She’s a Runner

by B Amari

  Andreas was in the kitchen area off to the right of the dragon fountain. I could hear the skillet in front of him sizzling. I knew that sound. That was the sound of sweet, sweet bacon. My nose followed the scent, my feet almost floating off the floor.

  Andreas smiled when he turned to place the bacon on the plates he’d set at the table, as if last night didn’t happen, and we didn’t have a living breathing man strapped to a metal bar in the lounge area. “Hope you like it crispy.”

  “Of course I do,” I scoffed. “Who wants half raw pig in any form?” I snatched a slice from the plate, and moaned as I savoured the salty goodness. I wouldn’t splurge and eat the whole ginormous pile Andreas had put in front of me, it was a mountain of bacon, and I was tempted to climb it, but I had to think of my damn digestive problems.

  When I was young, a lot of my digestive organs decided they didn't want to work properly anymore. Enough so that I could live a healthy life, but if I tried to enjoy it all kinds of bad results popped up, and lots and lots of pain. My gallbladder was gone, thank the Gods for that. Those attacks had been horrid. Everytime, I thought I would die. I thought maybe that's the level of pain a woman went through in childbirth. Pair that with ulcers and esophagus damage from an early eating disorder - which I’d conquered - my innards were shite. But, now I’m rambling.

  The door to the elevator chimed, and my entire body stiffened.

  “It’s just Silas,” Andreas said quietly. “I had to buzz him up. Don’t worry, no one is going to find you here.”

  I nodded. I felt a sudden sense of shame for my weakness, but like Silas said: A good self awareness was a good trait to have. I shouldn’t be ashamed that I felt fear. This was my reality now. Fear was going to be present more often now than even before, and acting like it wasn’t was stupid. Ignorance was weakness. Fear could be a great motivator. A strength.

  Silas’ wide shoulders towered a shadow over my back. I didn’t turn around. I wasn’t exactly sure what he was feeling after last night. Better to let him make the first move. His large, tanned, muscular arm reached right over my shoulder, just barely brushing me. It sent tingles down my arm.

  The cup he placed in front of me was just a nondescript take away cup, with nothing written on it; no sharpie, no lid chalk, nothing. I forgot for a moment that I was torturing myself with the suspense of letting him break the silence between us. I spun around on my stool and came face to face with the wide expanse of his chest. I looked up slowly. “What’s this?”

  Silas smiled. He moved away from me and towards Andreas, placing a cup in front of him as well. “One little Minx, as requested.”

  Andreas nodded his approval. “Many thanks.”

  Hold up! Wait a minute. Put a little muscle in it. I sang in my head, laughing at myself. When did these two get so chummy? What had I missed by falling asleep last night, by being so inside my own head?

  “Okay first of all,” I started. “You didn’t answer my question. What have you placed in front of me? I’m not drinking it until I know. Second, where have you been all morning? I got up and you were gone! And lastly, why the hell would you name a drink Little Minx?” I scowled at them both but mostly at Andreas. That nickname was sticking, as much as I tried to ignore when he said it so that he wouldn't see my annoyance and do it even more

  Silas chuckled, his face lighter than it had been last night. Something had changed while I slept and I wanted to know what it was. “What’s going on? Why are you suddenly so… carefree? You were practically rabid last night.”

  Silas popped the top on his to-go cup and indulged himself in whatever was in it. When the cup came back down he placed it beside his plate and his pile of bacon. “A good night's rest can do all sorts of things,” he explained.

  I wasn’t buying it, but Silas didn’t seem like he was going to be any more forthcoming than that.

  I rose from the breakfast island and took my plate to the counter. I was going to set the plate down and go back to the Napping Temple chair, but I picked it back up out of spite. Fine, let them bro it up without me. “Andreas, you know you could have told Silas to grab me some clothes while he was at the coffee shop. Nice looking out.” I walked by them both and went to the bar, placing my left over bacon in from of Calix. “Eat, you’re going to need your strength if we’re going to get through this without one of those shitheads killing you. Lord knows I’ll need mine.”

