by Kara Hart
He released me and stood up. “Come on. We’re going.” He said, without any warning.
“Excuse me?” I quickly responded, feeling flustered. I fixed my hair and looked at him with annoyance.
“I can’t trust Jorge anymore. Not after last night’s antics. We need a signal.” He said.
“A signal?” I asked him, slightly confused.
“Yeah. In case one of us gets compromised. If that happens, we need a code or phrase.”
“How about ‘I love you, lucky devil.” I shrugged. Adam couldn’t help but laugh.
“I love you, lucky devil? You know, that’s just weird enough to work. Okay, let’s remember that.”
“I love you, lucky devil!” I repeated.
“Good. You ready? It’s like I said earlier. We’re on our own now. So let’s get to it.”
I had no choice but to obey. I didn’t want to leave, but I also knew Jorge wasn’t exactly on my side either. I didn’t have a better plan than to follow Adam to the ends of the earth, so I gave in.
“Okay. Lead the way.”
We walked outside, into the cold desert air, toward Jorge’s SUV. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a pair of keys. “Grabbed these last night during our little standoff…” He grinned wildly, quietly getting into the vehicle. We shut the door and started the engine. In the distance I could see the sun peeking its head from behind the mountains.
“Hey!” There were screams coming from behind the car.
“Shit. We have to leave. NOW!” He pressed his foot on the pedal. Dust flew up around us. I heard the sound of gunshots come from all around us.
“Adam, go! Faster!” I cried.
“Going as fast as I can…” He muttered, gritting his teeth. “Ah, shit!” At that moment, two bullets collided into the side window of the vehicle. I ducked, trying to avoid getting shot at all costs, but it was impossible to see where they were shooting from.
Eventually I peeked my head up over the seat and saw Jorge standing tall in a cloud of smoke and dust. He was holding a long rifle, aiming it right at me. He smiled that famous smile of his and whispered, “Boom.” Then he threw the gun on the ground. I knew what that meant. It was his message to me. This wasn’t over. Not yet at least.
I ducked behind the leather seat again, frantically breathing. My heart was pumping at a million miles per hour. I could barely keep conscious.
“You okay, kid?” Adam yelled out, driving 130 miles per hour. The engine felt like it was about to explode. “What did you see?”
“I’m okay. It was Jorge, Adam. He had me in his sights, but he let me go.”
“Fuck. Okay. Give me a second. I’ll think of a plan…”
“You don’t understand. He’s going to find us!” I screamed, feeling completely irrational. I was clawing at the door, holding on for dear life.
“Yeah, it’s possible. But I won’t let him hurt you if he does. Look, this is going to be a tough few weeks of hiding out. Can you handle that?” He looked at me with a concerned look in his eyes.
“Yeah. At least I think I can. I’ve come this far, haven’t I?” I tried to fake a smile.
“You sure have, kid. By now your parents have probably gotten our little letter. They’ll most likely be looking for us. Luckily we sent them in the opposite direction. But it won’t be long until they come at us from the other side. We have to stay prepared. Here. I want you to have this.” He tossed a loaded automatic rifle into my lap and smiled.
“For me?” I asked him, feeling the cold metal body.
“Consider it an early wedding present. Go ahead. Try it out.”
I looked at him reluctantly. “Here?!”
“Why not? We’re in the open desert, sweet peach. Ain’t no one gonna’ tell you what to do out here.” He rolled down his window and took his pistol out. BANG! The sound ricocheted off the inside of the car and I jumped in surprise.
“Your turn!” He cried out.
I stuck my small body out the window and aimed at a tall saguaro cactus. “Bye, bye…” I whispered. I pulled the trigger and BOOM – BOOM – BOOM! Three bullets fired at ease. The kickback from the gun nearly sent me flying onto Adam’s lap.
“WOO!” I screamed, feeling exhilarated, ears ringing and all.
“I’m going to have to teach you how to use that thing when we reach our destination.” He laughed.
But with those words, carried a darkened mood. I looked out into the sunny wilderness and saw nothing I could hold onto. I felt good with Adam, out on our own like this. But there was a lingering feeling that seemed to haunt me. It was as if “just us” wasn’t enough. The truth was, I wanted to get married. Like, for real. And I wanted a family. A life of crime worked for a little while, but what were we going to do in five years? I just couldn’t wrap my head around it.
“Where are we going, Adam?” I solemnly asked him.
“We’re going to meet a friend.” He said without looking at me. He simply squinted at the coming sun. Eventually we came to a clearing and a small road appeared in front of us. “The highway is just ahead…” He muttered to himself, trying to stay awake.
“Another friend, huh?” It wasn’t even a question. I knew that meant trouble. Nevertheless, I had no choice but to see it through.
“No need to worry, Kid. This time it’s family.”
