Hunted

by Abi Ketner

  “I’m not going back to the Hole.”

  “You really are a stupid whore,” Clayton says with a devilish smile, his eyes still trained on Cole.

  “Shut up,” Cole says. “You know nothing about her.”

  “Oh, I know some things,” Clayton says. My eyes quickly turn to slits as I stare at him down the barrel of my gun. “I know she’d be interested to know that after you left Keegan’s body to rot, it was strung up on a scaffold, for all the Hole to see. Just in case anyone was having thoughts about trying to flee as well.” I feel my face heat up.

  “You did what to my brother?” I ask.

  “Lexi, don’t believe a word he says,” Cole pleads, but I can’t get the image of Keegan’s rotting body being displayed in that way out of my head.

  “I didn’t leave him there—” Cole protests.

  “Sure you did,” Clayton says, before Cole can finish his thought. “Anyway, while I’m enjoying this reunion, I’m afraid our time’s up.” He brings his finger to the trigger.

  No! With no other defense, I launch myself at him. But he’s too fast so I only manage to grab a tiny corner of his shirtsleeve before he smacks me to the floor.

  I land on my side, my gun skittering across the floor. Clayton’s face pulses red as he kneels beside me, pulls my head up by my hair, and places his gun to my head.

  I clench my teeth as he yanks me by my hair once more. It’s over. He’s going to kill me. But seconds pass, and all I hear is the sound of heavy breathing. Suddenly, the pressure eases up, and my face crashes into the floor. Cole and Clayton grunt, swear, and fight for control.

  “Lexi, run!” Cole shouts as he pins Clayton like a pro wrestler.

  I shake my head, scrambling to my feet. “Over my dead body.”

  “Run,” he demands. He wrenches the gun from Clayton somehow, but Clayton uses his mammoth muscles to fight back beneath Cole.

  Clayton gives up on the gun and whips out a knife from his knee pocket. He takes the hilt and smashes it across Cole’s face.

  My heart stops. My clammy hands wrench into fists.

  Cole loses his composure long enough for Clayton to gain the upper hand.

  Next thing I know, Clayton has the knife at Cole’s neck.

  I am frozen with fear, shame, and the promise of unrealized dreams.

  “Please,” Cole says. “Go.” Blood spurts from his lip.

  “I won’t.”

  “Are you sure you want to watch him die like you did Keegan? If not, I suggest you close your eyes.” Clayton presses his knife against the skin of Cole’s throat.

  Cole begs with his eyes—the eyes of the man who stole my heart. The eyes of the one who guarded me against his will and offered up his life for mine several times. I feel my jaw clenching as I try to think of a way we can both get out of this alive.

  “Wait!” I shout. Clayton’s eyes flick to me. “Don’t you want to know where Sutton is? We can take you to him. But if Cole loses so much as a hair on his head, you get nothing. No Sutton. No Lexi. Nothing.”

  Despite my shaky voice, I keep talking, gradually taking control of it. Clayton bends his head back down, ready to slit Cole’s throat.

  “Cole’s been keeping it a secret. Even from me,” I say fast. Almost too quickly. But Clayton can’t help himself. He pauses, interest flickering through his eyes.

  “What’s this now?” Clayton asks. “Our Cole does like to keep his secrets. Did he tell you the one about your father?”

  “What about him?” I ask, worried about the look on Cole’s face.

  “Tsk. Tsk. Shame on you, Cole. You haven’t told your little princess about her sweet daddy.”

  He’s screwing with my head.

  “Of course he’s told me,” I lie, trying not to alter my expression. What the hell is he talking about?

  Cole’s pained face reads my expression, and he has to know I’m trying to stall Clayton.

  Keep talking.

  I slowly inch my feet forward.

  “Take another step, and I’ll slit his throat.” Clayton jabs Cole’s skin, and a small stream of blood races down Cole’s neck.

  I can’t let on that Clayton’s getting to me or that Cole hasn’t told me a thing about my dad. I can’t look at Cole, vulnerable and bleeding.

  “Go right ahead, then my secret dies with me,” Cole says.

  “Then tell that bitch to stay where she is.”

