by Candy Crum
Cass managed to get a photo from Darius’ mother. She hoped that having more people searching, regardless of age, would bring even more hope to the situation. Cass carried it with him everywhere, showing people in gas stations he stopped at, restaurants, and other random people. It didn’t matter where he went, there was hope that he’d find even a single person that had seen something. It didn’t take long for Cass to realize how out of touch people were with the news. As he showed the picture around, he saw that there had been a few people that had seen Darius, but hadn’t realized who he was. It was shocking to him how little people paid attention to things happening in their own backyard, so to speak.
“Hey,” the man at the counter said. “What can I get for you?”
Cass and Jess looked over the menu, taking a few moments before ordering. After Cass had finished, he pulled the photo from his pocket.
“This is probably a long shot,” Cass said. “But have you seen this guy? His name is Darius Spall. There is an Amber Alert out. It looks like he’s a runaway. We’re trying to help find him before anything bad happens to him.”
“Oh man,” the employee said. “I guess you haven’t heard?”
It felt as though Cass’ heart stopped at hearing those words. His breath caught in his throat as worry seized him.
“Heard what?” Jess asked. “Is he okay?”
The man shrugged. “Not quite sure. Someone saw him today. The guy called the cops to report seeing him, but before the call was even finished someone took the kid.”
Both Cass’ and Jess’ eyes widened.
“What do you mean took him?” Cass asked.
“The guy said that he was calling the cops, and while he was on the phone, some little red car sped over, grabbed the kid, and threw him in the back. They said he went down pretty easily for such a big guy. It was two women, oddly enough.”
“Women?” Jess asked. “They would have to be pretty strong to overpower him. He’s a big guy.”
“He is. It took everything I had to take him down to the ground on the field. There’s no way. Is there any more information?” Cass asked.
“Uh,” the guy thought for a moment.
“Are you guys talking about that football player that’s missing?” A customer sitting at a nearby table spoke.
“Yes, sir,” Cass said.
“I saw that on the news earlier. There have been reports of that car heading northeast. There wasn’t much more than that. State P.D. are out looking for it. Police have no clue who they were, or what they wanted. There really isn’t even a description. Just two women. One with dark curly hair and medium dark toned skin, the other with blonde hair and tan skin. Red Dodge charger.”
“Thank you,” Cass said.
He quickly paid for their food before leaving.
“I’m assuming we’re going after them?” Jess asked.
“Yes,” Cass said. “I was told he’s in danger. Now that he’s been taken, we have to find him.”
“We have no idea where they are,” Jess said. “All we have to go on is a direction.”
“That’s just going to have to be good enough. I’m hoping that something will lead us to him. We can’t just let this go. I think we have a better shot at finding him than the cops do,” Cass said.
Jess nodded, forcing a reassuring smile. They got in the car and headed out. Cass wasn’t sure where he was supposed to be going, but he headed for the interstate in hopes that something would tell him if he got on the wrong path.
SATURDAY EVENING
Memphis, TN
A little over six hours in and Joe, Alee, Brittany, and Kylie were just heading out of Memphis. Traffic had been terrible, and they didn’t want to get off the interstate quite yet, deciding to hold off on gas for a little longer. So far the trip had gone well. The gryphon rested in the back of the large truck, lying as flat as possible. They managed to cover her enough that she couldn’t be seen without someone putting in effort to look into the bed. They strapped the cover down on all corners except one by her head, allowing her to jump free in an emergency, or throw it back if she became too hot.
Even with such precautions taken, stopping to get food had proven to be just as amusing as Alee had predicted, but they stuck with their story, and the gryphon played the part. Every so often they pulled off somewhere quiet where she could stretch her powerful legs and wings.
The feathers had finished growing back by the evening hours; luscious, pure white, and soft to the touch. At one pit stop, she jumped from the back of the truck and tried to take flight. Though visually it seemed as though everything was fine, it was obvious that she still had some more healing left to do. She was unable to lift her large, heavy body from the earth, something that brought her cheerful mood to a sharp halt. The beautiful mythical creature lowered her head. She seemed to be even more broken than before. She wandered back to the truck and climbed in the bed before lying down and letting the others cover her again.
