I Don't Belong to You

by Samantha Restrew

  These are the words I just didn’t want to hear! I lean desperate on the armchair, pressing my hands on my head. Vanished... Despite our tireless effort, despite the roads blocks. How is it possible?

  I ask to see again the video in slow motion and I wince seeing their hands holding firmly. I’m not a guy who jumps right away to hasty conclusions, but in light of all the clues I have collected so far, it just seems impossible that Khyla is the victim of this man. A kidnapped girl would never accept to disguise, wouldn’t show to be in love with her kidnapper with all that easiness. Yes, there is Stockholm’s syndrome, but I don’t think it can established in such a short time. Nevertheless, I’ll do everything to deny the evidence to my colleagues. I want to catch her and look in her eyes before condemning her.

  I look at each frame carefully... at some point, I stand up and shout «Eureka!»

  «What did you find out?» Raven asks. Beautiful and smart. She also knows Greek. Or perhaps, like me, during childhood she was an assiduous reader of Pythagoras.

  «Do look carefully, Raven. They didn’t went into the station. They used those travelers to avoid the video surveillance and grab a taxi.»

  Raven rewind the video back for a few frames, then starts it again, blocking it at the frame with the image of the two getting quickly in the taxi that seems waiting for them.

  «That’s true. How didn’t I notice it before? And now what are we going to do, Fred?»

  She started to call me by name. Good sign. She was probably impressed by my analytical ability.

  «We have to zoom the image as much as possible to understand which is the taxi company.»

  Zooming the frame we succeed seeing what we were looking for. Raven takes the phone and call up at the taxi company. After explaining that it was a police investigation and repeating her generalities to the various employees of the company, she finally succeed getting the taxi driver phone number. I decide to call him, believing that the most has been done. Instead it is as if I had to do with a rubber wall.

  «Excuse me, who are you? Who assures me that you’re really a cop? And even though it was so, I can’t talk about my client’s businesses. Moreover, if it was enough a phone call, to release a confidential information, my business would quickly decline.»

  Damn! I found the only taxi driver respectful for privacy. They usually talk about everything without even ask them.

  «Listen, I just want to know if yesterday you took in your taxi a pregnant woman and a young man from the station.»

  «I understood, but I don’t want to help you.»

  «Let’s do it this way. If you’re not going to tell me everything, I’ll report you for interfering with the investigation, ok?»

  «In this case... I actually remember that I brought them to number ten in Turk Street.»

  «Good boy, well done. And... don’t worry, nobody is going to know that you gave us these informations. We are going to be discreet.»

  «I do hope so.»

  As soon as I put the receiver down, I google the address and see that number ten is a car rental garage.

  «Hell! They probably rented a car and now they could be anywhere» I exclaim desperately.

  «I don’t think so...» says Raven. «We spread their identikit and their false generality all over San Francisco. Who would take the trouble to rent a car to two wanted?»

  This objection has a foundation of truth. No one is going to get in troubles, unless... I look at the name of the garage’s boss and search for more informations about him. Suddenly it’s all clear to me as if the situation was lit up like in the middle of the day.

  «The owner, José Martinez, is originating from Compton, the same neighborhood of the fugitive. He’s probably an accomplice of him» I burst, pissed off.

  «Ok. We’ll convene and question him.»

  «No, Raven, listen to me. This way, we are going to lose time. Also considering that he could flee away too. It’s better to do as I say. I’ll go to him and, in one way or another, make him tell me what car they have and where they are heading.››

  «It’s ok for me but just if we make a pact... I’m going with you.» firmly exclaims Raven while putting her hand on my shoulder, making me shake.

  There are a lot of reasons because I should go alone. If the girl is not strong enough, could be more hampering than helping. Moreover, if that José is a friend of Matthew, it won’t be easy make him speak, this is why I’m going to use the Los Angeles police’s method, if necessary. It’s better without witnesses. But I haven’t got much choises, besides, the more I lose my time debating with her, the more those two are getting farther. So I take a languid look and let her know that it’s ok for me, that she can be my companion in this adventure. Then, if she wants to be my companion also after I handed the two fugitives to the low, I think I won’t back out. Fanny is far away and won’t know anything about it. And I always know how to make it up to her.

