Halle laughs. “But he’s single,” she says gamely as her brother comes to sit at our café table.
He hugs his sister. “I’ve missed you so much Halle! Are you safe?”
“Of course,” She pauses with a significant glance at me. “Kyler, this is my good friend Cassie.”
As he shakes my hand, his glance is at once wary and appraising. “Nice to meet you, Cassie.” But his look does not match his words. “What made you decide to join my sister in Paris?”
I respond with friendliness to his words, which sound accusatory. “Doesn’t everyone want to see Paris? And now I’m even more pleased because I get to meet you.”
He is not disarmed by my attempt at charm. His crusty manner seems his ordinary state, and now he is struggling to be civil. So instead of talking to me, he turns back to his sister, his face blank. “I need to talk to you. In private.”
“Kyler,” Halle says seriously. “Believe me. You can trust her.”
Kyler looks at me disbelievingly, while I look back at him with open curiosity.
“How can you be sure?”
She sighs, “In three years, have I ever been wrong?”
“Alright, fine. She can stay,” he says, looking me over.
I realize he’s not just talking about right now, but Paris! Of course I am staying in Paris! How arrogant can he be that he thinks I’d leave without his permission to stay? I glare at him, but he doesn’t notice. Instead, he smiles at his sister and my knees go weak. How cliché. I’m annoyed at myself and him. But mostly him.
“But I’m staying with you,” he says. “The whole time she’s here.”
Halle smiles slyly, “I thought you might.”
The bus jolted and Cassie woke up, startled and confused.
“Hey, Cass.” Kyler smoothed her hair, pulling it off of her face.
She blinked, sitting up. She looked out the window at the freeway, and remembered where she was.
“Whoa. That was strange.” She shook her head. It had seemed so real.
“What’s wrong?” Kyler leaned into her seat.
“Just a dream.” She shook her head again. “Where are we?”
“We left Pennsylvania about an hour ago. We’ll be to Cleveland soon.” He smiled softly, putting his arm around her to pull her toward him again.
“And what then?” she asked quietly.
“First breakfast!” he teased. She still looked solemn. He sighed. “I need to get new documents for us. I’m still not sure how they found us,” he muttered.
Cassie looked in her pocket for her phone to check the time. “Oh no. I think I lost my phone!” she said when she found it empty.
He looked abashed. “No you didn’t. I left it on a bus bound for New York City.”
“What! Why?”
“They can track it unless the battery is out,” He said gently. “Hopefully someone will steal it and lead them on a wild goose chase.”
She nodded calmly. Of course the military can do that. So that’s how they found us at the bus stop. “When did you take it?”
“At your dorm. I took the battery out. I only put it back in when I left it on the NY bus.”
Scratch that. How did they find us? “Is that why you lost yours?”
He chuckled mildly, “No, I really lost mine. I have a chip in it that stops them from tracing it. Unless they got past that somehow….”
“Is that why your answering machine is so... blah? Just in case?”
“You heard it?” He froze, in understanding. “What did you leave on the machine?”
“I told you to meet me at Zach’s at 7. And told you where.” She grimaced remembering the friendliness of her message, “If they had your phone, I gave them everything they needed. Though it doesn’t explain why they didn’t just come for you at Zach’s. Why did they go for me?”
“I have a way of escaping from them. So they just went for you. They would have required an exchange for your freedom,” He explained without really explaining.
Again, Cassie nodded calmly. She wondered if she was in shock. Then she gasped, thinking of the dark-haired girl in her dream. “Is Halle okay?” She attached her dream-Halle image to his sister now. And she found that the attachment she felt for Halle in the dream had now carried over to real life. “Will they be able to track her, too?”
He looked worried, despite his consoling response. “I doubt it. She’s using a computer phone with much better technology. She’s at our safe house.”
“That’s good.”
“But I’ll call her once we’re in Cleveland, just in case.”
“Good plan. Put her on her guard.”
