by Sara Schoen
No, you wouldn’t have. Then you wouldn’t be getting my attention right now, I thought.
“So I went around back and saw Mia on her bike heading toward town. I figured she was going to find you. You weren’t at the station when I went by and no one at the station had seen Mia.”
My fuse slowly burned down to the end; any moment I’d explode if Caroline didn’t suddenly become helpful. No matter how small the town is, it would still take a long time to find two people. My only solace is that Mia knows the town and the trails better than Wes does. She could hide, out run him, and maybe make it back to town safely. Still, I hope I can find her before he gets anywhere near her.
“I passed the rescue station and saw her bike leaning up against Harrison’s cabin. I think she took off into the woods to lose the guy when she saw that Harrison wasn’t home. Maybe she found Twisted Trail and wanted to use it to loop back around.” She turned and pointed toward one of the trail heads for Twisted Trail. It started on one side of the rescue station and wrapped around the mountains until it came out behind the McKnight’s cabin.
From where she would have entered by Harrison and Nora’s cabins, the trailhead closest to her was the one near the McKnight’s. If I had to guess, she’d take the Twisted Trail, connect to Dark Hallows Trail, and finally make the trek up to Dead Man’s Trail. It would be a difficult climb for someone inexperienced, and she would know the caves to hide in until she could make her way back down. I just couldn’t wait that long. I had to try to help her.
“Thank you, Caroline. I’m going to try to find Mia. Find Harrison and Justin for me and tell them what’s going on. They should be at Outsiders. Actually, find everyone you can, and start posting people at each trail to find her if she comes back before I get to her. I don’t care what you have to say to get them out there or to get everyone to get along long enough to do it, just do it. Don’t take no for an answer.” I didn’t wait for her to answer. I took off as soon as I finished and headed down Lakeside until I got to the McKnight’s cabin. Chase and his sister, Skye, were outside behind the house and jumped when I rounded the corner. Their matching blue eyes widened in fear, terrified to see me, as if I’d get them in trouble for being outside.
“Do me a favor, stand here and if you see Mia, take her inside immediately. Someone from her past is after her and she’s in danger. If your dad has a problem with it, he can talk to me later.” The threat in my voice set both kids straight. They nodded and agreed not to move until I came back to tell them I found her. “I’ll hold you both to that. While you’re at it, call the police station. I need Harrison with me.” I took off down the trail and made my way toward Dead Man’s Trail. With any luck, I knew Mia well enough to know for sure where she’d end up.
With every step I took, a sharp pain shot through my foot and up my leg. I should stop running. I could end up needing surgery again if I kept running, but I couldn’t stop. I needed to find her. I needed to protect her. I would do everything in my power to rescue her, even if it meant ending another career. It would be worth it to know she was safe and keep her by my side so nothing bad could ever happen to her again. I just hope I can make it in time.
Chapter 12
“I told you that you wouldn’t get away from me that easily.” He took a deep breath, letting the hot air tickle my neck again. At one point in my life, I might have swooned, now I felt like I would puke. “When are you going to learn running doesn’t stop me from finding you. There’s always a trail, and I’ll eventually find it, and you.” His hand brushed through my hair gently, sickening me further. I never wanted him to touch me again. I always felt dirty when he did. “I hope you’ve had fun because now it’s time to come back home.”
I froze as he placed his hands on the railing on either side of me. I pressed close to the window again, hoping to see David. If I could get his attention, then maybe I could get out of here without a problem. I didn’t think Wes would hurt me in public, but I couldn’t be sure. I’d seen what he could do when he had me alone. I shuddered at the memories and fought the urge to touch my scars. I didn’t want anyone else getting hurt. If I caused a scene, then Wes could snap and hurt someone else. I’d rather it just be between him and me.
“Now, are you going to behave while I lead you outside or do I have to force you?”
I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t see David anymore. He’d be inside Lakefront any moment. He’d help me and I could get out of here. I could find Gage, or Harrison, and somehow get away from Wes. I just had to play my cards right. I took a sharp breath. I can do this. Just play it smart. He’s narcissistic; he won’t think it’s possible to outsmart him. “We can go outside, but you can’t talk to anyone else here. If you do, then I won’t go quietly.”