  I sighed but didn't wait for a reply. I made my way to the chair of the gods and flopped down. Someone was laughing at me. I quickly hopped back up and sat on my knees, peering over the back of the chair, ready to scold Silas or Andreas; tell them to give me five before my temper flared, but they were both stuffing their faces.

  I slowly turned back to our captive. Quiet chuckles were leaving his bruised lips. Man, Silas had really hit him before bringing him outside last night. A tear trickled down his cheek, and I was up and out of the chair in seconds.

  I realised how stupid that was and halted feet from Calix. “Why are you laughing? And crying? What’s wrong with you.”

  “Oh, my lady,” Calix managed between laughs. “ You place this perfect offering of sustenance in front of me but I have no way to obtain it.” He shook his hand, cuffed to the metal post. Another laugh falling from his lips.

  The way he spoke to me didn’t sound anything like the other encounter I had with his kind before. Was he joking with me? Making fun of me? I turned back to Andreas and Silas at the breakfast nook, both had stopped eating, their hands half way to their mouths.

  That angry set of Andreas’ jaw was back. “Don’t even think about it Medoe. We can’t let him loose.”

  “What about if he has to pee?” I asked honestly. “You gonna hold a bucket for him?”

  Silas laughed. “Not it.”

  My head fell back and I stared at the ceiling. How was I ever going to do anything with these two? I took a deep breath. “It’s settled then.” I got closer to Calix and plopped down beside the plate on the floor. I picked up a slice of bacon and held it out for him. “No biting okay?”

  I saw the rise of laughter in his chest but no sound came out. His head rose to receive the bacon, but before I could feed it to him it was knocked out of my hand. Silas stood over me again.

  “Fine, I’ll feed the bastard. Just… stop doing that.” Silas growled at me.

  “Doing what?!” I yelled. I really didn’t like this side of Silas. He needed to knock it off.

  “Putting yourself in danger. My nerves are never going to hold if you keep getting so close to the enemy.”

  Oh boohoo, his nerves. “Well guess what! My nerves aren’t going to handle this caveman bullshit.” I got up from the floor and stood chest to almost-chest - damn female shortness - with Silas. “I survived years without you two. I got myself out of more than one dangerous situation unscathed and I’m sure this will be no different. What’s he going to do to me? He’s cuffed to the bar, the bar is bolted into a cement floor. What! Could! He! Do? I’m not putting myself in danger, I’m having some fucking human decency.”

  I waited for Silas to yell back, but he just stared at me unblinkingly. The silence around the room drew on, before Andreas broke it. “The captive shit is looking up your t-shirt Minx.”

  I looked down to where the captive sat. Sure enough he was perving through his one good eye.

  “Ugh!” I threw my hands up and marched away from them all, into the bathroom. I slammed the only door in the stupid open concept place and plunked my ass down on the side of the jet-tub. Why had I thought the floor plan was beautiful before? It gave very little options for temper tantrum departures.

  Now what do I do? In the moment of my indecision that annoying pussy voice came blaring back to life inside my mind. Run, survive. One step than another, then another, until you’re safe.

  “I AM fucking safe!” I yelled, then remembered the boys. They were going to think I was in here talking to myself. I slapped my forehead. Of course they were going to think that.
That was what I was doing. I took a couple settling breaths and started towards the door, when a shallow knock sounded.

  “Medoe? It’s me.” Silas said sheepishly.

  “What do you want?” I yelled through the door.

  “Medoe, just open up. I have something for you.”

  I was already halfway there, and if I didn't like what he had to say I could always slam the door in his face again. That would be satisfying. I took my time getting to the knob and opening the door a crack. I peeked my head through. “What?”

  Silas looked nervous. His hands behind his back, and am unsure smile wavering, one arm came from behind him holding my forgotten coffee cup. I had forgotten about coffee. Something was wrong here, either that or these guys really got under my skin.

  I snatched the cup from his hand. “Is that all?”

  “Listen Em...Medoe” Silas stumbled, almost calling me by one of my aliases. “I didn’t mean to be so overbearing, okay? I just. I couldn’t stop myself. It’s instinct.”