“And they probably assume she’s with me,” He said in a reassuring tone. Cassie wondered if it wasn’t her he was trying to convince.
“Does she have it, then?”
“Have what?” Kyler asked, puzzled.
“I wish I knew. The thing they’re after, that they would’ve required as a trade for me.”
“Oh. Uh,” he paused unsure how to answer. “We both have part of it.”
“And you still won’t tell me what it is?”
“I will when we’re with Halle. I need her help,” He explained nervously.
“But,” she paused, finally showing her fear. “The military? How can you fight against that?”
“We can’t. That’s why we just keep running. There’s no other option. I’m sorry Cassie. So very sorry. I didn’t want to drag you into this without your full knowledge and consent. They changed everything. And now there isn’t anything else we can do.” His head sank into his hands. “I’m so sorry. I never wanted this for you. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. Well, I hope it is. At least I don’t have to be without you.” She smiled at him with more confidence than she felt.
He tried to make a short laugh, but it came out like he was choked. “Now you can’t get away from me.”
“Kyler, if there is anything I’m sure of, it’s that I never want to get away from you.” She sighed. They were both quiet. Cassie watched Kyler staring out the window into the slowly brightening world.
I’m here, she thought, and I’m stuck here. But I wouldn’t want him out here without me. And he knows what he’s doing. I can trust him.
“We’re exiting,” Kyler interrupted her self-comforting process.
“So where to now?”
“Somewhere we can eat and sleep. You still look exhausted.”
“Thanks,” she teased, smiling. She did feel better. At least more positive. She was with Kyler, and that wasn’t going to change for a while. Which reminded her, “Kyler? I need to call my mom. Jenna is going to call her when I don’t come back, and she’ll freak out.”
He looked at her sadly. “Cass, you can’t do that. They’ll be tracing all of your friends’ and your mom’s phone numbers.”
“But Kyler! I can’t leave them without any explanation!” She whispered, exasperated. “They’ll send the police after us. And my mom! This will kill her; it’ll bring it all back from the last time I ran away!”
Kyler’s face hardened. “She’s going to have to wait until we get a safe connection. She’ll be fine, Cassie.”
Cassie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He didn’t care at all. Nothing he’d done or that had happened worried her as much as this callous response. She hoped she knew him as well as she thought.
“Kyler,” she tried again. “My mom has spent the last six years worrying about the accident. Worried that I’ll disappear again. I can’t do that to her without an explanation. I just can’t. Especially given what Jenna will tell her about those men.
“If I call sometime today she probably won’t have time to worry. And Jenna may not be too worried until I don’t come home again tonight.”
“Cassie, I’m very sorry,” he said, his tone kinder, but unrelenting, “But you can’t do that. We’ll be to Halle in a week or two. You have to wait until then.”
She nodded to him, unable to lie
with words. She knew that as soon as she had the opportunity she would find a way to call her mother. She knew the feeling of loneliness and abandonment too well, and she refused to do that to someone else.
The bus pulled up to the curb and stopped. The driver wearily opened the door, and then walked down the steps to the concrete. He opened the storage gates on the side of the bus. The passengers got up and began filing out of the front and rear doors.
“Come on, but don’t act like you’re in a hurry. We don’t want to be memorable,” Kyler whispered to Cassie as they stood and joined the line in the aisle.
“Is there a particular reason we’re taking so long to get to Halle?” Cassie had been wondering that since she had overheard his conversation.
“Because we can’t go directly there. We need to be absolutely positive there is no one following us,” He answered. They got off the bus, still holding her hand, and moved off into the dark.
“Do you know where you’re going?”
“Yes. I’ve been in Cleveland quite a few times,” He answered, leading her to a curb where several taxis waited. Though there was already a long line of people waiting.
“Do you mind if I use the bathroom while we wait? It looks like it will be a while.” Cassie pulled her hand free, not waiting for an answer.