He seemed thoughtful for a moment, but he let me out of his hold and gestured for me to go first. I led the way through Lakefront, inching my way closer to the back of the aquarium. If I could make it into the back, he couldn’t follow me. I can lock him out. I can get David to help. I noticed Caroline watching curiously. I tried to mouth for her to help me, but I don’t think she understood. Wes turned to head toward the main entrance, and before he could notice I wasn’t following, I darted into the back. I didn’t hear him scream for me or even call for me as I slammed the door and locked it.
“Mia, what are you doing? Is everything okay?” David asked, shock prevalent in his voice, as I slid down the door to a seated position.
I shook my head. Panicked breaths were the only thing I could get to come out. I tried to recollect myself, but I couldn’t. Not with Wes in the other room. He knows where I am. I have to leave. Maybe I can make it home and grab my stuff. He can’t know where I live. I can easily ride home, collect everything and go, but what about Gage? I felt the pocket my phone was usually in, but it wasn’t there. Oh no, I left it at home!
“Mia, what’s wrong?” He came down on one knee and looked at me with concern. He probably thinks I’m crazy…
“Wes,” I said, like that explained everything. “I have to leave! He knows where I am. I have to go!” I shot up, ran past him and out of the back entrance toward the bike rack.
The sun had nearly set, casting a dark purple-grey glow over me. I jumped down the stairs and went to my bike, pulling it free and getting on. I couldn’t decide where to go. I couldn’t go home and get out again before it got dark. I didn’t want to be caught by him again. My house ay night would be a trap for me and Gage when he came by after his shift. I glanced at my cabin across the lake. It was too far, I had to go to the rescue center and find Gage. He’d know what to do. Even if he didn’t, Wes wouldn’t want to look like the bad guy so I’d buy some time.
“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” Wes rounded the building, blocking my escape. “You thought you could really outsmart me?” He laughed in the most condescending way possible. “You haven’t learned shit, Mia. When are you going to figure it out? I’m not giving up, and you can’t hide forever.”
“I shouldn’t have to hide! You ended things between us. That should have been the end of it. I gave you time alone when you wanted it, and now I want the same respect!” I didn’t realize I was screaming until passersby glanced in our direction, and frankly, I didn’t care. I’d been running for so long I was sick of it. I wasn’t leaving another town for him. “Let me live my life! I want you to leave and never come back.”
He shook his head as he reached into his pocket. I took an instinctive step back when I noticed the evil grin on his face. “You just don’t get it, do you? I’m not going anywhere without you. You should be thankful I came back. No one else will ever care about you. Your EMT friend is just using you. He’d leave you eventually, just like the others did. Without me, you’re nothing.” He looked me dead in the eye as he pulled out a gun. “I did you a favor. I let you have your freedom, but now it’s time for us to be together again.” He reached out to grab me just before the back door to the wildlife center opened. He glanced up, hiding the gun
from view, and I took my chance.
I heard David call for me, but I mounted my bike and raced off toward town. I felt bad leaving David behind with Wes, but Wes wouldn’t hurt him. At least I don’t think he would. He’s only ever hurt me, but even if Wes tried, David could handle himself. David had a conceal carry permit and somewhere in the wildlife center he kept a rifle. Besides, David hadn’t done anything and wasn’t interested in me, except on a professional level. That’s the only time Wes ever got annoyed with other people—if they were attracted to me. I shook my head to clear my thoughts. David could handle himself. I’m the one who needed help.
I followed the lake as closely as possible to have a straight shot to the rescue station. Though as I got closer, I noticed that the station was sealed tight. No, no, no. I glanced around to see some lights on, but all the doors were closed. The doors were always open if someone was there. They must be on a call somewhere.
