Promises (21 page)

“
I think she went over here,” a voice howled, and I whipped my head around in time to see a shadow against the building. I dove behind some crates to hide.

“
Look! It’s a phone!”

My breath caught as I realized my mistake. Smashing my phone and computer in plain sight would’ve been noisier than a rock concert. I grasped my pack, bolting onto the sidewalk as multiple footsteps echoed behind me. One glance back, and I realized just how quickly my three assaulters were catching up.

The buildings were spaced too far apart in this section of town; I couldn’t run through alleys to lose them. I had to stay on the main street—no more running off into the woods like last time or unpopulated side streets. If I could make it into the historic district, I’d have more hiding places, small alcoves, alleys and probably parked cars. Still there was a lot of ground to cover before I made it…

“
Hey, sugar,” the slimy words dripped from the man with the scar as I was twisted around mid-stride. “We need to talk.”

He had stopped me across the street from a large retail store. Once again, my options were limited. I’d have to break free and run for it. I was sure I could lose them inside.

“
I’d rather not,” I said quickly and attempted to jerk my arm back. “You like to talk with your fists.”

He grinned his creepy smile as the other two began to inch closer. I yanked harder, and his fingers loosened. I took a few steps back. I wasn’t afraid of them this time.

“
You’ve changed, darling,” the dark-haired one noted.

I continued my backwards stroll. “Yeah, I’ve done something different with my hair. You like it?” I pushed my pack up further on my back, placing it firmly around my other shoulder and securing it with my fingers.

“
Naw.” The third man’s lips twisted awkwardly again in a smile. “It’s more than just your hair.”

I was closer to the intersection and was just waiting for the traffic light to change.

“
You shouldn’t use your powers in public,” scar face said as his black eyes reflected a wicked glare. “It could cause people to wonder.”

They thought I still had powers…

I couldn’t wait for the light to change, and so I leapt into the street and sprinted towards the store. Car horns blasted and screeching tires filled the morning air, followed by the sound of someone hitting a car hood. One of them cursed, but I didn’t dare look back.

“
Get her!” another screamed, and I burst onto the sidewalk, distancing myself from my assaulters.

My eyes were focused on the storefront. Heads turned as people stared at me. I heard the roar of an engine not too far away as I made my escape.

“
Damn!” bellowed one of the attackers, and I saw the reflection of Callon’s truck in the glass as I entered the store.

“
Miss…” the greeter called out, but I kept running. I couldn’t stop now—my guardians had arrived much sooner than I expected.

I was still at least fifteen miles away from a car dealership, and it wasn’t like I could call a taxi. I took a hard right and entered the woman’s clothing department.

“
Cheyenne!” Colt’s voice sent a chill over me, and I whipped my head around to see him at the store entrance. I dove under a clothing rack—thank the stars it was full of jeans.

I sucked in a breath, trying to calm my racing heart as I pulled my pack into my lap. I took another and then held it; I was breathing too loudly. I strained to hear Colt’s heavy footsteps, but my heartbeat was drowning everything else out.

“
Maes, go left,” Callon ordered. “She’s here, and we won’t leave until we find her, even if it means ripping the store apart.”

I peered through the jeans; Callon was at the entrance of the women’s department. His eyes were scanning and taking note of every detail. Suddenly, a child screamed, and his head flipped around.

I inhaled, trying to calm my panic.

“
Did you honestly think you could hide from me?” Colt’s low voice rumbled. Startled, I looked up into two very blue eyes.

I clenched my jaw. How? Had he seen me dive into the rack and was just toying with me?

He spread the clothes apart and grasped my arm yanking me out.

“
Let go of me, Colt!” I protested.

Shoppers’ heads turned to stare, and an idea gripped me.

“
Cheyenne, calm down. You knew it’d come to this, so don’t act so surprised.”

“
No!” I screamed. “Let go of me! I won’t go back!” I put up a struggle, kicking at his shins.

A small crowd began to gather. There seemed to be more people shopping than I would’ve expected this time of the morning.

“
Over here,” an elderly man said, and I turned to see two policemen drifting towards us. Someone had called the police! What a bonus…

Colt’s hand tightened as he pushed me behind him, and suddenly Callon’s hot breath was on my neck as he gripped my forearm.

“
What have you done, Cheyenne?” Callon growled.

“
Freeing myself,” I snarled back.

“
We’d like a word with the two of you,” the taller policeman said while his partner kept his eye on Colt, his fingers near his pistol. “Seems to me this young woman doesn’t want to go with you.”

Callon stepped forward, and the second policeman unlatched his weapon. Callon lifted his hands. “I’m sorry, but my fiancée and I are having a bit of a spat.”

“
Ex
-fiancée,” I added, and Callon turned to glare. I swung my pack over my shoulder and watched Daniel and Maes slink into the shadows. “I don’t want to go with him and his brother, and they won’t leave me be.”

The bulky policeman stepped forward and tilted his head to see my face. “They won’t let you be?” he asked for clarification. “Are these the same men that were just chasing you down the street outside according to our report?”

“
Yes.” I was so going to hell for telling all these lies.

“
Cheyenne,” Colt said through his teeth. “Tell him the truth!”

“
They’ve been chasing me since I left this morning,” I added, and Colt shook his head.

“
Let go of her,” the policeman said with authority. “And I want to see some identification, now.”

Colt reluctantly released me, and I moved behind the policemen as they began inspecting Callon and Colt’s driver’s licenses. I slinked back further and casually headed for the front door, not turning around. The grey-haired greeter looked at me with concern.