Once they had reached a much less populated area, they decided to get off the interstate again and find a gas station. They planned to take the gryphon to another field to stretch and try to fly again once they finished filling up. As they pulled up to the small gas station, they saw a dog tied up outside. The windows to the building were mostly covered in Nascar memorabilia and advertisements for things they sold inside. They each got out and stretched their legs.
“I’m going to get gas, then we’ll take you somewhere safe so you can stretch, okay?” Joe told the gryphon.
There was no more than a gentle purr in response. Joe filled up the truck as the other three walked around for a moment. When the tank was full, everyone decided to go inside for drinks and snacks. As they approached the door, the large dog sitting outside began barking and snarling.
“What is that dog’s problem?” Alee asked.
“I don’t know,” Brittany said. “Just try to stay away from it.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s growling at me; no one else,” Kylie said.
“Okay,” Brittany said. “You definitely make sure to stay away from it.”
Joe and Alee had just crossed the threshold of the entrance when the dog broke free. He went straight for Kylie, snapping and growling. Brittany darted inside, and did her best to pull Kylie in as well, but it was too late. The dog latched onto Kylie’s arm, biting down hard. Kylie cried out as the dog tore through her skin.
The gas station attendant rushed out the door, grabbing his dog and yelling for him to let Kylie go, which did nothing to help the situation. After a few agonizing moments, he managed to force the dog to let go, but Kylie’s arm was bleeding everywhere.
“I’m so sorry!” the man said. “I have no idea why he did that! He’s never attacked anyone, or even growled at them! We should call an ambulance.”
“It’s fine,” Kylie said. “Just give me the supplies to clean it up with. It might look worse than what it is.”
“Sure!” he said, as he finished tying his dog to a sturdier place. “Please come inside. He’s had all his shots!”
They made their way inside and the man was very helpful. The others assumed that it was mostly because he didn’t want to get sued. It was no bother to them, however, as they had received everything that they needed for free. As Kylie had expected, the wound wasn’t nearly as bad as it looked. Joe helped her clean the wound, putting some antibiotic ointment on it before wrapping it.
“I didn’t want him to call anyone,” Kylie said, her voice quiet. “I fell off of a horse once and broke my leg. It was healed in a week. Though I’ve only healed quickly a couple of times like that, I was worried that with Cronus free it could happen again. We are supposed to get more abilities, I didn’t want to risk being healed by the time someone got here.”
“Good choice,” Joe replied. “We need to hurry and get out of here, just in case. I paid for the gas at the pump. I feel weird taking all this stuff, but he certainly owes you after that. I just want to get out of here before any othe
r weird things happen.”
They did their best to rush out of there. As they headed for the door, the attendant offered to walk them out. Joe didn’t want him to, but knew that it was necessary because of the dog. As everyone made their way outside, they noticed that the dog was gone. The chain had broken again, and he’d gotten away.
“He’s gone,” Kylie said, fear in her voice. “That’s not good.”
“Just run to the truck,” Joe said.
“I’m so sorry,” the guy said again. “I’ll look for him. I’m sure he’s around here somewhere. Just hurry back to your truck, just in case.”
“Thanks again for the help and the supplies,” Joe said.
“No problem at all,” the man said.
Joe made his way to the truck, looking in the back to check on the gryphon. Somehow, she’d gotten uncovered. She looked up at Joe just enough that she could see him, but not so far that anyone behind Joe was able to see her. Still, it was far enough that he saw a chain hanging from the side of her large beak. Joe’s eyes widened as she coughed a little. The rest of the chain fell out with a clang into the bed of the truck.
“Did she…?” Alee said, her eyes wide as she was unable to finish the sentence.
“We need to get out of here,” Joe whispered. “Now.”
