“What’s going on?” I ask, shifting Dog in my arms until he’s pointed away from my face. His little legs kick at thin air, wriggling in my grip until I set him back down.
“She got into a fight with Sam. They were yelling at each other and she stormed off. I tried to ask her what was wrong but she just stormed off.” He shrugs again, teasing Dog with his foot. I shake my head at his teenage explanation and wandering attention as he snickers at a yapping Dog.
Drew slides from the counter. “I’ll go check on her.”
I pat his arm as he passes. Kyle jumps down and follows, his faithful companion trotting at his heels. With a sigh, I look out the window and spot a lonely figure in the distance. At the risk of pushing my luck I shrug on my jacket and step outside. The sky is a muted grey, icy wind stinging my cheeks as I shove my hands into my pockets and cross the yard to where Sam stands staring out at the never-ending fields.
“Hey.” I announce my presence and he turns his brooding eyes towards me, sighing as I stop beside him. A hurricane of emotions taints the air around him, green eyes stormy as he lifts his face to the sky. “I know I’m probably the last person you want to see right now but if this experience has taught me anything it’s that you shouldn’t be alone. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy.”
Sam laughs without humour, turning towards me and pinning me in place with his gaze. “Our own worst enemy? Really? That your inspiring thought for the day?”
I shrug one shoulder, amusement frolicking on my lips. “Best I can do on such short notice. Give me a few days and I’ll get back to you with something that will really blow your mind.”
Rolling his eyes his lips quirk into something resembling a smile. It’s good enough for me. I smile at my feet as a flash of scruffy white fur collides with my legs, stick clenched between his teeth as his tail whips back and forth. I turn, expecting a panting Kyle but he’s nowhere in sight. I crouch, snatching the stick from his slimy jaw, grimacing at the drool that coats my fingers. He bounds back and forth, wiggling with unrestrained delight. Pulling back my arm I launch the stick into the air and he darts into the fields, running right past the stick, head whipping back and forth in confusion.
I laugh, glancing at Sam to see a reluctant smile. “Come on, let’s go for a walk.”
He hesitates, glancing back at the house briefly before breaking into a stride. Dog bounces towards us, weaving between our legs, an excited yip tearing from his chest. I retrieve the stick, throwing it again. Again, he loses it in his haste, nose darting this way and that before snuffling along the ground. Sam mutters something resembling ‘stupid mutt’ as he collects the stick. Dog darts over, tongue dangling, tail a blur of white. Sam launches the stick into the air, much further than I was able to and Dog races into the grass.
“Kyle and I had a dog once. Donatello…” his gaze slides to mine. “I was a big ninja turtles fan.” I smirk, sealing my lips against a chuckle. “Ugly little thing but we loved him. Followed Kyle everywhere, he was like his shadow.” Dog drops the stick at Sam’s feet. He hurls it into the air. “One day we came home from school and Donnie was gone. Mum told us he’d run away but I knew he’d never do that. Kyle was his best friend. There was no way in hell that dog was leaving of his own accord.”
I swallow. “What do you think happened to him?”
Sam is quiet for a long moment, throwing the stick for Dog as he organises his thoughts. “I think our father killed him.”
The horror must be evident on my face. Sam stops walking, shoves his hands into his pockets and stares out into the wilderness. Dog flops at his feet, chest pumping as he catches his breath, slobbery stick lying abandoned between his paws. “Leo was a drunk. Every night he’d come home from work, angry as hell and get shitfaced. At first, he would only beat my mum. Her face would be black and blue by the time he’d finished but then all of a sudden, she just wasn’t scared anymore. I guess she just got used to it.” He pauses, throat bobbing. “Leo didn’t like that she wasn’t scared. He wanted his victim to beg. To fight back. When she stopped doing that he needed a new target.”
“Sam…” I breathe his name, sorrow collecting in my chest, squeezing my lungs.
He shrugs. “It wasn’t so bad. The beatings I could take. They happened so often it became part of the routine. But then Kyle was born. He was just a little kid.” Anguish fills his eyes, his head shaking as the memories flood his expression. “It only happened once. Kyle cried himself to sleep. I remember lying awake, listening to my brother crying and I decided he couldn’t take another one. That he wouldn’t.”
