by Glenn Gamble
“Go now! I won’t be far behind.”
Shortly after Carla took off running, Steve and Jim engaged in a full-fledged firefight before Jim began running again. Now he was about a block and a half behind Carla. He placed his weapon in his duffle bag and took off running for the bus terminal.
Since Carla made it to the terminal first, she decided to wait for Jim before proceeding. It didn’t take long for Jim to catch up with her. Upon his arrival, she looked toward the police officers on the other side of the terminal. Noticing her body language, he slowed his run to a walk as to not look suspicious. She then gave him a transit card that she purchased from the fare machine and he placed his weapon in her purse in case the officers wanted to search him, then they walked briskly past the card machine, paid their fares and ran down the stairs once they realized that the train was about to take off.
Meanwhile, Steve came running toward the terminal with his weapon drawn. One of the four officers standing on the other side of the terminal saw a man in a police uniform running toward the terminal, but didn’t recognize him. Realizing that it was too late before he saw the patrol officers he fired two gunshots into a crowd of people to stall the officers just long enough for his escape. None of the transit riders were hit by stray bullets as the officers cleared out the crowd for their safety. By the time the officers were able to pursue him, Steve was long gone. So were Jim and Carla, as the Red Line train took off with them having boarded safely.
Jim’s cell phone rang moments later.
“Hello?”
“It’s Frank. I’m calling from a burn off.”
“Okay…”
“Look, Steve pulled me over in a police car right around my house after I dropped you and Carla off. I thought he was a cop until he got up on me with .38 jammed in my face. I had no…”
“Say no more, Frank! You did good, that’s why I had you get all those extra guys and trucks. I figured Steve wouldn’t be too far behind. What’s up with the other U-Haul?”
“The driver and his helper left. I’m sure they’re awaiting your call,” Frank responded.
“We’ll be in touch.”
###
Bon Appétit
Escape
On the Run
James
This book was edited by Shon Bacon. You can reach Shon at [email protected]
Author’s Afterword
Escape was a very fun book for me to write. I wanted to write a book that brought forth constant tension from Jim and Carla being in imminent danger. Introducing Frank as a new character brought forth some comic relief that had me laughing out loud –LOL for you texting and facebooking people—as I wrote the scene where he ate the donuts. I love Frank because on the surface he’s a sorry fat fuck, but he’s also loyal and knows how to carry out his job.
Jim and Carla continue to have friction between one another partly because in a 24 hour period Jim has taken her out of her comfortable square world in order to protect her. Imagine you and the one person who disgusts you being in a situation where you must rely on each other. Jim and Carla are in the unenviable position of initially disliking each other, yet needing each other to survive.
In the next installment, On the Run, Steve will continue to come after Jim and Carla; and Jessica will play bigger role in this story. I can’t wait to write it and deliver it to you. I’ve already outlined it, but I think its time to showcase Jessica more prominently because she plays an important role in the chasm between Jim and Steve in this series. You will also get to see Carla grow a little more.
-Glenn Gamble
May 2011
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank my mom for being my mom. I’d also like to thank my high school English teachers Mr. Beatty (Luther South), Ms. Neill (Lindblom Tech), and Mr. Majeski (Lindblom Tech) for being crazy enough to assign me to write speeches, journals, and short stories, and for being even crazier for allowing me to read them before a classroom.
I’d also like to give a special thanks to my cousin Bryan Johnson.
Contact the Author
Website:
www.GlennGamble.com
Glenn Gamble Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=156987984365009
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/glenngamble
Email:
[email protected]