Joe and Alee quickly covered the gryphon back up before getting into the truck. Kylie and Brittany both climbed in the back seat with confused expressions. Alee started the truck and quickly pulled out of the little gas station parking lot.
“Sooo…” Kylie said, breaking the silence.
“So, uh, the gryphon ate the dog,” Joe said.
“What?” Kylie asked. “She ate it?”
“I think she was protecting you. I think she was mad that you got hurt,” Joe said. “That’s all I can think of. She snuggled with our dog, and even played with her. So I don’t think she did it because she likes the taste of dog.”
Alee laughed. “I don’t mean to laugh, but wow. She’s pretty hardcore.”
“How is your arm?” Brittany asked.
“It’s okay,” Kylie replied. “It’s not throbbing quite as badly as before. I’m just glad he didn’t break one of the bones in it.”
“Me, too,” Brittany said.
“How much longer?” Alee asked.
“Looks like we’re about two hours outside of Little Rock. We can stop there are get some food. I’d say that we could buy some meat for princess back there, but seems like she should be okay for a while,” Joe said.
Alee laughed again. “I’m sorry,” she said when she noticed Joe giving her a disappointed look. “Too soon?”
Joe shook his head, smiling. “Sometimes I don’t understand how we possibly shared the same womb, let alone at the same time.”
“Eh,” Alee said. “You just got lucky, I guess.”
Κεφάλαιο XVI
SATURDAY EVENING
Texarkana
Jess sat in silence, letting Cass navigate. It had been a long car ride, and they had only stopped a couple of times for drinks, gas, and to use the bathroom. It was a painful ride, but Jess stuck with it. She knew that her father would be calling her at any time, expecting her home. They’d traveled for over four hours, going on nothing but what Cass said was instinct. He had no idea what was guiding him, but he claimed that he believed with every fiber of his being that he was right.
Jess worried, though she said nothing. She felt nothing like Cass did. She wondered what it was that Cass felt. Was it simply determination? Or did he really have some internal mystical compass directed towards Darius? Regardless of what was pushing him, he was still wide-eyed and ready to go. His senses on alert.
“Are you okay?” Jess asked, breaking the silence at last.
“I’m fine,” he said. “I’m just worried about Darius. You heard what the radio said. The last time anyone saw them, they were headed east on I-30. We have no idea where they are, or where they are going. I’m anxious that we won’t find him. The more time that passes, the more anxious I get.”
Cass rubbed his right temple with his free hand.
“What’s wrong?” Jess asked. “Headache?”
“Mmm,” he groaned. “I’m not sure. It just randomly came on. Probably an anxiety attack. I’ll be fine.”
“Maybe you should pull over and let me drive,” Jess said.
“Okay,” Cass said.
He began feeling dizzy. Merging into the right lane, he was quick to turn on his hazard lights before slowing down enough that he could stop. He put the car in park, but left it running.
Cass sighed heavily, groaning a little as well.
“Hey,” Jess said. “Are you sure you’re okay? Come on. Let’s hurry and switch sides before you pass out on me.”
Before they could even open the doors, Cass’ body slumped back against the seat. His eyes were open, but he was non-responsive.
“Cass!” Jess said.
She tapped on his shoulder, shaking him a little.
“Cass!” she said again. “Wake up!”
ARKANSAS
The ride was long, and everyone had grown very tired. They were only halfway to their destination, and already getting very fatigued. Joe felt terrible, sudden anxiety taking over him. He felt nervous, shaky and sweat beaded on his forehead. He closed his eyes, knowing that something was about to happen.
“Alee,” Joe said. “I don’t feel well. I think it’s about to happen again. I feel different, but it’s kind of the same, too.”
“Are you okay?” Alee asked.
“Yeah,” Joe said. “Just warning you.”
Within moments, Joe lost consciousness, his head falling back against the seat. He was surrounded by blackness, but not for long. He could hear someone talking. A girl. She was shouting.
