by Kara Hart
“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 Thirteen
“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 ca
reful 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.
“We’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.
Adam stepped out of the SUV and walked up to the old man. They stood a few feet apart, speaking slowly and carefully. They shook hands and embraced, pounding each other's back, while nodding. Adam walked back in a determined manner, lighting another cigarette.
“We’re good to go.” He said.
“To go where? Can you fill me in for once?” I liked being his sidekick and all, but he made me feel like a dumb girl sometimes.
“Look, there's a reason for not telling you everything. If things go wrong, you're in the clear. Got it? I told you earlier, we’re visiting an old friend.” He looked at me and could tell I was angry. He breathed in deep, staring at me. I stayed silent, glaring out into the green forest that surrounded us. I felt the car pull forward and about a mile into the forest was a small clearing with a cottage in the center of it. He parked the car and got out.
“So you two made it.” The man said, still stroking his chin. “Almost surprised. News been covering you two for days now. Come on in.” He gestured toward the house. In the driveway was an old motorcycle, covered in dust and old spider webs.
“Who's motorcycle is that?” I asked him. Adam looked at me as if I had done something wrong. My eyes fell to the dirt and pine needles on the ground.
“I don't believe we met. Name is Bruce Johnston. And that there relic is my old lady Bertha. She may not look like much, but in her prime she was a fucking warrior, man. Adam here knows that more than anyone.” He shook my hand.
“I'm Rose.” I said. He looked me up and down, examining my body.
“Young and gorgeous. Just the way we like ‘em.” He punched at Adam’s arm playfully as we made our way into the living room.
“Yeah well, the heart wants what the heart wants.” Adam said to him.
We sat on the ragged chairs by the door to the backyard, while he went into the kitchen’s refrigerator. “Now, I know it ain't much.” He began, tossing us a beer each. “But this here's my little paradise. Ain't as glamorous as your little desert thing, but I get by. I get by…” He took a swig of beer and slammed it onto the table in the center of the room.
“Property of the federal government.” Adam corrected him. “Or at least I'd have to think.”
“What in the hell are you talking about boy?” He asked him, turning serious.
“We got overrun by a group of SUV’s. Black. Tinted windows. There were bullets everywhere, and I mean everywhere. I'm certain that it's Brianna’s men. They knew exactly where the place was. If it weren’t Brianna, it would have to be Jorge. But he saved our asses back there, pops. I mean it. He pulled some heavy artillery shit back there.”
I shook my head in disbelief. Did I hear him right? Pops?
“Shit.” Bruce whispered through gritted teeth. “Brianna? You sure?” He took a big swig of his beer and grimaced.
“I know it’s hard to believe, but she ain’t one of us. She’s a fed, dad.”
“Jesus. Christ… That bitch used to come in this god damn house all the time. A fed… I can hardly believe it.” He took another drink, this time downing the whole can. “Motherfucking cock sucker…” He began muttering under his breath, pondering what he had just heard.
“Shit, I know how you feel. It hit me hard too. But now we gotta’ deal with things. And fast. Hell if I’m gonna’ die by the likes of her.”
He looked up at Adam, solemnly. “She know you’re here?” He asked him.
Adam shook his head, staring at the table and picking at the aluminum ring at the top of his beer. “Nah. Just didn’t have anywhere to go. I fucked up. Lost all my fortune. What am I going to do now?”
I nearly lost all my patience listening to this. I stood up from the seat. “So you’re his dad?” I asked him.
“Sure am.” He said. He turned to Adam. “She looks like your mother did. You know. Back when I first met her.”
Adam smiled. “I can’t remember. But I’ve seen the pictures.”
I blushed. “And you know Brianna Baxter?” I nearly screamed the question.
“If getting drunk and telling her a bunch of times to get off my property, counts as knowing someone, than yeah I knew the bitch.” He stood up to grab another beer. “Look, I get it. This is all new information for you. You’re feeling confused. But you gotta’ trust in my son, kid. He ain’t gonna’ let you down.”
I looked at Adam. He was peering out the window, making sure no one had followed us. I suddenly felt safe. I felt good, despite the confusion surrounding our circumstance. After all, this was the new life I chose, right?
“Yeah, I know. He seems okay.” I laughed. Adam smiled and went back to looking out the window.
“It’s good you came here, you two. You’re safe here. For now at least. I can’t tell you how long that will last. But tonight we’ll have one big family dinner. Like old times, Adam. Remember? Us and the gang?”
“Do I ever. Before I went solo.” Adam smiled, stroking his chin.
“I never got why you did that in the first place. I mean, I get it. But we lost something big when you left. The whole thing just fucking crumbled into nothin’. Hell, now look at us.”
“Yeah? And what are the boys doing now?”
“It’s like I said. I heard Avery owns a bar in New Mexico. Somewhere tame, you know. I think after he got his face slashed, he was more ready than ever to get on with his life. Rand
y is a trucker now, I’ll be damned. Of all things to do. You really inspired the men to lose themselves, you know that?” He shook his head.
Adam chucked to himself, rubbing his chin like his dad. “Yeah, well sometimes life pushes you to do things that don’t exactly make sense. Still, there’s not much use in regrets.”
“No, I guess there ain’t. You learned well, son. Just glad you’re back home to visit your old man.” He took a giant swig and threw the empty can into the corner of the room. “Come on, help me cook the chili.” He motioned to me.
Chapter Fourteen
“Watching you smoke that cigarette is killin’ me, man.” Adam’s dad smiled. He looked as if he we would do just about anything for a drag.
I mixed the chili in a big pot on the stove. “Why don’t you just have one?” I asked him.
“Can't. Quit years ago. Doctor told me my lungs looked blacker than coal. Ain't no thing though. I'll survive, man. Got this grass stuff now that seems to take the anxiety away. Probably better for me in the long run anyhow.”
I shrugged. “I suppose you’re right.” Adam smiled, taking another deep inhale. He looked like he was enjoying this cigarette in particular.
“Ah shit, one won't kill me, right?” Bruce held a dirty hand out in front of him. Adam reluctantly pulled one out and set it in his cracked palm. “Thank you kindly.” He bowed.
“So I’ve been thinking about our next move.” Adam said suddenly.
“You have?” I asked him. I was curious to hear what he had to say. Despite the charming qualities of our stay here, I knew that our time was almost up. I most certainly didn’t want the feds to bust in and catch us. If something were to happen to Adam, my whole existence would be meaningless. I’d just be that lonely girl in the park, stuck in her books with no ground in reality. Perhaps that was what some people wanted out of life. But after experiencing the things I had seen, I couldn’t turn back now.