“How old were you?” I ask.
“Seven.” My heart breaks for the little boy who wanted to protect his brother. Who took the beatings so his baby brother wouldn’t have to. “You see, I’ve protected Kyle my entire life. That’s why when he got sick I took it out on you and…”
I shake my head, my hand on his arm halting his words. He flinches but doesn’t push me away. When his gaze meets mine my heart breaks.
“You don’t have to explain. No child should ever have to go through what you went through. I can’t even imagine.” I swallow, my hand still resting on his forearm. “I told you that you could trust me and I still stand by that. I may not be the most valuable person in this group but believe me when I say, I will do anything and everything to protect him.”
Sam blinks, swallowing as he closes the distance between us until we’re inches apart. My heart gallops, bouncing against my rib cage and making me dizzy. His warm breath heats my chilled cheeks, eagle-sized butterflies erupting in my stomach. Face lowering to mine his lips hover, unsure, eyes studying my face as he waits for my permission.
A scream rips through the moment, our heads snapping in the direction of the house. Dog jumps up, yapping loudly, four legs pumping as he sprints away from us. We share a look of distress, springing apart to take off after him. Sam is faster than me, the distance between us growing as he crashes through the field. I run as fast as my legs will carry me, leaping over divots, a thousand pleas whispering across my tongue.
Please let them be alright. Please. Please. Please.
I slide to halt, gravel spraying around my boots as I drop to a crouch, creeping towards where Sam stands inside the barn. Tension lines his jaw, muscles bunched under his jacket as he restrains the urge to bolt inside. Dog hunkers down beside him, low growl rumbling in his little chest. Peering around the barn I squint in the direction of the house, heart sinking when a burly man passes by the window, bandage wrapped around his head.
“Shit” I shuffle back, head in my hands. “That’s…”
“The guys from the restaurant. Yeah.” His voice is tight with barely controlled rage, hands shaking against the barn door. “They must have tracked us here.”
“They’re going to kill them.”
Sam shakes his head. “If they were going to kill them they’d have done it already.” He pauses, a heavy sigh blowing through his lips. “It’s not them he’s after.”
I gasp, realisation like a noose around my neck. “It’s me.” I push to my feet and pace, Dog watching my every move as he waits for a command. “I have to go in there.”
Sam jumps up, hand on my stomach as he holds me back. “If you do that, you’re all dead.” I meet his gaze, see the indecision in his eyes, his need to protect Kyle battling with his need to protect all of us. I feel sick.
“Sam, Kyle is in there. If handing myself over means they let him go…” I pull away from the warmth of his hand, run a shaking hand through my hair. “I swore to you I would protect him.”
Sam shakes his head stiffly. “This isn’t just about protecting Kyle. Drew and Natalie are in there with him and for now, they’re unharmed. If this guy wants you he’s gonna have to come out here and take you.”
Biting back my objections I sink to a crouch, hands delving into Dog’s scruff as I watch Sam lean around the barn, a tick playing across his jaw. My nerves bounce as I wait, muscles twitching with the need to
act. I scan the barn for inspiration, gaze coming to rest on a jumble of fuel cans beneath a work bench. I release Dog and cross the barn, not daring to hope that I’m right. Sam hisses my name as I drop to my knees, pulling the fuel cans towards me and testing their weight. The first two are empty but the third reveals a sloshing that brings me a joy I can’t explain.
“Sam” I whisper. “Get to the other side of the yard. I’m going to set a fire to distract them.” He starts to shake his head but I stand, fuel can in my grip, face lined with determination. “You get them out. Leave the rest to me.”
“Lou…” he begins.
“Take Dog with you and get them out of there. I’ll be fine.” My tone holds a conviction I don’t feel but I don’t let it show, holding his gaze until he nods. Snatching Dog up from the floor he returns to the barn door, dark head peeking around before he sprints away. I allow myself a moment of panic, fuel can dangling limply in my hand. I turn in a circle, searching for the best place to light the fire when a rather simple, yet huge problem, presents itself. I have fuel but nothing to start a fire with.
