookedupandsawyouinthesecondfloorwindow,poundingagainsttheglassandyelling,screamingfor
help.Helickedhislips.ThankGodyoureokay.ThankGod.
Everythingsfine,shesoothed.
Nowhelookedathermoreclosely.Iseverythingfine?Didtheothersaretheyallright?Did
everyonelive?
-
Imnotsure,shetoldhim.Nobodytellsmeanything.
Nowtheofficerspokeupagainfromhisseat.LastIheard,theyreallinstablecondition.
Eventheolderdaughter?Elijahsaid.
Thecopgotupandwalkedover.Yeah,evenher.
Elijahexhaledandsmiled.Good,hesaid.Thatsreallygood.
ItdontmatterthatyoutriedtoplaySuperman,youknow,thecoptoldhim,foldinghisarmsand
smirking.Yourestillgoingbackinthecan.
Elijahgavethecopasidelongglance.Isthatsupposedtoscaremeorsomething?
Youweretryingprettyhardtoavoidbeinginjail,soIguessitdoesscareyou.Yeah,Ithinkyoure
scaredshitlesstogoback,butyouregoingback.
Couldyoujustleavehimalone?Caelynsaid,lookingatthecop,herjawclenchedwithrage.
Hessick.Hesburned.Whyareyoutryingtogethimupset?Isthatwhatyoudoforkicks?
Relax,kid,Elijahsaid,touchinghershouldersoftlywithjustthetipsofhisfingers.Dontletit
gettoyou.
Youresupposedtoberecovering,notlisteningtothreatsfromaninsecurelittlemanwhothinks
hestoughbecauseheswearingauniform.
Thecopgrinned.Imjusttellinghimthetruth.Idontwanthimtothinkhegotawaywithanything.
Youcantheroyourwayoutofthecrimesyoucommitted,son.
Elijahchuckled.IllrememberthatnexttimeIthinkaboutjumpingintoaburninghouse.
Caelynwasstillglaringatthecop.Whydoyouevencare?AreyoujealousthatElijahhasmore
couragethanyou?Becauseyouneverwouldvesavedthosepeopleifyoudbeeninhisposition.
Thecopssmilefadedandhelookedatheroncemore.Hesavedthosepeopletosavehisownass.
Dontthinkyouregoingtofoolanybody.
Elijahalmostdied.WecouldveleftIwantedtoleave.Itriedtomakehimrunawaywithme,but
herefused.Soyouhavenoideawhatyoureeventalkingabout.
Sure,thatsthetruth.Thecoprolledhiseyes.Hewentfrombeingacareercriminaltoaselfless
heroandImsupposedtobelieveitsbecausehesreallygotaheartofgold?
-
Caelynwasabouttostandupandreallyscreamatthisidiot.
Butbeforeshecould,Elijahsaid,Hesright.
Thecopevenlookedsurprised.
Hesnotright,Caelynreplied.
Actually,Elijahsaid,coughingweakly,heisright.Imnotagoodguy.Imnotagoodperson.
AndIshouldgotojailforthethingsIvedoneinmylife.IhaveadebttorepayandIplantorepayit.
Caelynjuststaredathim,shockedatwhatshewashearing.YourethebestpersonIknow,Elijah.
DoesntchangethefactthatIvestolen,Ivehurtpeople,Ivedonealotofbadthingsinmylife.
AndwhenIwasinthathousetryingtosavethosepeople,Irealizedhowuselesssomuchofmytimehas
been.WhatIdidtonight,somepeoplespendeverydayoftheirlivesdoing.Theyprotectpeople.Likethis
officer,here,hesaid,gesturingtothecop.Hesspentyearsdoinghisjob,gettingshitfrompeoplelike
me,andthenhessupposedtoconsidermeaherobecausefortwentyminutesIdidtherightthing?
ElijahbegancoughingandCaelynbegansearchingforsomethingtohelphim.Heneedswater,
shesaid.
Thecopgrabbedaplasticcupandwenttothebathroom,filleditinthesink,andcamebackquickly,
handingitdirectlytoElijah.Youneedtotalklessandsleepmore,hesaid,andthecopsvoicesounded
distinctlylesssarcasticnow.
Elijahgratefullydrankthewater,anditstreameddownhischin.Thankyou,hewhispered.
Thatsmyjob,thecopsaid,andthistimehesmiledandElijahsmiledbackathim,nodding.