  “Is that your half cocked attempt to apologize for being a sexist caveman? I Silas. I Protect. Female Small, Weak, Dumb.” I said with venom.

  Silas rightfully looked scolded. “No that… that wasn’t. I’m not very good at this. What I’m trying to say is, I’m sorry. That’s the apology. I’m sorry for not seeing inside you the fierceness you would have needed to survive by yourself. I apologize for treating you like a child. And, I’m sorry for naming that drink after Andreas’ nickname for you, it was stupid.” Silas’ other arm came out from behind his back. Hanging in the crook of his elbow was a faded strap with denim patches that led down to a large beach bag. “Andreas didn’t need to tell me to pick up some of your stuff, because I thought of it all on my own. I really am sorry.”

  I snatched the bag from him, but couldn’t put any animosity into it. He had admitted his fault, sincerely apologized, and brought peace offerings. Men like that didn’t exist! Or so the female population thought. But I had one, in front of me, begging forgiveness. Land ahoy fellow vagina owners, I found the fucking unicorn.

  Well, so long as he wasn’t always an asshat, then making up for it. That pattern got old quick. I decided to give the poor man a break. “I forgive you Silas. Just remember, I can take care of myself. You do that and we’ll be good to go.” I smiled, and slammed the door. Hard.

  Ahhhhh, so satisfying.

  I dug around in the bag Silas brought. New panties right on top. I loosed a laugh, he had left them until dead last. The image of Silas uncomfortably going through the things in the apartment above the cafe, trying to find anything else I might need just to avoid going for that panty drawer. I shook the image away and dug deeper.

  Pants, a skirt, a long sleeve, and a short sleeve top, two camisoles, sneakers, flip flops, a few of my knives, and a pair of socks littered the bag. The treasure at the bottom however, got Silas out of the dog house. My little black book. Lying next to it was the cell phone that Andreas had forced upon me. I was kind of thankful for that now.

  I pulled them out and threw the bag. The rest of the bags contents spilled on the floor. I’d get dressed in a minute. Laying my black book and cell on the counter I went for the door. I swung the door with purpose and strode back over to the captive. “Get on your knees.” I demanded.

  Calix looked up at me surprised but did as I asked. He used the bindings that were attached to the top of the bar to pull his torso up, folding his legs beneath him and sitting back on his feet.

  “No, up. No sitting.” I was surprised when he followed direction. What did this cult do to their members?

  I walked around him until I could reach his back pocket. I reached in and grabbed. Sure enough the asshat was carrying his wallet. I wanted to jack slap the ametuer, and remind him you didn’t carry ID when you were out on a job. Then I remembered he was wasn’t my friend. I didn’t need to share my sage street knowledge with him.

  I marched back into the bathroom without a glace towards the breakfast bar. I could smell the reheated leftovers of whatever Andreas had ordered last night, and I was tempted to rush over and grab a plate, but I had better things to do.

  I closed myself back into the bathroom and locked the door. I would let them think I was still having some kind of PMS melt down, that was as good of a cover as it got for us chickas. First I’d call Sandy, my lawyer. She was the only one that got a check-in call from me, ever. I met her at a night club - once - and she suggested I check-in every three months with what Quadrant of the country I was in, and if I missed it, something was wrong. At least one person in the world would know I was missing. I had to start remembering here if I were to get into anymore life threatening situations. At least that one thing could get booted from my panic list. I wouldn’t die unknown and forgotten.

  The small phone rang four times before she picked up. “Sandy Shoreman Attorney’s office. How may I help you?”

  Sandy’s chipper voice was a balm to the fettered threads of reality. I held back the giggle that wanted to come out of my mouth when she said her name. I always found it cruel and fucking hilarious that her parents named her Sandy Shoreman.

  “Hey SanSan. Just checking in. Making sure my retainer is still on ice. May need to invoke you soon, dunno.”

  Sandy’s chipper voice quieted to an echo-y whisper. I wanted to laugh. I could picture her now, she was scrunched down to her desk, caved in on herself, with her hand cupping the microphone as she spoke into it to hide her words. I didn’t discourage her privacy attempt, but it really wasn’t that important to hide our phone calls, not that I’d tell her.

