by Lari Smythe
Chapter 10
Tink and I made a scouting run around the outskirts of town before sunrise. Everything looked quiet and the parking lot at Kelly's was empty. Tink confirmed that he hadn't seen any signs of the bikers either. It looked like we were good to go. It was good and bad at the same time. While it meant we were safe, it also meant they had gone after Elizabeth and Benjamin. I' pretty sure Tink realized the gravity of that, I know I did. At least to some degree, we were correct, some or all of were being hunted.
Jason insisted on taking the first shift behind the wheel. I think he just wanted to drive the strange little car. It turned out the windows had some kind of dark film adhered to them which was good, it kept the sun off of Tink and I. The car definitely lacked creature comforts—it was noisy, smelled and you felt like the roof was crushing down on you the whole time. It was however much more powerful than I expected. Nowhere near the power of my Malibu, but not to shabby. All in all it was a fun car and Jason really seemed to enjoy the looks we got on the highway. He made it all the way to our first gas stop in South Carolina and thoroughly enjoyed answering questions about the car at the gas station.
There really wasn't any sense in me and Tink taking turns so Tink drove and I rode shotgun so Jason could crash in the back seat. He must have really been exhausted to sleep though the noise, but he managed despite his wound.
We were in North Carolina on Route 77, racing down the side of the mountain when we passed him in the median.
"Crap," I said, twisting around in the seat so I could look out the tiny slit of a back window. "Great, he's pulling out."
Tink looked at me apologetically.
"I don't suppose this thing can out run the cops?"
"Not a chance—it's no Malibu."
I glanced down at Jason asleep in the back seat. "What do we do?" We were starting up a steep incline and the engine began to groan as the car slowed.
"I don't think we'll have time to grab him, so we'll have to ditch him."
"Ahh!" I huffed. "He's going to love me for this one. Okay, lets do it, that looks like as good a place as any."
Tink swerved onto the shoulder and slammed on the brakes. As the car came to a stop, he and I jumped out and sprinted into the underbrush. Moments later the police car—lights flashing—pulled up behind the car.
"Did you see that?" One of the policemen said.
"Nah, no way, nothing moves that fast—must have been a heat mirage."
Both doors opened and the two police officers approached the car from either side. The cop on the driver's side leaned down to look in the window and then raised back up to address his partner. "There's nobody inside."
"What?" The other cop said bending over to look in the window.
I glanced at Tink, maybe we were going to get lucky.
"Hey!" The cop yelled, tapping the butt of his gun against the roof.
"What's going on?" That was Jason's voice.
"Out of the car, son."
Jason clamored out of the car, looking very confused. "Who are you guys?"
The cop tapped his badge. "The police."
"Right, what do you want?"
"You were speeding."
"I was sleeping."
"Come around to the back of the car. I'm going to need your license and registration."
Jason grabbed the registration out from under the clip on the visor and followed the cop around to the back of the car. One of the cops took the registration and Jason's license back to the police car.
"So you expect me to believe you were asleep in the back of the car?"
"I was."
"Okay, kid, spread 'em up against the car." He patted Jason down.
"Hey," Jason complained. "Take it easy on the arm."
"How'd you get hurt?"
"Dislocated my shoulder," Jason lied.
The other cop got something out of their trunk and joined his partner. "Anything?"
"Nah, he's clean."
"Same with his record, nothing."
The cop from the car, set a box on the hood and pulled out what looked like an inhaler.
"Okay, kid, blow."
Jason took the inhaler, blew in it and handed it back to the cop. "I haven't been drinking."
"We'll see." He looked to his partner.
"He's good."
The cop made a slow trip around the car looking it over carefully winding up back with Jason and his partner.
"They're not going to arrest him are they?" I said to Tink.
"So here's the deal kid. The car was speeding so somebody had to be driving. I don't know how you got in the back seat, but there isn't anybody else here. So—"
Just then, a yellow Camaro and a silver Mustang flew past. There was no question they were racing. The cops exchanged a quick glance.
"Your lucky day, kid." The cop said as his partner grabbed the box off the hood. They started back to their car. "Take it easy in that thing, it looks like a death trap."
"Right, no problem," Jason waved as they sped away, siren blaring.
I slapped Tink in the shoulder. "You be more careful."
"Sorry, I was just having some fun—we weren't in any danger."
"I know, we just don't need anymore drama."