I shrugged, turning on the radio. An old Elvis tune came on, something about a burning star. He sang in a deepened voice. It was a tune that reminded the listeners of their own demise. The words told a dark tale of life and death. Imagery of skulls, flaming stars, and a man walking into a trap, came to mind. Upon hearing this song, I couldn’t shake the feeling of my depression. The situation I had gotten us in… it was all too much.
Adam looked over at me, noticing the tears in my eyes. “It’s a good one, isn’t it kid?” I simply nodded my head, watching as our SUV merged into the highway, becoming one with all the other cars in the big world we found ourselves in. I figured they’d be looking for me by now. I closed my eyes and prayed they wouldn’t find me.
“Never in my life has a song made so much sense.” I said. “I’ve never even listened to Elvis before. But maybe I should start.”
“They don’t call him the king for no reason.” He said, giving me a wink.
“You’re my king.” I said, smiling.
“My queen…” He whispered, taking my palm and kissing the top of my hand.
We drove for hours upon hours. By the time we reached the north, it was sundown. The tall forest trees grew and grew, until eventually they stood as tall as giants, looking down at us from their kingdom.
“Adam? What if they find us?” I asked him. I couldn’t help it. It was my tendency to think of the worst scenario possible. Maybe by asking about it, it wouldn’t happen. Or at least that was the logic I always gave.
“They won’t.” He said, shrugging.
“Why not? What makes you so sure about everything?”
He put his hand on my thigh and I instantly felt a warmth flood throughout my body. “Because they haven’t found me yet. And now I got you as my good luck charm, by my side forever. Right?” He hesitated, waiting for me to reply. It was odd. It was one of the only times I had seen him feel unsure about himself. It was kind of…cute.
“You’re cute, you know that?” I said, smiling wide as can be.
“Ah, don’t call me that. I’m not cute.” He frowned. I could see him flexing beneath his leather vest.
“No. You’re cute!” I blew a kiss at him, causing him to turn his head away in fury.
“Keep it up, kid…” He muttered under his breath.
***
The world was outside my window. 20 hours had passed and we barely even stopped to take a piss. But we knew we would have to stop soon. “Shit! Gas is almost out.” Adam said, hitting the steering wheel. All this driving was finally getting to him. 5 coffees, 3 packs of cigarettes, and the long open road: this was our life now. At any second, life could come crashing
down on us.
“There’s a gas station at the next exit. Think we’ll be okay?” I grabbed a red vine from the bag of candy we had bought earlier.
“I don’t know, Rose. I damn well hope so. But if there’s any five-oh, you make sure you act normal, avoid contact, and don’t be afraid to use that gun of yours…” He looked uneasy. I couldn’t help but feel nervous.
We pulled off the highway onto exit 748. Adam slowed down to the necessary speed, making sure his lights were on. “Good to go…” He whispered, assuring himself of our safety. We pulled into the gas station and a man walked up to our window. He wore a pair of muddied up overalls and spoke with a slight twinge.
“Y’all need gas?” He said, chewing on a toothpick like it was nobody’s business. He spit a loogie onto the ground and smiled, showing off his yellowing teeth.
“Yessir. Here’s $40. Fill her up all the way, and thank ya’ kindly.” Adam said, almost imitating the man.
“Mmhm…” The attendant said, walking to the pump, while whistling a tune.
“…stop it, Adam…” I whispered through clenched teeth.
“Stop what?” He asked innocently enough, although the smile on his lips said otherwise.
“Nothin’…” I said, eating another red vine. “I’m going to go inside. You want anything?”
“Yeah, uh, get me a coffee. We still have six hours more of driving. Gotta’ keep my stamina up.”
“You got it, baby.” I liked the sound of that. Baby… I walked toward the gas station, humming that Elvis song, “When I ride, I feel that flaming star…”
“Hey, girl!” He yelled out from the window.
“Yeah?” I called back, still humming the tune.
“Be careful.” He looked serious, even by his standards. I simply nodded and stopped my singing. I had to be more careful with feeling chipper. I walked up to the curb of the sidewalk and adjusted my head a little to the left, shielding my eyes from the sunlight.
“Excuse me, miss.” A voice sounded in front of me. I tripped and found myself falling head on into a man in a blue uniform. I fell to the concrete and lost my consciousness for a brief moment. I woke up and shook my head.
“I’m so sorry!” I cried out in shock. I looked up at the man and adjusted my eyes. That’s when I realized I was staring at a police officer.
“Better watch where you’re going there, miss.” He said, helping me back on my feet.
“I will, officer. I’m so clumsy sometimes. Anyway, thank you.” I said, trying to walk ahead.
I turned my head toward the SUV and saw Adam staring straight at him. His face was pale with fear. I saw him slowly reach into the back of the vehicle, right where our guns and ammunition lay. I gulped loudly and walked inside. The officer trailed behind.
“Not so fast, young lady. Are you okay? Maybe we should get you to a doctor. You hit your head hard back there…” His hand was on my shoulder. I tried my hardest not to shiver out of fear, but I didn’t know how long I would last.