  “Don’t move, all right?” Cole strains against the knife.

  “All right.” I lock my feet in place, feeling the sweat drip down my back.

  “Put your hands in the air where I can see them!” Clayton commands.

  “Get your knife off his throat,” I say. “And we’ll go with you willingly. Think about it. Wilson will have no choice but to promote you if you deliver me, Cole, and Sutton.”

  “You’re lying. The minute I let my guard down, the two of you will be all over me. Do you think I’m stupid?”

  “Find Sutton, and you find the key to the resistance,” Cole says between gasps.

  “My orders are my orders. Screw you, and screw Sutton.”

  “No!” I scream. In one fluid move, I yank a knife from my waist and whip it across the room at Clayton’s head.

  Please, let me throw true this time.

  Time passes in slow motion.

  The knife spins end over end, flying toward Clayton’s ruddy face.

  Before he has time to react, it strikes him right in his left eye. He grabs at the knife and his head and moans in agonizing pain. Blood swallows the hilt and trickles over Cole’s head.

  Cole falls forward on all fours, breathing heavy. Clayton falls to the floor, wrenching and screaming. For a moment, I think he might try to pull the knife out of his eye and stab Cole with it.

  I crawl to Cole and pull him into a quick embrace. I swear he’s crying. Or maybe it’s me. But we kneel, covered in blood and holding each other tight. Blood from Clayton surrounds us on the floor, and I know he doesn’t have long.

  Cole shakes his head at the sight of Clayton who lies bleeding out and dying on the floor. Cole turns to me and kisses me with desperation and understanding. We’ve earned that kiss.

  “Let’s go,” he says, dragging my nearly spent body into a standing position. He gathers our weapons from the floor and says, “More will follow.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, a shadow crosses the window.

  Before I can think, we’re sprinting out the front door and into the sand dunes behind the beach house. I look over my shoulder and see the guards jumping out of a car, aiming their guns at us.

  “Follow me!” Cole screams.

  I snap my head forward and run zigzag. We finally hit the tall grass, and we’re out of their sights.

  Everything is a blur.

  But I’ve got to keep going.

  I run, unsure of how my legs continue to hold me up. My eyes burn; I blink hard, but there’s no relief. I can barely catch my breath. I don’t even know where I’m going. I’m just following Cole’s bloody figure as it scales the terrain in front of me.

  That was too close.

  Mom and Dad embrace on the front porch. Mom’s dark hair spills down her back. As she pulls away, Dad’s hand gets caught in a wave, causing Mom to tilt her head back and laugh. Dad leans in, kisses the side of her neck, and places his hands on her lower back. I hop over the railing, smiling. Dad’s eyes seem to glow as his smile stretches across his face. I love seeing my parents this way. Even Keegan, who’s working on his beat-up, fire engine-red car in the driveway, pauses to watch them. When they’re finished saying their good-byes, Dad hefts his briefcase into his car, blows us kisses, and drives away. I notice how Mom’s shoulders tense as soon as his vehicle disappears down the driveway.

  I pad over and wrap my arm through hers. She looks at me, and a thin smile plays at the corner of her mouth. Worry lines etch across her forehead, but I know she’s trying to cover up her feelings. She’s a strong woman, and I admire her for t
hat. I can only hope someday I’ll be like her.

  “When will Dad come home again?” I ask.

  “In a few days,” she says. She brings my hand to her lips and kisses it. “Maybe longer.”

  I frown. “I hate when he leaves us.”

  She pulls me in for a hug. Even now, the memory of her rose and honey perfume and the warmth of her flannel shirt comfort me. “I know, honey. Me too. It’s hard on all of us.” She sighs. “But he always comes back, and when he does, everything will be fine.” Yet, she doesn’t make eye contact with me.

  “Mom?”

  “Yes, dear?” she whispers, tucking a stray curl behind my ear.

  “Is Dad the love of your life?”

  She pulls away and looks me in the eyes. I watch as a smile, a real smile, creeps onto her lips. “Without a doubt.”

  “So, how did you know he was the one?”