“Fuck” I hiss, setting the can down I lurch towards a wall of shelves, scattering its contents as I search for anything I can use. A lighter. Matches. I’d take a flint and steel at this point though how safe that would be I’m not sure. Frantically I run my hands over the shelf, erupting in silent celebration when my hands close around a box. Pulling it free from the mass of clutter I flick open the box. Relief pours through me when I see four matches still intact inside.
I shove the box in my pocket and grab the can, unscrewing the cap, biting back a retch as the fumes sting my nose. With outstretched hands, I toss the petrol over every surface, pulling my shirt over my nose to combat the vapours. The last of the fuel trickles from the can and I step back, pulling the matches from my pocket. Taking a deep breath, I strike the match and toss it onto the petrol. It sizzles and goes out. Confusion tugs at my brow and I strike another, toss it, watch in horror as it fizzles out.
“What the…” my mind races as I run through every movie I’ve ever seen where this works. If any of those lying bastards in Hollywood made it out alive, they have a ton of explaining to do. Blowing out my frustration my gaze travels around the room as I try to think, desperation clouding my mind. Jogging back to the shelves I search for inspiration, my gaze falling on an old rag. I tug it down, crouching to soak it in the petrol that drips from the workbench. Striking my third match I watch in horror as it snaps, the end hanging uselessly from my fingertips. Drawing a shaky breath, I remove the last match and strike it, the end bursting to life. I retrieve my rag, hold the match to the end, triumph stretching my lips as it ignites. Without hesitation, I toss it onto the workbench. It erupts, flames spreading thick and fast along the trail of petrol.
Spinning away I run, feeling the heat at my back as I slip out of the barn and sprint into the fields. Turning back I see the barn catch light, flames illuminating the windows and licking at the night sky. Hunkering down in the tall grass I watch the front door rip open, men pouring outside, faces raised towards the barn as it groans and shifts.
To my left a figure sprints towards the house and the knot in my stomach returns with a vengeance. Sam slips inside and then he’s gone. With shaky breaths I start to move, creeping through the tall grass as the burly guy orders a search. They know it’s me and the longer they spend searching for me, the longer Sam has to get the others out. An explosion shakes the ground, whipping my head towards the house. The barn collapses, splintering outwards, the roof crashing down to the ground.
“Bring me that fucking bitch” the burly one shouts. I watch the door, waiting for the others to emerge. A minute feels like hours as I wait, heart in my mouth and then they’re there and they’re running. Leaping from my hiding place I dash through the tall grass, hear the screams of the men as they spot me. A bullet whizzes by my head, missing me by inches and forcing my legs to move faster.
“Lou” Drew’s voice is distant but it’s there and it’s the most glorious sound I’ve ever heard. As I close the distance I see Sam and Natalie hunkered down, rifles in hand as they return fire. Throwing myself forwards I wrap my arms around Drew, feel him stumble as he catches me, a whoosh of relief blowing across my cheek. Setting me down he turns to Sam and calls his name. “We have to get out of here.”
Sam pulls the trigger again before springing to his feet, his hand clapping my shoulder as he passes. Natalie follows, firing again as she skips backwards. Dog barks, chasing after Kyle as he ambles through the fields. Spinning I break into a run, the six of us fleeing for our lives as gunshots follow us into the night.
Twelve
- Swept Away -
Kyle grins from his reclined position, Dog resting on his chest, snoring softly as his paws twitch in contented slumber. I return his grin as I dish up our lunch of canned peaches and apples, handing him a bowl before serving up the next. Sam smiles his thanks, his fingers brushing mine gently. A blush creeps up my neck and I avoid his gaze, chewing the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. When I hand Natalie her bowl she shoots me a questioning look, eyes narrowing with suspicion.
