I turn to leave, and Jaxson starts to follow me. I look back at him, putting a hand on his chest, stopping him from moving. “Stay here.”
“We can cover more ground if I go too,” Jaxson says defiantly.
I wave my head. “Word’s out that you and Nat are missing. That is all we need, for people in the area to see you running around looking under cars and shit. Stay here.”
Jaxson nods his head, but hates taking the order. I turn and leave. After a few moments, a feel a tug on my arm. I turn and see Danna looking at me with a look of concern.
“The more we fuck around, Danna, the more likely it is that Elle is found by the wrong person.”
“I hate staying at that house. Jaxson tried to kill her, and you’re making me stay with him?”
I nod my head. “I know it’s messed up, but Jaxson is going to be in a world of trouble, like us, when everything comes out. He’s in the same position we are, which is deep shit.”
“And what about Nat?”
I sigh. “I know this isn’t ideal, but I’ve got a plan. We’re getting the hell out of Ryland.”
Chapter 4
Elle
The empty streets of Ryland seem more ominous than usual. I continue to run through different neighborhoods. At first, I thought of waving down any car driving by or stopped any person asking for help, but now I am starting to remember. I am starting to put the pieces together.
Danna was right.
How fucking stupid was I that I could not see what was plain in front of me?
Jaxson, Lance, and even Chase. They are all part of The Beasts.
Danna said whatever was happening in town had something to do with me. Now I know in my heart she was right.
Jaxson and Nat Price were going to do something to me when I blacked out.
Did I black out? Did they drug me?
Whatever evil shit they had planned for me, did they already do it, and I did not know?
What were their plans exactly?
I turn on my phone and see I only have two percent left. I quickly turn off my phone.
I look around the community I find myself in. The large houses are getting smaller. The large property lines are getting smaller. I almost gasp when I realize I am near Bryce’s home.
I had only been to his home a few times, but recognize the area instantly.
I make my way up his block. Once at his front door, I knock several times loudly and ring the doorbell.
When Bryce opens the door, he looks shocked. I smile and jump at him, giving him the strongest hug I can manage.
“Thank. Fucking. God!” I yell walking into his house. Bryce stares at me with a look of shock. “I feel shittier than I look,” I joke.
“What happened to you?” he asks. “You’re still wearing your dress from last night?”
“I’ll tell you everything, but first, I need a big bowl of cereal!”
Bryce leads me to the kitchen and prepares me a large bowl of Cheerios. It’s usually not my favorite cereal choice, but it tastes like heaven.
Bryce puts the cereal box back in the pantry, comes out, and watches me down the bowl. He walks back into the pantry and grabs the box again. “Will need more for sure.”
I wipe my mouth and cannot hold back my smile. “Hey, how did your band thing go last night?” Bryce looks at me unamused. “I’m serious! I want to know.”
“Well, it was going great, even though both of my friends disappeared on me. I got a trophy for my solo. The trophy was some dude playing a sax, even though I play clarinet. It is a bit of a band scandal actually, but fuck all that. What happened?”
I tell Bryce everything I remember from last night and this morning. The more I tell him, the more anxious he seems.
“I know The Beasts freak you out, but I know Danna was right now about them. You said she didn’t show up either last night.” Bryce nods his head. “She didn’t text or call or anything?” He shakes his head no.
“I haven’t heard a word from either of you until you popped up at my door looking like a train wreck.”
Bryce looks deep in thought while I finish my second bowl of cereal. “That house you described, I think I know it. Earl Smithson’s house. It’s been vacant for years.”
“What if Danna is there?” I ask him. “They took me there, so she might be there too. Maybe we should check it out?”
Bryce ignores me and looks at the time on a kitchen clock. “You should probably go soon. My mom is out shopping, but my dad sometimes comes home for lunch. You still have a few hours anyways, but it’s better to go now.”
“Why?”
“You can take some of my moms’ clothes too. She’s not as thin as you, but it’s better than walking around like a zombie prom date.”
“I was thinking about calling the cops,” I say to him.
He looks at me coldly. I have never seen Bryce look at anyone this way. “Did you? Did you call them?”
“I have my cell, but it’s basically dead. If The Beasts are as powerful as they seem though, they might be able to find me if I do. I think it may be better if you just call me an Uber, and I get the fuck out of Dodge.”
Bryce nods his head. “Perfect. Let’s not call from my house. There is a pay phone at a convenience store a few blocks away. You can change quick, and we can go. I will pack a small travel bag with some food and water. I have some cash I can give you.” Bryce was pacing back and forth in his kitchen, deep in thought.