  She sits on the top step and pulls me close to her side. “Your father is the most kind, honest, and hard-working man alive.” She turns toward me. “He swept me off my feet with his smile and his easygoing nature. He’s smart, but doesn’t treat others less. But you know that already because you’re so much like him.” She winks.

  “But how did you know for sure?”

  She raises an eyebrow and sighs deep. “I just knew; the way I felt when I was around him … It’s hard to explain. But one day, you’ll meet the one, and you’ll understand what I mean.” She kisses my cheek and hugs me tighter. I can hear the steadiness of her heart and the calm breaths moving in and out of her mouth “Lexi, you’re beautiful, so I’ve got no doubt you’ll meet lots of young men who will want to date you. But the right man for you is the one who makes you stronger.” She grabs my hand. “He’ll be kind. He’ll love you whether you’re having a good day or bad day. He’ll treat you like a lady, yet trust you to make your own decisions. Some will break your heart, but that’s part of learning the pain of what loving someone can bring. But the pain will lessen, and you’ll love again. And when that special guy comes into your life … you’ll be thankful for the ones who hurt you. Because the real guy will mend all the slashes your heart has endured.” She smiles. “That is exactly the kind of man your father is. He filled my heart with the greatest love there is. Honesty and trust.”

  I lean my head against her shoulder and watch Keegan as he slides under his car. I hear him tinkering with something and occasionally cussing. I can’t help giggling over the words he strings together, even though I know they’re completely inappropriate. And Mom wouldn’t approve, but if she heard them, she doesn’t let on. A cool breeze ruffles the trees around our house. I breathe in the fresh smell of cut grass and impending rain. The porch creaks as I shift my position and face my mom again. I can see from the faraway expression on her face that she’s thinking of my dad. I squeeze her hand.

  “Dad really is the best, isn’t he?”

  “He sure is, darling, he sure is.”

  My eyes snap open. I’ve been clenching my jaw so hard it’s sore. Remembering my mom that way seems weird now. I’d almost forgotten the sweet times we had before my dad passed. Maybe it’s better if I don’t reminisce too much.

  I rub my face with both hands, wondering how long we’ve been lying in this sandy ditch. Cole’s head rests against my shoulder, his eyes closed and mouth slack. His clothing’s completely stuck to him, and he smells like rust and saltwater. We’re in desperate need of a change of clothes. I let my gaze run over his sand-caked skin, neat buzz cut, and long, brown lashes, which flutter occasionally in his sleep. He can’t be comfortable with his neck shanked that way. I brush his cheek with my hand, and his eyes open. He sits up ramrod straight.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong,” I tell him. “I’m sorry I woke you.”

  “No, it’s fine. I’m glad you did,” he says. “How long was I out?”

  “Not sure,” I whisper. I pick at the blood built up underneath my fingernails. Disgusting.

  “Do you think Sutton’s looking for us yet?” Cole cracks his neck and rubs his biceps.

  “Why would he? He’s not expecting us to be back for another two days.”

  “True, but with all the connections that man has, he had to have gotten wind of something. He has to know the safe house didn’t work out and we’re on the run.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  He touches my hand, and I fight my emotions. I will not cry in front of him. Not now.

  The sound of a roaring engine drowns out the hammering of my heart against my chest. It sounds close. Slowly lifting my head above the ditch, I squint through bleary eyes to try to make out the vehicle. Cole smashes himself against the embankment and rests next to me, an intense gaze on his face. As I look him over, I wonder if we will ever stop running, if we will ever be able to just sleep and dream and muse.

  Cole’s gun is cocked and ready.

  I turn my attention back to the road.

  It’s another black Jeep. My heart stops, nerves on edge. I just don’t know if I have any strength left to run.

  Then I see him.

  Hanging out of the back driver’s side window is Zeus, his ears perked and tongue hanging out to one side, slobber flying in the air. It’s the most beautiful sight I’ve seen in a long time.

  Instantly, a squeal of joy rushes out of me as I pull myself out of the ditch, and Zeus sees me. I practically run into the road.

  Cole grabs my arm, but I shake him off. The Jeep slows down, but before it stops, Zeus hurls out and races toward us.

  “Zeus!”