I glanced back toward the research center to see it slowly vanish into the growing darkness. I couldn’t see Wes, but I knew better than to think I’d lost him. I still needed help or he’d come back one way or another. Frantically I looked for somewhere else to go. I caught sight of the police chief’s house with a single light on. With any luck, Harrison would be home and he could help me. I turned away from the rescue station and pedaled past the hospital toward Harrison’s cabin. That’s when I heard Wes’ voice calling my name.
“Mia…”
I glanced back in pure disbelief. He had stolen David’s bike and was heading straight toward me. I pedaled as fast as I could toward Harrison’s and left my bike in his front yard. I didn’t have time to stop and see if he was home with Wes on my tail. I had to get away so my best hope was to leave a trail. I hoped leaving my bike would give someone a sign to where I went so they could help. My bike had become recognizable in town. Harrison would wonder why it was there, call Gage, and Gage would figure it out. I had to have faith in that. Would Wes move it? Would he hide the evidence I was ever here? I mentally lit a match and burned those thoughts away as I sprinted into the woods.
Fallen tree branches and thorny bushes cut my skin. Blood rushed through my ears, my heart pounded in my chest, and I couldn’t think clearly about how to get to the trail. But if I can get to a trail, I can lose him easily. I know these trails, and he doesn’t. I can loop around and go back to town. I just have to get my bearings first. I glanced around, but nothing looked familiar and night was falling faster than I anticipated.
“Mia, when are you going to stop playing these games and just give up?” His voiced echoed off the trees, making it difficult to figure out where he was.
I never realized how hard it was to navigate the trails while being chased. I thought this would be easy, but I couldn’t stand still long enough to figure out where I was. I’d just have to run for it. I glanced around me, trying to see him, but I couldn’t. His voice bounced around, making it seem like he was coming from all directions. Can I do this? I heard a stick snap behind me. He’s coming closer. I should run. I tried to get up, but my body tensed, unwilling to move.
“Come out, Mia. I won’t hurt you.”
I bit back a scoff and rolled my eyes. He had spent years hurting me, even sent me to the hospital a few times. He’d do it without remorse. I didn’t believe him for a second.
“I mean, unless you force me to.”
His footsteps eased closer. I forced myself to move around the tree, that way he wouldn’t see me and I’d know when he got past me. That would be the best time to run.
“I don’t know why we have to play this game every time. You know I just want to be with you. Just stop running. This is what you wanted, and now I’m putting in the effort to chase you. This is what you wanted!” He walked past my tree and I slowly traversed around the trunk until we were on opposite sides.
I listened closely to his footsteps and when they drifted far enough away, I made my move. I raced in the opposite direction of Wes and hoped for the best. My feet caught on fallen branches and large rocks which were covered by plant growth, but eventually I made it to the fork between Twisted Trail and Dark Hallows Trail. The caves on Dead Man’s Trail would be the best place to hide. He’d never be able to find me there and then once I lost him, I could return to town using the trails to keep hidden. At this point, it was my only hope. I pushed up the trail toward Dead Man’s cave segments. I’d either die from a fall or kill myself trying to get away from Wes.
Chapter 13
Justin, Joe, and Harrison met up with me before I made it to the trailhead for Dead Man’s Trail. Joe had offered to drive the Jeep up the path to not waste any time, which I couldn’t be more thankful for because otherwise it would take too long to find her. And I didn’t want to think about what would happen if I got to her too late. They echoed my thoughts as I hopped in the Jeep and ordered them up Dead Man’s Trail. They all looked determined and furious as hell. Though Harrison was still beating himself up over it.
“I got Caroline and David to give me a description of his guy, and I knew exactly who they were talking about. This guy came into town about two weeks ago looking for Mia.” He shook his head, clearly disappointed with himself. “He said he was Mia’s brother and he wanted to go see her. I told him where she lived, worked, and everything. I even said he could find her with you, Gage. Shit. I just didn’t realize...” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking at the ground as if he was afraid to meet my gaze.