  CHAPTER 27

  KHYLA

  I felt sorry to get rid of the harness on my tummy... now I was fond of it. Moreover Matthew and I agreed that it wouldn’t be suitable for the new identity change.

  Now we are in José’s garage and we are preparing to go, loading the trunk of a black Renegade Jeep with new appropriate clothes, some food and fuel tanks. I didn’t know that José was so efficient. As soon as Matthew showed him his escape plan through the Sierra, he managed to retrieve from the attic of his house padded down jackets and trekking shoes for the both of us, plus many tanks of fuel because, from his point of view, the less we stop at the services stations, the better.

  I embrace our benefactor with much emphasis, whispering a thankfulness full of pine, then I get up on the Jeep looking forward for Matthew to take place and leave. Their salutation, of course, is more sober and contentious, made of bumps on the shoulders and “We’ll see soon” said in a mid-voice.

  A few seconds of waiting and Matthew is back to my side. He turns on the engine and starts off in the streets of San Francisco. I observe the both of us in the rear-view mirror. The new disguise has been designed to make us similar as much as possible. We both have ash blond hair and brown eyes, but in fact we are very different, both for the shape of the face and the skin tone. My is more olive, while his is pale. It isn’t easy to understand if it is so because of the three years spent under the neon-light of the jail. I think I have to wait to be in Mexico to discover it. Yes, because I’m truly convinced that, sooner or later, I’ll go to Mexico with the man I love, with Tracy’s good peace. Even though, as soon as this name echoes in my mind, I realize that it won’t be easy as I hope. I’ll have to be very persuasive to make Matthew understand that it’s time to leave the dreams of the past and to create a future with me, and I’m not really sure to have the necessary astuteness and sex-appeal to succeed in this challenge.

  This time again, luck plays on our side. Even though the police are looking for us, we can get out of the city without any special effort.

  Listening to the radio, it seems the cops are everywhere excepts where we pass. When I say this to Matthew, he laughs: «I told you there was nothing to be worried about. I always know what I’m doing ...»

  «Almost always» I answer. «For example with that gun in the office of Tracy’s father... you made me really scared.»

  He becomes serious at once.

  «You were scared for nothing. I would never shoot that man, even though he ruined my life.»

  «And who is going to reassure me about it?»

  I would like to trust him, but I don’t know if I should believe him or not.

  «Take the gun from my pocket.»

  What’s his idea? It’s not easy to interpret his request, anyway I decide to do exactly as he said.

  «And now do check the gun’s magazine.»

  I check. There’s not even a bullet. Suddenly it’s all clear to me.

  «Do you mean you faced George with an empty gun? You got a screw loose.»

  «I had to make him believe I
was armed, Khyla, otherwise he would never reveal where Tracy is.»

  «But when you’ve escape, you fired exactly with this same gun.»

  «Yes, it’s true, but there was only that bullet in it. If you noticed, I fired without the intention to hurt anyone. The alternatives were two: to use a toy gun or a real one. I opted for the real one to strike more fear and to persuade the police of my peril, however I’m not a bad person. I hate to use violence.»

  Even in this case I would like to believe his words, but I know for sure it’s not as he says. Making violence is not just knocking or hurting or procuring a long trail of death and pain, making violence is also creating addiction, psychologically harassing someone. And I, in this regard, am the victim of Matthew’s violence. I’m depending on him, his smile, each word he says. I’m self-destructing in the name of this love without future. Even though often is enough a small gesture to convince me otherwise, I know that Matthew doesn’t love me and certainly doesn’t respect me. If he really cared for me, he would stop fleeing. He would face justice and would find the way to testify in my favor to the authorities, instead he’s ruthless using me as a shield for his purpose. Instead he is amused by shredding my dignity. He sees me as the remedy of a night, not the woman to share his life with. But I don’t want to surrend. I want to believe that my love will be enough for both.