“No, it’s okay, sir. I feel fine.” I smiled big as if to say, “See?” On the television screen behind him there was a news report on mute. Subtitles ran across the screen: “ON THE HUNT FOR ROSE FISCHER – Main suspect in the case is 6’1,” goes by the name of Jax--”
I realized I had to go, and fast. But I couldn’t let the cop turn around and see me. Luckily my hair was short and my clothing was different, but I didn’t want to take any chances.
“Well, alright then. But if you feel dizzy at all, you tell your mother to take you to a doctor. Okay?” The man straightened his hat and badge, trying to look as professional as possible.
I kept smiling and said, “Okay, officer. You got it.” On the television, the news changed and I figured that was my cue to leave. “You have a great day, sir!” I said, running out.
“Funny kid…” He whispered under his breath. He chuckled and grabbed a glazed donut from the counter, leaving without paying.
Chapter 13
“What happened?” He asked as soon as I got into the car. He looked stern, yet full of worry. His finger was on the trigger. It wasn’t like him to act this nervous.
We gotta’ get out of here, Adam. And fast!” I yelled. He turned on the car and peeled out of the parking lot. We merged onto the highway and carefully drove the speed limit.
“They’re talking about us everywhere.” He said. “I didn’t expect this. Who are you anyway, Rose? You didn’t tell me your mom loved you this much. They have the whole west coast being watched.” There was a slight silence that resonated in the car. He was staring straight ahead, palms sweating all over the steering wheel. He gripped the leather hard and pushed down on the pedal.
“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” He screamed, hitting the wheel.
“Adam, you’re scaring me!” I cried out.
“Well, good. You should be scared, Rose. This is no good.” He turned up the radio:
“Authorities are on the search for a man in his mid to late 30’s. Forensics are analyzing all data to find out all information that points to the whereabouts of Rose Fischer, age 19. We turn to Rose’s parents who are now with us today. Mr. and Mrs. Fischer, thanks for coming.” My parents…
I couldn’t help but listen attentively. Adam reached for the power switch, but I swatted his hand away angrily. “Don’t you dare!” I cried.
“What exactly do you know about the situation thus far?” The interviewer asked with strange glee in her voice. I heard my father clear his throat and a tear formed in my eye. It was pretty incredible that something as small as that could bring back a plethora of memories. I looked at Adam and he bore the look of knowing I expected him to. I had a feeling he also lost his family at a young age and that he would have to live with that pain forever. He reached out his hand and I slipped my fingers in his. I squeezed tightly, promising myself I would never let him go.
“Well the letter we received was sent somewhere in the southwest, close to Texas. However, we have decided to send search parties up north as well as south. We can’t be too careful with this. She’s our daughter and she’s all that we have…” There were the sounds of muffled crying in the speaker. That’s when Adam turned the radio off.
“I’ll always be here for you.” That was all he could say. And somehow the words were enough for me. I looked at him, tears and all, and kissed his rugged face.
“You may be an outlaw to some people, but I know the real you. I know that kind, gentle, loving man beneath the hard exterior. And I’ll stick by you no matter what.” He smiled and grabbed another cigarette.
“Thanks, kid. I’d like to believe I’m a good person like you see me as. But the truth of the matter is that I’m a criminal. That’s okay with me if it’s okay with you. I can manage staying on the run forever as long as I got you.”
Though I didn’t like the sound of it, I reassured him. “It’s okay with me, Adam. But someday we’re getting out of this life. We’ll end up somewhere remote and beautiful, and free. I know we will.”
“God help us.” He smiled, taking in a big drag. “Only an hour left, baby.” I looked at the darkened road and the mountains surrounding us. I rolled down the window slightly and breathed in the fresh, cold air. I’m here because of Adam and our love is the ultimate reward.
I'm here because this is my destiny.
I fell into a deep sleep. I was in a bank with a shotgun in my hand. With one hand on the trigger and the other on the pump, I pushed the barrel into the teller’s face and yelled. All that came out was gibberish, but the sentiment was all the same. I looked at the clock in the corner of the room and the numbers were scrambled.
I turned my gaze to Adam and he gave me the face of uncertainty back. I suddenly fell to the floor, shaking and seemingly violently ill. A guard from the floor reached for his gun. I turned just in the knick of time and fired a round. A direct hit. Or at least it should've been. Instead, a group of butterflies flew out of the barrel.
I woke up.
“W
e’re here.” Adam said, sucking down his cigarette. I wiped the sweat from my forehead and stretched my arms. I looked out the window and saw the rising sun come out from the ends of the earth. He pulled up to a row of large bushes, maybe ten feet in height. He put the car in park and honked three times.
“Where are we?” I tiredly asked. There were no buildings in sight. It was just us and endless fields.
“You'll see.” He said, staring ahead. He honked again.
All of a sudden, the plants moved to the side, revealing a hidden passageway into the forest. An old man, wearing the same vest and insignia, even similar tattoos, appeared in front of us. He stroked his beard and eyed us for a long time.