“We’re gonna need to head into a city again soon. We’re running low on supplies after the farm.” Drew nods his thanks as he accepts his lunch, scooping up a spoonful, eyes rolling as he chews. “I mean, we grabbed what we could but we lost a lot too.” He says around a mouthful. I settle cross legged with my own bowl, stirring the contents before shovelling a mouthful of peaches into my salivating mouth. The juices flow over my tongue, the sweetness popping against my taste buds. An appreciative groan slips free and I close my eyes, savouring the taste.
“Where’s next on your list?” Natalie asks. I open my eyes to find her eyes still on my face, flitting between me and Sam like she’s watching a game of ping pong.
Totally oblivious Drew continues, wiping juice from his chin. “Birmingham. Though I think we’d be better heading into one of the neighbouring towns. Let’s face it, our luck hasn’t been great with cities so far.” I nod, thinking of the gang that Sam and the others saved us from. It still sends a shudder down my spine when I think what might have happened if they hadn’t shown up when they did.
Setting down my spoon I use my finger to collect the last of juice from the tin, not willing to waste a single drop. Drew does the same, grinning as he licks away the juices. Smacking my lips with satisfaction I wipe my hands on my pants and climb to my feet, stretching my arms high above my head until my back cracks and pops. Out of my peripheral I see Sam studying my every movement from beneath hooded lids, a spark in his eyes. A thrill like nothing I’ve experienced before runs through me, heating my skin as I lower my arms.
“I think I need to pee.” Natalie announces, setting down her bowl. “Louisa, come with me please.” I scowl at her lack of subtlety and cross the circle, flashing Drew a grin. Once we’re far enough away and out of their line of sight Natalie turns on me.
“Spill. What’s going on with you and Sam?” I turn away, mostly to find somewhere to pee but partly because I’m having a very girly moment in which I want to giggle for no good reason.
“Nothing” I mumbled. She snatches my arm, forcing me to face her. I can’t meet her eye. She grins.
“Bull. Something’s changed and we’re not moving from this spot until you tell me.” She folds her arms across her chest, fixing me with a look to strengthen her conviction. All of a sudden, my feet have become insanely interesting, that pesky blush creeping up my neck and flooding my cheeks. “Ohmygod, something happened between you two, didn’t it?”
I shake my head. “No. I don’t know.” I rest against a tree, feel the rough bark beneath my fingertips. “We were in the fields with Dog and we were talking and then we…almost kissed.”
“You kissed?” her voice is a decibel higher than I would like and I shush her, peering through the trees to where guys are enthralled in conversation.
“I said almost” I whisper. Natalie g
rins, leaning against the tree opposite, thoroughly enjoying the embarrassment I’m now consumed with.
“Even so… you two have been at each other’s throats since the moment you met and now you’re having private chats and playing kiss chase in fields of gold?” I roll my eyes at that massive exaggeration but I can’t deny the fact that something has changed. A part of me screams that he’s not good for me, that if I let myself fall for him I will be left with a shattered heart and it’s not as if I can just change my number or move addresses. For better or worse we’re stuck with each other and if things went south, and it ended badly, there’s no escape. It would tear the group apart.
“Oh no, you’re overthinking this aren’t you?” Natalie groans, closing the space between us and gripping my hands in hers. “Seriously, whatever is going on in that pretty head of yours cut it out right now. Cut it right out.”
I sigh. “But…”
“Cut it out.” She snaps. “If there’s something between the two of you, you need to work it out. Seriously, I can’t stand the sexual tension for another minute. I definitely can’t live with it for the rest of our lives, however short that may be.” Dropping my hands, she nips behind a tree, the rip of a zipper announcing her position.
I find my own tree, taking care of business before re-joining her in the clearing. “I know you think that it will end badly but relationships ain’t what they used to be. There’s no Match.com or Facebook or Tinder…” I don’t tell her I was never a Tinder sort of girl. She’s probably figured out as much for herself. “The dating pool begins and ends with those three guys. Drew’s not your type and Kyle’s a kid. Sam’s pretty much all you got and eventually you’re gonna wanna get laid, right?”
While her choice of words could be a little more selective the basis of her argument has substance. It’s been years since I slept with anyone. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it but the idea of risking our entire group dynamic on my libido seems ridiculous.
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