Tink looked around. "This is probably close enough."
"Close enough to what?"
"Melanie and Nathan's. Their place is just over that ridge."
"Already?"
"Yep. You two will be fine, there was never any concern that they were after you."
"But what about—"
"You'll be fine, trust me. Once I hook up with Melanie and Nathan we'll find Benjamin and Elizabeth. Together, we'll handle this."
"Together without me," I protested. "I'm supposed to be a part of the family."
"You are, but this isn't your fight—besides, protecting each other is what families do."
I wrapped my arms around him. "Promise you'll keep me informed."
"Sure, I don't think this guy is very technical—shouldn't be a problem." Tink stepped away. "You two behave yourselves."
"We will."
"Alright, then."
"Bye."
Tink raced off into the woods. I was still looking after him when I heard footsteps behind me.
"Thanks a lot," Jason said.
I turned to face him.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"Tink's gone."
"Melanie's?"
I just nodded.
"Well, I guess it's just you and me babe. He wouldn't have left us if we weren't safe."
"That's what he said."
"You're not afraid are you?" He put his good arm around me.
"Yes, I'm afraid. I know it sounds stupid to you, but I'm afraid, okay."
He winced as he lifted my chin with his other hand. "No, it's never stupid to be afraid especially with so much at stake. This may sound stupid, but I will do everything in my power to protect you. I won't let anyone get through me, promise."
I kissed him. "I love you."
"I know. We should go, don't want to give those cops a second chance."
"Okay."
Jason took my hand and we walked back to the car. He got in behind the wheel. When we crossed the next ridge, just a few miles from Virginia, we passed the cops with the Camaro on the side of the road. Guess the Mustang must have won. We stopped for gas near Blacksburg, but Jason still wanted to drive. I have to admit, it really did look like he was enjoying driving the car. It was late—hours later—when we finally merged onto Interstate 70, the final leg of our journey home.
"You tired?" I said.
"No, I'm good. Hey, what day is it?"
"I don't know, I don't really keep track. Well, I did with school, but otherwise, not so much."
"You're going to have to start again—you know when we go back to school."
"I don't know—"
"Don't even think about it," Jason said. "You and me—all in, remember? We're going back to school and put
all this craziness behind us."
I smiled. What he described was wonderful—normal, I'm just not sure if it was realistic. "The twenty fourth I think."
"What?"
"December twenty fourth—the day."
"Christmas Eve," Jason said with a fondness in his voice.
"Yeah, I guess it is."
"Hey, I got an idea."
I waited, but he didn't elaborate. "Hello?"
"Patience, girl. By the way, I meant what I said, you and me. I'm sure Mom will understand."
"Understand what?"
"You're staying with us."
"I am not."
"Yes you are. I love you—you love me and no way am I going to leave you alone—it ain't happening."
"Jason, that's sweet, but—"
"Stop right there, no buts."
"You missed the turn," I pointed out.
"I know."
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
We wound around the side of the mountain on Old Route 40. He really was having too much fun driving. He glanced down at his watch as we started to slow. "Hope it's not over."
"What's not over?"
We turned into the parking lot of an old stone church.
"You're not serious?" I gasped.
"Sure, why not, it's Christmas Eve. Time to start earning some brownie points."
"But look at us," I complained. The idea of going into a church was— well frightening, the way we were dressed was just an excuse.
"Mom won't care."
"Your mother's here?"
Jason coasted to a stop and crawled out. He opened my door and offered me his hand. "Sure. Come on, she's going to be thrilled to see us."
From where we were, we could here the congregation singing. I let Jason help me out of the car. He wrapped his arm around mine, brushed back my hair and led me toward the stairs. I know he could feel my rising apprehension with each step we climbed, but he patted my hand and forged on.
"Here we go," he said, pushing the huge wooden door open with his back.
I froze when the blast of warmth laced with the smell of burning candles washed over us. "I don't belong here, Jason."
"Don't be ridiculous, you're proof that there is eternal life." He pulled me through the doorway into the foyer. In front of us, there was another set of doors that led into the sanctuary. "Just smile and be your gorgeous self."
I didn't have control of my feet and just stumbled forward as Jason led us to the doors.
"You mind?" Jason said, motioning toward his sling. "I can't open the door."
I shook my head.
"Come on, it's almost over."
I took a hold of the ornate handle and pulled.