  He runs into Cole’s open arms and knocks him onto his back. After a brief moment, he turns his attention toward me, pouncing on me, knocking me onto the ground. He smells like mud, and his warm slobber coats my face. I let him lick me as much as he wants because his love is unconditional and his presence warms my soul. If anyone had ever told me it was possible to love a dog this much, I would’ve laughed. I can’t imagine not having Zeus.

  Two doors slam one after the other as Bruno and Grace exit the vehicle. Bruno’s face is painted with concern; his mouth drops open and his eyes widen … but I’m sure one look at Cole and me would do that to anyone.

  “My God, guys … what happened to you?” Grace asks, her forehead scrunching up.

  “Zeus, move.” Bruno pulls him away, but Zeus just parks his butt right next to us, licking his hand. “Are you hurt?” I watch Bruno’s eyes. He squints as he scans our blood-spattered clothes and our broken faces.

  Cole and I lock eyes, unsure of what to say. Am I physically hurt? Sure, I’ve got some bumps and bruises, but nothing like in the Hole. Am I scared out of my mind? Yes, most definitely.

  “We’re in one piece, no limbs missing.”

  “That’s always a plus. Because you’re going to need them,” Bruno says as he pushes me forward. “Guards are everywhere, like the nasty roaches they are.”

  I can’t help but raise an eyebrow, being that he used to be a guard. Thankfully, they’re not all evil.

  “Hey, girl,” Grace says to me. “Boy am I glad to see your face.”

  “Likewise,” I say. There’s something about Grace that puts me at ease. Besides Alyssa, she’s the one person I’ve met since this whole thing started who I feel I could become close friends with, if we ever get a chance.

  Grace wraps a blanket around me and ushers me into the backseat of the Jeep before sliding in next to me. Of course, Zeus lays across our laps, his head in mine and his butt in Grace’s. I nestle my hands in his fur as I lean my head against the window and watch my breath fog it up. Zeus whines, and I kiss his head, right between his ears.

  “How’d you find us?” Cole asks Bruno.

  “Why, I used the incredible tracking skills I honed as a guard,” Bruno says with sarcasm. He turns the key in the ignition and pulls a U-turn. Grace exhales.

  “Oh please, more like you used Zeus,” Grace says. Bruno laughs.

  “Well, he helped, that’s for sure. That d
og was hell-bent on finding you. His ridiculous barking was so loud I was half tempted to shoot him.” I raise an eyebrow at Bruno, who’s eyeing me in the rearview. “I’m kidding.”

  “So what happened at the safe house?” Grace asks.

  “Damn thing, it was compromised,” Cole says sharply. Bruno shifts in his seat.

  “But how did they know you were going to be there? It doesn’t make any sense,” Bruno asks in a higher pitch.

  “Your guess is as good as mine,” Cole says.

  “How many were there?” Bruno’s brows furrow together.

  “Quite a few,” Cole says shortly. From his silence, I can tell Bruno’s processing something.

  “Did you know any of them?” Bruno asks in a lower tone.

  I wish I could block the entire conversation out. I don’t want to relive the massacre or the way Cole looked with a knife to his neck.

  Grace reaches over and wraps her hand around mine. I look toward her, and she smiles. I do my best to smile back.

  “Clayton was one. And I recognized the other one, but I don’t remember his name,” Cole says quietly.

  “Guy’s a maniac, a total animal,” Bruno says. “You’re lucky you didn’t get yourselves killed.” I feel Bruno’s eyes rest on me from the rearview mirror, but I refuse to look at him. “Did he say anything?”

  “Clayton told her Wilson wants her alive.”

  “For what?” Grace asks. She leans forward in her seat while still holding on to me.

  “Oh man … ” Bruno shakes his head and quickly glances in Cole’s direction. “Well, she does carry a lofty reward. After all, her dad built this thing. And Keegan was a revolt leader. They probably think she knows something important.”

  Hearing Keegan’s name mentioned, even casually, feels like a searing hot knife through my heart. I can’t help wondering if Clayton’s words were true. Was I a threat to the regime? Had Dad or Keegan left me clues or told me something of significance?

  Cole turns to me, his eyes raking mine, but he glances quickly away. “You think that’s it?”