  “You’re a month early. Are you okay? Do you need me to do anything?”

  “Nah, SanSan I just needed to hear a familiar voice. So… I’m alive. You're alive, still doing the law shit, and this number still works. Thanks girl.” I hit end on the call. I had totally just spazzed. Not my finest moment, but she was the closest thing I have to a girlfriend right now, and I’d only met her once, so girl y’all would be awkward.

  I flipped the pages in my black book to the next person on my list. After dialing the number, and waiting forever for him to answer, I finally found him. “Hello?” his voice rang from the other end.

  “Hey Techtonic. It’s Runaway. You couldn’t do me a real solid, really quick? Like in the next five minutes.” I asked.

  “I’m hands free Runaway, shoot.”

  I pinched the phone between my ear and shoulder and dug through the captives wallet. A fucking library card? That was all he kept on him? “Okay I need an ID on a Calix Griffon. All priors, home adresses, family, fucking college classes if you can do it.”

  “Whoa, Runaway. You’re gonna owe me big for this one.” Techtonic bargained. “On it.”

  He knew whatever the cost I’d find a way to pay it. Two minutes had passed by my estimation. “Running out of time Tech.”

  “Got him, well what’s left of him.” Tech replied.

  “What do you mean Tech, no games I need facts and I need them fast?”

  “Well dudes got a birth cert and nothing else, he’s a ghost, Runner. Totally scrubbed. I’m sorry.”

  What the fucking holy shit balls. “Are you sure?” I asked a little skeptically. Tech could find anything on anyone. If there was dirt, he could find it. I’d found him so deep on the dark web, some hackers thought he was a fable.

  “Listen Runner, if I could find anything else, I swear, I’d give it to you. Don’t worry about the debt. I don’t take payment for duds...not that it’s ever happened. Who the hell are you involved with Runner?” Tech asked, his voice rising higher and higher with each word.

  “I don’t know Tech, I don’t know. Thanks anyways.” I went to press the end button but I could still hear Tech screaming on the other end. I couldn’t let anyone else in. I had to end the call, but his echoes of Don’t you hang up on me Runner, I will break my promise, I will find you, was making it really hard to do. I put the phone back up to my ear.

  “Just calm down and s
hut up Tech, we don’t know each other. You did me this favor and I owe you, don’t worry about anything other than that. I’ll fill you in if I find out anything I think you don’t already know okay? I won’t break my promise. Intel for privacy, that’s our deal. Don’t look for me.” I ended the call.

  I got up from the tub ledge and put on some leggings. I was gonna keep this t-shirt. I’d appreciate it more than Mr. Fancypants ever would.

  I walked out of the bathroom ready to go. “Andreas, Silas? Want to go to an interrogation?”

  Both men turned from where they were whispering with one another, and made their way towards me. Silas put a palm on my shoulder as he walked by me, and towards Calix. Andreas stopped and grabbed me by the hips drawing me closer. “I like the way you look in my clothes. I liked it better when you were in nothing but.”

  I felt the blush rising and pushed it down. Now was not the time for that. I had a cult killer to figure out. “Not now Andreas.” I pushed from him and joined Silas.

  Andreas approached looking a shade grumpy at my rejection. “Why don’t we just kill him and get it over with. One less threat to face.”

  My shoulders dropped. We had been over this. “Because I have questions, remember?”

  Andreas shrugged and strode behind the bar. He started uncapping bottles and mixing himself a drink.

  Silas had withdrawn a satchel from beside the couch that I didn’t notice before. He started taking out instruments I had seen before, on the black market. Torture tools. Fuck that nonsense.

  “Silas, no, were not torturing him. Where did you even get that?”

  Silas’ head whipped up. “Why the hell not? You want the truth don’t you?”

  “Well, yeah, of course I do. Have you ever thought that maybe I could start by asking?”

  Silas scoffed at me. “He will lie. But do this your way.” He took his tools off the floor and put them back in the bag.

  “Thank you.” I said, and I meant it. He wasn’t fighting me on this, well not too hard at least.