  FRED

  «There we are» says Raven, carefully pointing her gaze to the window of the garage. I park in a free space and get out of the car, then go quickly to the garage’s entrance. When I get in, Raven is right behind me and we head straight to the shop owner, who turns out to be tall, with wide shoulders and a tight and round ass. He welcomes us with a smile. He still doesn’t know what he has to expect. Raven had decided to change before following me, and in civilian clothes we could look like two tourists looking for a car to go visiting the Californian Parks.

  «Hello! What can I do for you?»

  When I’m closer, I pull out the badge and show it to him. I read a little fright in his gaze, that I interpret as a sign of guilt, but his face returns imperturbable in a flash and he smiles again as if nothing had happened. Ok, I have to deal with a tough guy.

  «Hello agent, what’s the matter?» he asks pretending to be indifferent.

  «I think you already know» I answer with the harsh tone of someone that doesn’t allow replies. But he replies: «I’m sorry to contradict you, but I don’t know anything and did nothing.»

  These words make me very angry. I take him by the shirt’s cloak and shout on his face: «How dare you? I’m not going to let you bullshit me! Khyla and Matthew were here and I want to know where they are now!»

  «You are mad! Didn’t they do a psychological test before taking you in the police academy? I don’t even know who you’re talking about.»

  Raven forces me to leave him and I obey, but I’m angry as a bull in front of a red cloak. Next time I’ll twist his neck.

  «You don’t understand who you are dealing with» I continue. «You have to tell me everything you know, otherwise...»

  He provokes me repeating: «Otherwise what?»

  What a dick! I’m nearly going to kick his lower part of the body, so that he could go to sing in a choir of white voices.

  I step again in front of him, ready to give action to my thought, but Raven stops me by holding my arm. She pulls my ear near her warm mouth and whispers: «Let me try. You’re not going to obtain anything, this way.»

  She’s a shit! Does she mean I’m a stupid? But I could permit everything, to a woman like her. I step backward and she speaks in my place.

  «José, it’s useless to deny. We are looking for an escaped prisoner, Matthew Ross, and his hostage Khyla Freemont. All the media are talking about them. I can’t believe that you didn’t hear anything.»

  «I never look at the tv.»

  «Anyway we know for sure that they took a taxi and asked to be brought at your address.»

  «This means nothing. They could get off the taxi here and heading everywhere.»

  «They could... You are right. But don’t you think that is a little bit suspicious that Matthew is from your same neighborhood in Los Angeles?» she insists.

  José seems to feel the blow, but then he persists: «And even if he did? Do you know everyone that live in your street? Knowing the names of those living in your same building, would be enough.»

  I can see Raven’s hands shaking with impatiens. If she gives up, I’ll use the stronger manners right away. I’m going to change his distinguishing marks, if he keeps on denying the evidence.

  She plays her last card.

  «All right, I see that you are not going to admit that you helped those two. There’s no problem. Just in front of your garage, there’s a bank’s video surveillance camera. I’m going to ask the director to give me the registrations of it. If they show us that you lied, we’ll close your business and you’ll be arrested for perjured testimony.»

  Raven turns and walks sensual and quickly toward the exit. I look at José and notice that he is very pale. I could take advantage and give him a punch on his nose, just to feel the sensation of his cartilages crumpling under the weight of my strength. Nevertheless I decide to overlook and run to Raven, to walk beside her. Moreover, I like the idea of the bank.

  As we are getting out, a voice that seems to come from the underworld, hisses: «Wait, agents.»

  We go back to José looking at him interrogatively.

  «If I decide to tell you what I know, will you save my back?»

  «Sure» exclaims Raven with an encouraging smile. «Just tell us where they are»

  «I don’t know. I can just tell you that I gave them a Jeep to go through the Sierra.»