“
Thanks,” I said as I passed her and exited the store. That had been close, but Daniel and Maes were still somewhere nearby. I wasn’t free yet.

I hurried through the parking lot. Callon and Colt were detained; however, my assaulters were not. I couldn’t afford any more delays. I needed to make it across town quickly and leave this place far behind.

My pace was fast, and within an hour I was closer to my destination.

I was resting in the shadows of an alcove. Thankfully the sun was out, and it was a pleasant day. I was also fortunate enough to run into some sort of festival taking place in the historic district of downtown Helena. The streets were becoming crowded, which would help with cover. I dropped my pack to the pavement and pulled my sweatshirt off. The change in my shirt color would throw them off too.

I dug through the pack before shoving the sweatshirt in and pulled out one of Colt’s baseball hats and some cash. I’d swiped the cap weeks ago, and he hadn’t noticed it missing yet. Pulling my hair back and cramming it under the cap, I smiled. I’d thought of everything.

A wad of money was in my front pocket, and I tossed the heavier pack over my shoulder. I took a cleansing breath and peered around the corner of the brick building. I searched for any signs of danger. All seemed clear. Cautiously, I stepped out into the street and merged with the other bodies filling the sidewalk. There was an advantage to being small. I could hide among the crowd and hopefully get lost in their midst.

The music was becoming louder as the throng pressed in closer, forcing us into the street. I moved my pack off my shoulder and fully onto my back. There wasn’t enough room otherwise, and if I needed to run, I was ready.

A horn blared, and I jumped. Turning, I saw Colt, Maes and Daniel were standing in the back of the truck, searching the crowds for me. My heart pounded against my ribs, and my breath caught. Colt would know my backpack! Why didn’t I think this through?

I fought to dislodge the pack and pull it in front of me, smacking a woman in the side in the process.

“
Hey!” the large redhead snapped.

“
Sorry,” I mumbled and shoved myself away, sliding between couples and families, trying to remain hidden. If I could just blend into a family…

“
You’re causing a lot of trouble,” a sly voice said, and I twisted to see scar face moving closer.

I froze for a moment. I could scream and draw attention to myself; however, the attention I’d get would bring my guardians. I’d have to take my chances. I bolted, my hands pushing on people’s backs and arms to break through the mob.

I pretended I was playing football with Colt, squirming and twisting myself around the flux of bodies, my pack firmly planted in my hands—it was the ball.

I found myself at the front stage, staring up at an old rock band. Sensing hands were about to close in on me; I scrambled under the platform and crawled towards the opposite side. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two sets of black shoes running in the same direction. I would emerge right in front of them.

I made an abrupt left turn and scooted out from under the stage.

“
Hey! Get out of there!” a stagehand yelled, and I ran once again.

The crowd was thinner here. The hairs on the back of my neck rose.

“
Cheyenne!” Callon’s shout shook me to the core.

He was close!

Desperate for escape, I caught sight of a limo sign in the window of a storefront across the street. My legs took over and I sprinted for the alley. Three limos and one black SUV were parked in the alley. Two had drivers standing outside near the car doors…waiting for me to arrive.

I headed towards the SUV. It was the closest to the street on the far side and would be the easiest to jump into. A tall muscular man dressed in black caught sight of me and his eyes grew large—I wasn’t slowing down.

Frantically my fingers latched onto the rear door and I yanked it open. “Get me out of here!” I screamed.

He remained still.

I stuck my head out of the still open door. “Now!”

I slammed the door as he climbed in and started the SUV. I turned back and watched Maes peer around the corner before he moved on. The SUV lurched forward, and I slid down into the leather seats, hiding myself further.

“
Um, Miss, I’m not…”

I pressed my shaking hand to my forehead and looked up into steel grey eyes.

“
Away from here,” I snapped as my lips trembled. I closed my eyes, taking wild breaths.

“
Okay,” he replied.

Callon and the others had come closer than I thought they would have; sooner than they should have. I’d planned everything out and yet had made so many mistakes.

“
Are you in a hurry?” the driver questioned.

I didn’t reply.

I dropped my pack to the floor and stuffed my hand in my pocket, pulling out the wad of money. I leaned forward and dropped it onto the passenger seat.

“
Take me as far away as this money will provide.”

The leather seats crackled as I leaned back and stared out the black tinted windows. He would take me out of town—at last, I was away from my guardians.

“
Um, I’m not a taxi.”

I looked up a bit surprised.

“
You’re a limo.”

“
Um, no.” He shook his head.

My hand flew to my mouth. Dear Lord, what had I done?

“
I’m so sorry—I thought—you were parked in the alley…” The words stumbled out.

“
I was waiting for a friend,” he replied calmly.

“
But you drove off with me…” Damn! How stupid could I be? I was now in a car all alone with a complete stranger!

“
You looked frightened. I didn’t want to upset you more.” His eyes met mine again in the rear view mirror. “I’m Matt.”

I sat stunned for a few moments.

“
I’m so sorry,” I said breathlessly. “You can pull over, and I’ll get out. I didn’t know—I thought—I’m such an idiot!”

“
Hey, calm down.” He slowed and pulled off to the side of the road so he could turn and face me fully. His black hair was hidden by his hat…it had looked like a driving cap to me. “It’s really not a problem. Where do you need to go?”

I reached for the door, my free hand latching on to my pack until firm fingers locked onto my wrist.

“
I’m sorry. I’m not trying to scare you, but are you in trouble?”

I stared at his fingers, feeling like a cornered animal.

“
It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to help—you look really afraid.”

Our eyes met again, and he released me.