"Please rise," The minister said as we stepped into the room. The people in the last few rows turned to look at us. I thought Jason would be totally embarrassed, but he was beaming. I veered us off into the back row.
"Let us bow our heads in prayer. Thank you Lord for this time of year when we pause to remember your greatest gift, the baby Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Thank you for…"
"What are you doing?" I whispered to Jason as he pulled me back out into the aisle.
"Shhh."
We were no longer just arm in arm I was clinging to him. The minister looked up and smiled as we reached the halfway point down the aisle.
"… for it is his sacrifice that brings us eternal life. Thank you for the celebration of Christmas—for love—for family. In your name we pray, amen. Let us praise his name by singing hymn number one hundred and forty two."
The organ played a few bars.
The minister raised his arms out to the side over his flock. "If there are those among you who wish to join us in God's love, we invite you to come forward while we sing."
The congregation began singing.
"No, Jason, this is wrong."
He tightened his arm around me. "We'll be fine."
"I don't belong here. If they knew what I was they'd—"
We stopped. "If they knew you like I do they'd love you too." Jason kissed my cheek and continued.
The minister motioned us up the three steps to where he was standing. When the congregation saw us come forward, they sang louder as if celebrating.
"Welcome," he said, resting his hands on our shoulders. "Jason—Jason Whitaker isn't it?"
"Yes."
"And who's your young friend, Jason?"
"Izzy," I whispered.
"Izzy Faulkner," Jason clarified.
"What a blessing, I'm so glad you've both come forward to share God's love, and on such an auspicious night. When the congregation finishes the hymn, I'll introduce you, say a few words and then we'll pray. Would either of you like to say anything?"
I shook my head.
"I would," Jason said.
Before I could ask, the song concluded and the minister turned us to face the congregation. As if drawn by a magnet, my eyes found Jason's mom. At first she smiled—seeing Jason I presumed—but the smile vanished quickly, no doubt the sling.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to have Miss Izzy Faulkner, and Mr. Jason Whitaker come forward to pronounce their faith in Jesus Christ. I'm sure most of you have met Jason's mother—she works tirelessly to help with the refreshments after Sunday services. Like Jason, Izzy is new to our area. I believe Jason would like to say a few words."
"Hey," Jason said, easing forward slightly.
The congregation laughed, allowing Jason a moment to gather himself.
"So, I just wanted to say, that me and Izzy here have only known each other for a few months, but I've learned more about the wonders of this world in those few months than I have my whole life. No one has taught me more about love—about life—and about eternity than Izzy." He looked at his mom. "Well except for maybe you, Mom. God bless you." Jason eased back next to my side.
"Let us pray."
"Jason," I said, not looking up—I hadn't looked up since seeing his mother's reaction. "Why did you do this?"
"It will make later easier."
"Later?"
He squeezed my hand.
"…in Jesus' name we pray, amen."
The organ blasted a triumphant cord.
"Follow me," the minister said, starting down the stairs.
I still hadn't looked up when we reached the back of the sanctuary.
"We'll stand here and allow people to greet you as they leave," The minister said, motioning us toward the right side of the foyer. "No need to be nervous, just smile and shake hands. Don't be alarmed if not to many people stop, it is Christmas Eve."
"Shake hands?" I tugged on Jason's arm.
Jason reached behind us and snatched a pair of white gloves off the desk. "Put these on, nobody will ever know."
I quickly slipped on the gloves as people started filing out of the sanctuary.
Everyone was cordial and no one seemed to notice my hands were cold. The minister had to fend off a few of the men, that probably had had a little too much eggnog before the service, but other than that we escaped unscathed. As the crowd quickly thinned—as the minister had suggested it might—I realized we hadn't seen Jason's mom. That couldn't be good.
"Well, I'll see you kids on Sunday." The minister shook our hands and then ran off to meet his wife and kids.
"Did you see your mom?" I asked.
Jason looked back into the sanctuary. "No—awe don't worry about it, we'll see her at home."
"We?"
"Yeah, remember you're staying with us?"
"No I'm not."
"Fine, then you explain to my mom why we're going to shack up in your parents house—alone."
"Is that why you did this—to soften her up?"
Jason shrugged. "Everything I said was true—besides, I'm not going to heaven or hell, I'm staying here with you."
"Ahh," I huffed in frustration. "You're impossible."
"Come on, they'll want to lock up."