ElijahturnedhisheadtoCaelyn.Imgonnasleepnow,okaykid?
Yeah,yousleep.Yourest.
Iloveyou,hetoldher,hiseyesalreadyclosing.
Iloveyoutoo,shesaid.
TheofficerscratchedthebackofhisneckandsquinteddownatElijah.MaybeIwasalittlehard
onhim,hesaidsoftly.
Caelynshrugged.Itsokay,shesaid.Heunderstands.
Yeah,Ithinkhereallyjustmight,theofficerreplied,andthenhewalkedbacktohischairandsat
-
down,seeminglylostinhisownthoughts.
***
CaelynsleptthatnightatthehospitalonacouchintheEmergencywaitingroom.Shewasso
completelyexhaustedthatsheactuallypassedoutandsleptstraightthroughuntildawn,openinghereyes
asthesunbeganfilteringthroughthewindowandthefirstshiftofemployeesandpatientsbeganstreaming
insidetheentryway.
Peopleglancedcuriouslyatherasshesatupandrubbedhereyes,yawning.
Doctorsandnurseswiththeircoffeecups,wearingtheirhospitaluniforms,madelightconversation
astheymadetheirwayinside.
CaelynthoughtimmediatelyofElijah.Ifshecouldvestayedinhisroomallnightlong,shewould
have,butitwasntallowed.Theydkickedheroutjustbeforenineoclocklastnightandshedspentthe
nextfewhourssittinginthelobbybeforefinallygoingunconsciousfromexhaustion.
Nowshefeltbetter,althoughshemostdefinitelyneededashower.Maybeshedbeabletousethe
oneinElijahsbathroominthenextlittlewhile.
Thetelevisionsetinthewaitingroomwasplayingthemorningnews,andCaelynbecameslowly
awarethattheywerecoveringthefirefromthepreviousnight,assheglancedupandsawthemcutfrom
ananchormantothesceneofthehousewithsmokepouringoutofit.
Thisisfootagethatwasshotfromabystander,theanchormansaid,astheshotpannedinand
showedElijahemergingfromthehouse,carryingtheteenagegirlonhisback.Ayoungmanheroically
enteredtheburninghousethreetimesinattemptstosavethetrappedfamilymemberswhowereasleep
whenthefirestarted.
Thetelevisionsetcutbacktotheanchordesk,whereamanandawomanwereshakingtheirheads.
Soisthereanywordontheconditionofthepeoplethatweretrappedinside?thefemaleanchor
asked.
Allfourfamilymembersarelistedinstablecondition,themanreplied.Itsamiracle.
Andtheyoungmanwhoriskedhislifetosavethem?
Well,Tina,thatswherethisstorytakesaverystrangeturn.Apparently,theyoungmaninquestion
-
isElijahDaniels,fromBostonMassachusetts.Theanchormanshuffledsomepapersandsighed.And
wevebeentoldthatatthetimeofthefire,MisterDanielswasthesubjectofastatewidemanhunt.
Theanchorwomanclearedherthroatandraisedhereyebrows.Sothisherowasalsoacriminal,
andhewaswantedintwostates?
Yes,thatstheofficialstoryweregettingatthistime.
Isthereconcernthathemayhavestartedthefire?
Tina,wedonthaveanymoreinformationrightnow.AllweknowisthatElijahDanielsisin
policecustodyandcurrentlybeingtreatedforinjurieshereceivedasaresultofthefire.
Thatisonestrangestory,thewomansaid,chuckling.
Itis,andIforone,hopethatthisyoungmanwastryingtosincerelydosomethinggoodandnot
involvedinanythingsinister.
ThechannelcuttoacommercialandCaelynwasleftwonderingjustwhatelsecouldgowrong.
NowthepeopleonthenewswerespeculatingthatElijahhadpurposelystartedthefireforwhatreason?
Justsohecouldthenbreakinandriskhislifetosavethatfamily?
Itdidntmakeanysense.
Butsheknewfrompastexperiencethatitdidnthavetomakeanysense.Peoplewouldmake
assumptionsbasedontheirownbeliefsandwhattheywantedtobetrue.Nobodycaredwhathadreally
happened.Alltheycaredaboutwasjustifyingtheirownridiculoustheoriesaboutthingsthatoccurredin
life.
Shegotoffthecouchinabadmood,thinkingthatperhapsshedt
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