Tension fillsthe inside of the car and nobody says a word. Why did you say that,Slinky? What are you doing? You’re going to get us killed. Imagesof my dad and Katie flash through my mind. Why did I have to snooparound and ask questions about Fournier? Why couldn’t I just leavethings alone. I’ve always been too reactive. My mother always toldme it was going to get me into trouble one day and look where I amnow. I’m such an idiot, always learning the hard way.
With Slinkystill leaning forward, I listen for any movement that would signala reaction from Tank.
Then, I hearthe sound of the driver running his thumbnail down the thick metalwheel of a Zippo. Because of the tension and the silence in thecar, the sudden noise causes me to gasp loudly.
Again, thedriver flicks the lighter. This time, it works. The flame is strongand lights up the interior of the car. I look over at Slinky. Hiseyes are shifting between the men. I can see he’s anticipatingwhat’s going to happen next. My stomach is wrenching and my headpounds. If I want to live, I’ve got to try and get out of here.
The driverpulls out a cigar and sticks one end in the flame, slowly suckingon the tip until the end glows. As he blows out smoke, a strongpungent odor wafts into the back seat and makes me feel nauseous.Tank hits the man in the shoulder, “Put that shit out man, itstinks. Plus, Fournier specifically said, no smoking in thecar.”
Slinky chimesin, “See what I mean? You are well trained monkeys, obeying yourmaster and doing what you’re told. Very good,” he says, clappinghis hands slowly.
“That’s it. I’mgoing to take care of this little fucker, once and for all,” Tankstates, opening his door. A cold wind smelling of freedom burstsinto the car. Tank stands in the darkness then slams the door.
What the hellis going on, Slinky? Why did you antagonize him? As if theoversized asshole needed provoking; he’s already crazy.
As soon asSlinky’s door opens, Tank’s arm lunges in and grabs him and dragshim out of the car. Slinky squirms and then flails his body, tryingto break free of Tanks grasp. As the two men wrestle, I see mychance and quickly dash out of the car, diving into thick brush.Tank yells at the driver to find me. I lie down on my stomach andquit moving so he can’t locate me. Just feet away from where I am,Slinky is still trying to break free from Tank, “Get your fuckinghands off me,” he yells.
Then, I hearthe driver’s feet stepping heavily on the brittle twigs and leavesbeside me. I hold my breath and close my eyes. Please, God. Pleasedon’t let him find me. I just want to go home. I promise I’ll takemy dad and Katie and move far away from here. I just want to getout of here alive. For the first time since being outside, I feelthe icy cold air chill my bones. A warm tear streams down mycheek.
I slowlymaneuver my fingers until I’m touching the damp soil beneath thefoliage and twigs. If the driver gets too close, I’ll grasp ahandful of dirt, throw it in his face and run like hell. It’s all Ican come up with.
Then, Tankthrows Slinky to the ground only inches from where I’m lying. Hisdull groans fill me with sadness. What kind of a coward hurts anold man? No sooner does that thought leave my mind, than I hear thecrunching of footsteps get even closer than before. Digging mynails into the hard earth, I ready myself. My body is pumping hardwith adrenaline and fear. The next move I hear, the driver is goingto a face full of wet dirt, and I’m going to sprint like lighteningdeep into the forest.
Then, the mostunexpected thing happens, I see flickering lights slowlyapproaching from down the dirt road. Help is here. The parks peoplemust be doing their rounds and noticed that there were fresh tiretracks on the other side of the gate. We’re going to be ok. Iexhale as tears of joy escape my eyes. I wait until the lights getcloser and the vehicle parks behind the Lincoln. Then, with afeeling of both relief and resentment, I spring to my feet. Theheadlights shine on me. A few feet away, I see Tank and the driverfrozen in their tracks like deer in headlights.
“Yeah, youfuckers, you’re not so brave now. You guys are in so much trouble.“I lean down and help Slinky stand. He’s still groaning from thethrashing around he did with Tank.
“Come on,Slink. Help is here,” I say, trying to maneuver him through thethicket and toward the light.
The passengerdoor opens to the vehicle and someone hops out,” What’s going onhere?” A man’s voice says.
“What’s goingon is these two apes took my friend and me against our will. I’mpositive they were planning to hurt us until you showed up andstopped them just in the nick of time.”
“Is that true,Tank?” says the voice.
How the helldid the man know Tank’s name. I slow our pace.
“Yes, boss.That’s true.”
Suddenly, itoccurs to me, the man that got out of the truck isn’t going to besaving us, in fact, it’s just the opposite. Then, a shimmerreflects at the feet of the man in the shadow. When his foot moves,I recognize what the shining thing is; gold tips on the toe of hisboot.
No matter howterrified I am to admit it to myself, I know for sure…Fournier hasarrived.
Next, thetruck’s engine stops but the headlights stay on. A man jumps out ofthe driver’s seat and slams the door. Fournier walks in front ofthe light and looks over at Slinky and I, “Slinky, I’mdisappointed. You should know better.” He says shaking his head.“And you,” he says, turning his attention to me, “You must be,Jules.”
I don’t answer,I just stare at him as he crosses the light and walks up to me. Mybody is too tired to shake as the
