On the Run by M Zeigler (short story to read TXT) 📖

to leave behind or say to me that he couldn’t say or give to my father? Jack would have given anything to me per my grandfather’s request.

 “Clyde?” I reply with a teasing tone, Barrette smiles through a yawn making an effort to stretch. watching his six foot something form try and stretch out in such a closed space, watching him do so is an interesting sight when you realize exactly how small and cramped this car really is.

The front seat barely has enough room in it to fit me and Ratt, so Barrette must be very squished sitting there in the passenger’s seat. On that same train of thought, he looks as if he belongs in this car, the two of us really fit the whole scene. Red mustang rolling down the highway hardly any traffic in sight, running from the long arm of the law, no rules or people holding us back, just two people, a powerful machine and miles of open road.

Of course, Barrette does have a life after this mission, he’s a southern rock star, as for me, if I’m lucky enough to evade prison I will truly have nothing left. My one goal in life will be achieved, my family and friends will be safe, all I will have is the open road, my dog, and my car. Of course, isn’t that ultimately what I want? No people tying me down, no one to discuss my plans with, I can just go and do whatever I’m going to do.

“Where are we?” Barrette asks interrupting my thoughts after a long moment, he then begins scanning the massive droves of pine tree’s all around us that are barely illuminated by the rising sun. thousands and thousands of pine tree’s loom around us seeming to touch the sky, the distinct scent of tree sap and damp forest floors is wafting in through the car windows, the whole of this setting is a peaceful one. I love the Sierra Nevada’s, I used to say when I was a lot younger that if I ever had the money I would buy a house out here in the middle of nowhere. My sisters used to taunt me and say they wouldn’t let me because even then at such a young age, they all knew that if I left no one would ever see me again. After my return home to my father, Alex worried about me a lot, he was concerned that I wasn’t like everyone else in an unhealthy way. I would often times seclude myself and observe other people, if not observing, I was doing my own thing, amusing myself and exploring different places to a point I would always end up injured somehow. Head to toe poison ivy, a broken arm or leg from falling out of a tree, third degree burns after learn that it is not wise to use an entire box of lit to ignite a large box of firecrackers. Yes, I was curious, and almost always in a cast, and typically grounded for one reason or another.

“Kansas.” I joke with Barrette, he chuckles at my sarcastic reply but the sound ends when he focuses on a passing freeway sign saying we’re ten miles from Gold City. The green sign passes by at an appropriate speed, typically I don’t drive so calmly but in this glorious expanse of land I slow down to take in the scenery and enjoy it for what it’s worth.

“What is in Gold City?” Barrette wonders aloud, I point to the dash board in front of the steering wheel. Particularly I’m pointing out the gas gauge that is nearing empty, I shouldn’t let the tank go so low simply because of the fact we are being chased and I never know when an enemy might try to chase us, but I wasn’t about to stop again when we were so close to our destination.

“Gas station and food that is what is in Gold City, anymore questions for the tour guide?” I reply pointedly to Barrette who gives me a strange look after reading the gauges on the dash. “What?” I reply in a snotty tone not liking the look he’s giving me. I’m not one hundred percent sure if he’s confused, or if that is irritation in his expression, either way I don’t appreciate him staring at me like that.

“You’re driving the speed limit; actually you’re driving under the speed limit. Did someone rig the car with a bomb?” He asks with a sarcastic tinge in his voice, I role my eyes at his sly southern drawled comment. Does he really think I drive fast everywhere I go? He does have a good reason to do so though, everyplace we have gone thus far I have been driving like a race car driver.

“No, honestly, I love the Sierra Nevada’s and we haven’t been attacked, chased, or otherwise bothered the entire drive here. So I’m slowing down to enjoy the scenery. Also, your manager called two hours back when you were asleep; he said they are covering things up on your end. I’m wanted for murder for three, third degree murders and evading arrest.” I reply as if I were just talking about something in passing, Barrette looks at me with a worried face.

I’m pretty sure his worry stems from the fact I show no care that I am wanted for killing three people, or maybe it’s because of the fact I killed three people and I really don’t care? Either way, Barrette appears to be worried about me and for what reason? Maybe he is already realizing he’s riding around with a ticking time bomb of formidably vicious insanity?

“Oops. So anyhow, there are two diners we can stop at, one is great with their food, the other one has poker tables, and we are low on funds.” I explain to Barrette. He cringes at my confirmation that I don’t care about killing Andrew, Marty, and the new girl. After taking a moment to recover from that realization he starts to speak again.