Joe opened his eyes, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings. He was sitting in the driver’s side of a car that was parked alongside the interstate.
“Cass!”
He heard a girl shouting.
“Wake up!”
He looked to the right and saw a beautiful young girl about his age, worried for her friend.
No…
She was worried for him…
For Joe. She was talking directly to him.
Joe looked down at his hands, hands that were not his. He looked down at the body that he possessed. Possessed being the key word for him.
“Where am I?” he asked quietly.
“Cass?” Jess asked.
“No,” Joe said. “My name is Joe.”
Jess shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she swallowed hard. It was clear to Joe that she was very nervous.
“Are you the one that’s been talking to Cass?” she asked.
Joe’s face turned inquisitive. “Who is Cass?” he asked. “That’s not me that’s been talking to him.”
“Oh,” she said. “Well, are you a stress induced multiple personality, or something? Because with everything I’ve seen happen in the last week, I wouldn’t doubt it. He’s been through a lot. Or, you could just be Cass messing with me. Which, normally I’d say is very likely, but not today.”
“No. I’m Joe. I was with my friends, and I started feeling sick and passed out. It’s normal, but I usually end up having a vision. This is something brand new,” Joe said, looking around.
He saw a sign just outside ahead of them: LITTLE ROCK – 120 MILES
“Are you eastbound, or westbound?” Joe asked.
“Eastbound,” she replied. “We are looking for someone.”
“Who?” he asked.
“A local football player named Darius was kidnapped by two women. He’s a very big guy, so we have no idea how two small women were able to take him down. Cass, my friend, is obsessed with it. Last anyone knew, the women were heading northeast on this interstate. We haven’t seen a single sign of them, so I don’t know where they are. Honestly, I’m starting to question all of this,” she responded.
Joe couldn’t understand w
hy he would have a vision of that girl and her friend, let alone be possessing one of their bodies. They seemed insignificant enough, but he knew there must be more. She appeared to be close to his age. He’d noticed it as soon as he’d seen her. Instead of risking not knowing why he was there, he decided to be forward and ask questions before his vision ended.
“Where are you from?” Joe asked.
“Just south of Dallas, Texas,” she said.
Joe’s eyes widened. “You’re from the Dallas area?” he asked.
“Yeah,” she said. “Why?”
“There are three of you, counting your friend that was kidnapped. Correct?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yes,” she replied, cautious. He seemed very animated to her then as he spoke. “Why do you ask?”
He sighed, smiling. “We are actually on our way to Dallas. We are Westbound on I-30 right now heading there. We are looking for three teenagers that would share the same birthday as all of us. September sixth. If you both share that birthday, then I think you’re who we are looking for,” he said.
Jess sat up further in her seat, very interested in what he had to say. She believed with all her heart that Cass wouldn’t be so cruel as to pick on her after all the worrying over Darius he’d done, nor would he have stopped the chase in order to do so.
“Cass and I both share that birthdate. Our moms were in the hospital together actually, though they didn’t know each other then. With Darius, I wouldn’t know. He’s from another town. We don’t know much about him other than what we’ve learned searching for him. He’s sixteen. That I do know.”
“We need to talk fast before I’m pulled back. I can’t predict how long this will last. Has anything weird happened to either of you? You asked me if I was the one that was speaking to Cass. What did you mean? Has he heard a voice?” Joe asked.
“He was attacked and pulled under the water in our high school pool. He’d been having dreams about drowning, so I wanted to help him get over it. I took him there after hours, and he was pulled under by something horrible. I never saw what took him, but once he was under, he disappeared. I could see the water churning, but I couldn’t see him, or the thing that pulled him under. It was horrifying. It was like they were cloaked. He was under for several minutes. He should have died, especially with the wounds he received, but he didn’t. He said a voice told him to breathe while he was under there, and he did. He was able to breathe just fine,” she explained. “He said that same voice told him to find Darius. That’s why he is so obsessed. Does that help?”