“No.” He pulled her back. “We have to leave as soon as possible.”
“Okay,” she said, confused. They weren’t going to be leaving any time soon judging by the crowd. She felt so exposed standing in a line on the street curb. Cassie looked around, feeling paranoid. She kept thinking she saw the man in her room in the faces of other people. “We’re safe for now, right?” She needed reassurance.
“Of course,” He was distracted. All but one of the taxis was gone and the line hadn’t died down, just as Cassie had predicted. Then he added, not to her, “What’s wrong?”
He pulled her forward toward the taxi.
“I don’t know, it was working fine a few minutes ago. I can’t afford this crap! Second time this month,” The taxi driver responded gruffly. “It just won’t start. You a mechanic?”
“Yeah. Mind if I take a look?” Kyler said, surprising Cassie. She didn’t know he knew anything about cars.
“Sure! I’m Dave,” the driver said with relief. He popped the hood open. “I can’t be broke down for a night!”
Kyler disappeared behind the hood. Cassie stood behind him watching curiously.
“Oh, this isn’t bad at all. It looks like the connection to the battery came loose,” He laughed, plugging it back in. Cassie rose her eyebrows to his light-hearted manner. “We should have you back in commission in no time.”
Dave started the car. “Oh! Thanks, man! Hop in!”
The family next in line groaned, making Cassie feel guilty.
“Great!” Kyler smiled. He opened the door for Cassie, she slid in and Kyler followed.
“Got anything more than those backpacks?” Their driver asked, closing his door.
“Nope.”
“Alright, then. Let’s get a move on!”
“Where are you headed?” Dave asked as they pulled away from the curb.
“Do you know where the Abri hotel is?” Kyler asked.
Dave turned around to study them. His appraisal left him confused. “The Abri? Seriously?”
Kyler smiled slightly. “Yes, please. We’re just having dinner there,” He explained.
The exchange left Cassie puzzled and uncomfortable in her bulky outfit. The pajamas underneath were starting to make her sweat in the warm car. Dinner? At 4 a.m.?
“No kidding. You’d have to have a whole lot more money than you look if you were going to get a room there this week.”
Dave’s speculation worried Cassie. “Kyler,” she said urgently, “I don’t have any money. And they’ll trace any cards. We should have gone to a bank somewhere along the way!” She said despairingly. Oh well, a park bench isn’t too bad.
“We’re fine. I have some money,” He answered quietly.
She started to protest, but he stopped her. “Look, this is my fault. You need to save your money, you might need it later. And you’re right, they will trace it.”
It didn’t even take five minutes before they pulled up to a beautiful, extravagant hotel. The driver pulled into the drop off, Kyler paid him, and they hopped out.
“You three have fun!” Dave called as they closed the door.
Cassie looked back at him as he drove off. She chuckled just a little at his mistake. She turned to Kyler in time to see the worried look on his face slide off. “What?”
“I’m just jumpy, I guess,” He dismissed it. “Let’s go.”
They walked into an enormous entrance hall, and approached the front desk.
“Hello,” the attendant sneered at them, his eyes lingering on Cassie’s too-bulky outfit. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“Yes,” Kyler responded pleasantly, “Is Jonathon here?”
“Jonathon?” He questioned with a long-suffering air. “Jonathon who?”
“Jonathon Milcott,” He said the name precisely, and then smirked.
The concierge’s eyes bugged. “Mr. Milcott? What do you want with him?”
“Please just tell him that Miles is here.”
“Miles? Miles who?” The man asked.
“Just Miles,” Kyler said confidently.
Cassie could see the concierge’s confusion. On one hand, he didn’t think these two young members of the proletariat belonged in his hotel. But on the other, the boy did know Mr. Milcott’s name. “I will ask if he’ll see you. But you must wait here in the lobby.”
“Of course. We’ll be just over here.” Kyler led Cassie to a couch, which they both sank into, exhausted.