 “I’ve got cash.” Barrette informs pulling his wallet from his pocket, I don’t even respond I should really have been more open to the fact I’m riding with a man who has a thick bank account. I simply choose not to, I don’t look for a man based around petty things like money, or material items, you can fall in love with a man who has nothing, and if you both want something more, then push him to the top. A man’s worth is not weighed by any bank account, he is weighed by dignity, respect, and personality.

 Giving no comment to my folly I take the next exit into Gold City and drive through town looking for a gas station which is easily found between the old hotel and the even older saloon.

 “Um no, you stay here, you’re more easily recognized than I am.” I say as Barrette when he starts to step out of the car, he looks at me then looks at the back seat where his jacket is sitting. As I’m rounding to the front of the car Barrette is stepping out  of the car with his hood up to somewhat hide the fact he’s a famed star and that he is covered from head to toe in blood. No one in the immediate area seems to notice who he is so I allow him to come inside. The secondary problem is that I too am covered from head to toe in blood, maybe I can get away with saying I was out hunting?

 The  inside of the store is almost desolate, there are only two people in here and they aren’t customers. Standing at the counter is the gas station attendant and her daughter, a tiny looking brown eyed, curly brown haired girl with a nearly toothless smile beaming at us. The attendant looks at us nervously, I’d have to imagine that we must look quite disturbing, Barrette wearing a hooded jacket that covers his face and then me who’s drenched in dry blood. She is probably preparing for a robbery or an event  equally as violent.

 “We need a hundred on one.” Barrette says slapping a hundred dollar bill down on the counter in front of the clerk. As the attendant gives Barrette a weird look the girl moves closer to Barrette trying to peer under Barrette’s hood, I think the child recognizes him. If she does we could be in serious trouble, children have a tendency to be very loud when they are excited. And the last thing we need right now is attention drawn onto us.

While Barrette takes care of the gas payment I’m over placing food into one of those handheld basket all the while keeping an eye on the situation at the counter. If they recognize him we are making a run for it no questions asked. Barrette says something to the woman who nods with understanding and starts laughing.

“You could pass as his double, my daughter, Leah, and I kind of met him at a concert in Texas! We were out there a couple of weeks ago visiting family and the tickets were sold out for the concert so we stood outside the trailer lot and waited for him. My daughter got an autograph, he’s a really cool guy, and Leah here has been gushing about it nonstop since.” The attendant says making pleasant conversation with Barrette.

“He’s really tall! And he was super nice! He only talked to me, no one else! I was so excited I can’t even explain it!” Leah exclaims excitedly doing crazy hand gestures that only a child make look cute and adorable. “Yeah? I’m sure he was super happy to meet you to!” Barrette replies trying to match her excitement. Those two are so cute right now, I can’t even explain it! I think amusedly to myself while I’m stuffing a pack of ‘fresh’ frozen steak, into the basket. On a similar thought I can’t help but mentally agree with the woman at the counter, Barrette is very laid back. I can definitely say that Hollywood hasn’t hit him too hard, he still remembers who his friends are and he also remembers where home is. After tossing the makings for beef stew  into the basket I turn to find the drinks aisle, and not the kind that either Barrette or myself really need.  By drinks I don’t mean water, or even soda, I am searching for Tennessee Honey, yes Whiskey. Plus for me to make a beef stew I need a gallon of milk, actually I only need two tablespoons of it but I don’t think milk is sold by the table spoon.

As for Barrette he steps away from the counter to retrieve a case of water and a bottle of cola from the fridge before heading back to the register. I notice that Leah’s sandy blonde haired mother must not have realized that I was in here with Barrette causing her to be confused by him watching me.

“Lizzy, are you ready yet?” Barrette calls using a cute shortened version of my middle name, my head snaps around to look at him with wide eyes. Did he just use a pet name on me? I think incredulously as I start towards the counter trying to soften my expression. If he wants to play the cute newlywed game as a cover then we will play.

“Last minute camping items, right honey?” I smile at the cashier then look at Barrette giving my best overly happy newlywed look, that sparkling ogle eyed look is not something I’m good at portraying though. I need to find a better way to get my point across, without missing a beat I look at the cashier then back to Barrette batting my eye lashes adorably before speaking to him.

“Kay, babe I’m gonna go put gas in the car while you finish up