I was pissed, but not at him. He didn’t know Mia only had a younger sister. He didn’t know her past and he surely didn’t know anything about Wes. There wasn’t anything he could’ve done to stop this. Wes would have come eventually; I just couldn’t understand why he waited so long to come after her. If he had been here two weeks, what had he been waiting for?
“If I had known who this guy was when I saw him, then I would have arrested him or sent him away. I wouldn’t have opened my damn mouth and let him know he found the right town.”
“Don’t beat yourself up, Harrison.” I slapped him on the shoulder to force him out of his funk. “You didn’t know. You did what you thought was right, and you’re here for here when it matters most. That’s all I care about.”
“Yeah, don’t worry, Harry.” Justin turned around in the front seat to smile at him. “We’ll find Mia, and if Gage doesn’t beat the shit out of you, then Mia will. You’ll get your ass handed to you one way or another for this fuck up.” He motioned a few jabs in Harrison’s direction to let him know it was a joke before turning back around.
“I’m still sorry, man. David said he wouldn’t have thought anything of him either. He was just some regular looking guy, but he saw how frantic Mia was. He called as soon as he could, but he got into a short standoff with the guy. He took David’s bike while holding his gun on him. David didn’t even have time to pull his or he would have been shot. We had no idea what this guy was capable of until now...” His sentence trailed off, remorse clear in his voice.
I elbowed him lightly to bring him out of his head. “Don’t worry about it, Harrison. Just like Justin said, we’ll find her and when we do she can kick your ass. I’ll just be happy when she’s away from him again.” I tried not to say any more than I absolutely had to. Mia had kept it a secret and I wanted to keep it one so she could tell who she wanted. I only told the guys what they had to know, and maybe that wasn’t even enough. They knew the bare minimum; he abused her, he followed her, he ruined her life, and now was back to terrorize her again. I wasn’t sure if the last was true, but if he hurt her then I’d kill him.
My hands balled into fists. I had seen the scars on her. I had heard the stories of what he was capable of, and I wouldn’t let it happen again. Wes seemed determined to follow her and take her back. Every time she rejected him he only got worse. I shuddered at the thought. Could it get worse? He had cut her, physically and mentally. She’d been in the hospital because of him. If it got any worse... I stopped the thought there. I couldn’t let it go fu
rther. I’d get to her and everything would be fine.
“Do you know where she would have gone, Gage?” Justin asked stopping the truck at a fork in the road to turn onto Dead Man’s Trail or Dark Hallows Trail. “Dark Hallows would take her back to town the fastest, but if she’s trying to get away then—”
“She’d take Dead Man’s Trail,” I stated with such confidence, I wasn’t sure just how I knew she’d take that route. She’s comfortable in the caves and knows them, it would be easier for her to get away, but what if she did go to town? I lit a mental fire to get rid of those thoughts. Now wasn’t the time to second guess myself. I had to be confident or we may not reach her in time. “She’s heading toward the caves, I’m sure of it.”
Joe nodded, stepping on the gas pedal and pushing the car forward. We sat in silence as Joe traveled up the mountain. Each bump in the road forced us toward the roof and the dips sent us back in our seats. Hiking this incline was damn near impossible for some, going up it in a car didn’t make it any better, just less exhausting. The path up the mountain was rough. It winded, had sharp turns, tight walkways, and cliffs. Most of the injuries on trails happened up here. It was meant only for experienced hikers, but some just couldn’t help themselves and wanted to ‘try’ it.
“Any word from the station, Harrison?” Justin asked as we hit another large bump in the trail.
“No, nothing yet. We have people stationed at every trail, some are even walking the trail back and forth looking for her. It’s too dangerous to send people up here at night though so we are keeping them close to town. If anyone sees her, I’ll get a call.” Harrison looked at his phone, the light illuminating the Jeep momentarily before he put it away quickly. No one has seen her yet. We must be on the right trail.
“Mia is tough, she may not even need saving. We may just be a ride back to town.” Justin’s voice tingled with humor and support. I knew he said it for my benefit, and to ease the tension in the vehicle, but I wouldn’t feel better until I had Mia beside me again. Or if Wes was out of the picture for good.