“Where are we staying?” Cassie asked, her eyes closed.
“Here,” Kyler said in surprise.
“Here? But shouldn’t we go somewhere else? I mean, the driver knows we’re here!” She said, looking at him.
“It should be fine. That’s what is great about the Abri. They won’t give out any information about their guests to curious people, be they paparazzi or military, without a court order. And, as we won’t be official guests, even that wouldn’t do any good.”
“Alright. I guess you know what you’re doing, Miles.” She smiled at him and then leaned back again, eyes closed. I need to call mom. And withdraw some money somehow.
Cassie knew it wouldn’t take her long to fall asleep, so she forced her eyelids open. She stared around at the grand entrance. It was beautiful, with fresh flowers and crystal everywhere. But she felt distinctly out of place as she looked at the other people walking though. It was surprisingly busy for the time. Every few minutes, well-dressed and obviously wealthy people strolled through the lobby. She was only too aware of her night on the bus and that she hadn’t showered since the previous night, more than twenty four hours ago. So, when she saw the concierge hurrying toward them, she assumed it was to shoo them out of his classy hotel before more of his distinguished guests came out of their suites for breakfast. She stood with Kyler.
“I’m so sorry for the wait, sir! If you’ll follow me I’ll take you to Mr. Milcott right away. Can I get you anything to drink?” The concierge added obsequiously.
“Yes, could we get a couple of orange juices?” Kyler requested.
“Of course, let me just take you to Mr. Milcott and I’ll be right back with those.” They followed him behind the desk, through a hallway to a large oak door. “He’s waiting for you.”
“Thank you,” Kyler said again.
“No caffeine?” Cassie asked sadly as Kyler reached for the door handle.
“No, no. We’ll be able to sleep shortly.”
They stepped through the door to a lavish office.
“Miles!” An older, distinguished man greeted Kyler joyfully. “It has been too long! I don’t think I’ve seen you in over four years!”
“I know, I’m sorry Jonathon,” Kyler ans
wered, hugging him.
The man then noticed Cassie and turned to her jovially. “Well hello there!”
“This is Rachel,” Kyler introduced them and they shook hands. Jonathon gave Miles a puzzled look, but politely turned back to Cassie, who immediately smothered a yawn.
“Nice to meet you Rachel.”
“You, too. And may I ask, how do you know Miles?” Cassie asked, almost slipping on the name.
“Ah, Miles here is my good luck charm!” Jonathon laughed, slapping Kyler on the back.
“What?” Cassie asked, confused.
“I’ve never met anyone with as good of luck as your friend. Anytime he’s around, I never lose a bet! Mostly because when he’s around, I bet on him! I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him lose a card game, a horse race or anything! Speaking of which, we have a couple of big shots coming by tomorrow night, you interested in making some money?”
“Not this time, Johnny. I’m trying to keep a low profile for a couple of days.”
“Of course you are. It’s always that way when Miles comes to my hotel.” He sighed.
“Your hotel?” Cassie asked in surprise.
“Yes. I own and manage Le Abri. Thanks in part to Miles.” He smiled at the young man. “Well if gambling is out on this trip, you should at least come up to my suite tonight for dinner and drinks.”
“That would be great. In the meantime, do you think we could get a couple of rooms?” Kyler asked politely.
Jonathon looked startled. “Two? Actually, my friend, I am not at all sure I can accommodate you. There’s a golf tournament in town as well as three weddings here this weekend. Most of my suites are taken and I assumed you and your friend would share a room. I only had my concierge prepare one suite. ”
Cassie was surprised. She’d expected that she would need to request two beds, or to sleep on the floor. Separate rooms seemed a bit excessive.
Uncomfortably, Kyler answered, “We’d like separate rooms, but we do not need suites. Even your smaller rooms are much bigger than we need!”
“Nonsense!” He thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers. “Of course! I have a suite with two bedrooms just below my floor that should be perfect!”
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