The sky is growing lighter. I jog past small wooden houses, turn a corner and come face-to-face with my captor. We both freeze, staring at each other in surprise. He still has the same creepy war paint covering his face. His eyes widen upon seeing me.
“How the heck did you get out?” he asks.
I scream, swinging the chain around, aiming at his head.
“Whoa, easy!” My captor quickly steps backward. But he’s not fast enough as the end of the chain catches him across the face. He backpedals, an astounded look now in his eyes. I turn and sprint along the empty street.
“Stop!” I hear his voice behind me. “Wait!”
I increase my pace, carrying the chain so that I won’t trip over it. My heart pounds and my breath is uneven, but I no longer feel scared. I’m not a victim anymore. I may be the slowest runner amongst other well-trained racers, but can still outrun anyone untrained. I hear Wreck continuing to yell something at me, and realize he’s falling behind. I slow a little, because I don’t want him to lose me just yet. I need to lure him away from the village, retrieve my knife and finish him off.
I smile as I run, feeling powerful and once again in control. A few still sleepy guys with similarly painted faces come outside, probably disturbed by Wreck’s shouting. I run right past them, but they don’t attempt to stop me. I hear them laughing and Wreck ordering them to shut up.
I leave the village behind and run into the woods, zigzagging between gnarled trees. Coming to a large opening, I abruptly speed up as if doing interval training, and conceal myself in the thick brush. Wreck finally arrives at the opening, stops and takes a look around.
“Dang, you’re fast!” he exclaims, trying to catch his breath. “All right, I admit I can’t outrun you. But I know you’re in here somewhere. Come on out, I ain’t gonna hurt you.”
He pauses, listening intently. I remain quiet, wondering how I might possibly kill him.
“Oh c’mon,” he groans. “You have nothing to fear. I realize I must have made a bad first impression. But you should know I’m actually a good guy. Very nice and quite handsome to boot.”
I don’t answer. My eyes scan the surroundings, searching for another weapon, and I notice a fist sized stone a few yards away.
Wreck wipes the blood from his split lips, grinning. “I’m not angry for what you’ve done, all right? It was my own doing.” He pauses, listening. “I admit I was a jerk, all right? I’m sorry.”
I carefully pick up the stone and hold it tightly, envisioning myself breaking his skull. I imagine I should aim for his temple.
“Please, come out,” Wreck continues. “I won’t hurt you. I told you I had a different plan for you, and I wasn’t lying! I have a great plan. I was coming to tell you some good news. I was coming to free you.”
I don’t believe him. I must work up enough courage to attack, but I quickly recall the image of Wreck kicking the hell out of Ace. I feel scared.
“C’mon,” he groans, exasperatedly. “We’re in the middle of nowhere. Where exactly are you planning to go? And what about the chain? How are you gonna unlock the collar? I have the key, look!” He pulls a key from his pocket. “Come on out and we’ll get that collar off.”
I know he’s lying. I remain silent, squeezing the stone in my hand.
Wreck shows Gabriel’s knife, holding it above his head. “Here’s your trophy. You can have it back. I’m sorry I ever took it away from you.”
I swallow hard, hesitating and arguing with myself. I must not trust this guy, but I do want my knife back. My hands begin sweating.
“And what about your little friend?” Wreck asks. “You can’t just leave her behind, can you? She’s still locked back in the village. The guys will kill her if you run off.”
I clinch my teeth, feeling nauseated. I completely forgot about Tanya again. But how can I save her? How can I free her from a gang of roamers?
“Aren’t you hungry?” He smiles. “We have plenty to eat back in the village. Steaks, baked potatoes, rolls and other tasty things… You like steak?”
His talking about food causes a hungry spasm in my stomach. I don’t remember the last time I ate a normal meal. Wreck stands in the middle of the open space, holding Gabriel’s knife and dangling the key, grinning like a fool. I don’t know what I should do.
I draw in a deep breath, calming myself, and finally step out from my cover.
“Oh, there you are.” He turns to face me. “Don’t be scared now. I ain’t your enemy, I swear.”
“Stay back!” I shout. “I’ll kill you if you try anything!”
He stands motionless.
“Place the key and my knife on the ground!” I order, and he quickly executes my request. “Take fifteen steps back. And don’t make any sudden movement.”
Probably understanding that I’ll just take off again should he attempt anything, he follows my order.
“Now lie on the ground!” I yell.
He rolls his eyes, but obediently sprawls across the ground.
“Put your hands behind your back,” I add.
“I’ll be damned,” he groans, but does as I requested.
I hurriedly run toward the middle of open space, dropping the stone, and pick up the knife. Holding the blade in front of me, I take the key and attempt to unlock the collar. Wreck smirks, watching as I struggle.
“Look, sweetie,” he says. “Let me help you.”
“Shut your mouth!” I shout, infuriated. “I’m not your damn sweetie!”
“Of course not. I’m sorry,” he quickly adds. “I won’t call you sweetie, all right? I’ll do whatever you want. Just