  We get out with the certainty of having made a strike. Raven is euphoric and I’m satisfied a zillion percent. She’s about to take the transceiver and give indications to her team, but I stop her.

  «Don’t.»

  «Why? They can’t be very far. If we alert the agents, we can succeed blocking them before they get out of the city.»

  «Please, listen. That Matthew is mine. I want to be the one to put him in jail again.»

  «Aren’t we going to take unnecessary risks?»

  «If you’re quacking in your boots, you can go back to your office with the heating under the pavement.»

  «Of course not. I’m going to follow you wherever you’ll go.»

  And so we go. This time that son of a bitch drowned without the innkeeper. He has counted hours now.

  CHAPTER 28

  KHYLA

  At every service station we cross over, I feel more and more sick. José’s suggestion was reasonable. The less we stop in crowded places, the less we risk to be noticed by some agent. Of course is advisable to follow the suggestion, if we want our escape to be successful, but how can I do with my bodily needs? My bladder is full and presses down causing me a terrible nuisance. Moreover, in the attempt to hold it back, I keep my legs crossed adding much pain to my underbelly. Matthew doesn’t look at me, lost as he must be in who knows what dream of love. It’s a pity that I’m not the protagonist of his torments.

  In the end I can’t stand anymore, so I touch his arm.

  «Matthew, we have to stop.»

  «Why? We have a lot of fuel. It’s not cautious.»

  «I know it’s not cautious, but I’m bursting out.»

  He gives me a quick look and probably understands the because of my agitation. He smiles and reassures me.

  «You could tell me before. Now I’ll go right away off road and look for a more isolated place.»

  As soon as he sees a diversion, takes it and runs a couple of minor streets. The few minutes we spend to look for the right place seem ages to me. Then Matthew sees an indentation with a grove on the right.

  «Is it ok here?»

  I do not even answer. I get off the car and run to the vegetation. We are quite near the Sierra and it’s becoming cold, but I don’t care...I just need to have
a pee. Ah! I’m feeling better now.

  I regain my composure and go back to the jeep, get in and tell Matthew that he can start.

  He seems to look at me for the first time since we left from San Francisco.

  «Is it cold outside? Your cheek are red like two ripe cherries.»

  «Yes, luckily José has given us something warmer to put on when we get to the high mountain. Otherwise we would risk freezing to death.»

  He is not listening to my comment. He crosses the seat and comes over me. My protest is weak: «What are you going to do, Matthew. I think it’s better to go...»

  He is not paying attention. He is shivering with desire and his passion is infecting me too. Even if I don’t understand his attitude. He always says that he is in love with Tracy, but he keeps looking for me and provoking me. “He just wants physical satisfactions”, I keep on telling me, trying to soft my desire that is up to the stars, but a part of me is continuing to hope that his desire for me conceals something more. Maybe his feelings are changing, maybe I’m about to reach my goal. Why has it to be so difficult?

  «You are so beautiful, Khyla.»

  This sentence said with sparkling eyes, suddenly brings me back to reality, nullifying my thoughts. I carefully observe his gestures. He caresses my hair, but seems almost annoyed.

  «Take off the wig and the contact lentils. I’m tired of all this. I want truth, not fiction.»

  I get rid of these useless nonsense and ask him to do the same. He does it. To see the true color of his grey eyes like a storming sea makes me happy as a little girl. I start kissing him on the forehead, then on the cheeks and finally I sink my mouth in his. Our tongues intertwine, leave and then resume again. Voracious of him, I suck his lower lip to absorb his taste within me. Meanwhile my hands explore his desire, they slip into his pants in search of his tangible love for me. Love...I know this word doesn’t have much to do with what Matthew feels for me. Perhaps you could call it passion, gratitude, esteem... Anyway this is certainly not the moment to give labels to our emotions. We move on the back seat and strip. He never ceases to look at me, tie me to his beautiful and damned eyes, so as my damned heart is tied to him.