Page 11 of Oz Wisdom

"She could seek out a place like Angel Haven for help,” Oz suggested.

"But if she was there, we'd know it."

"Churches. There's a homeless shelter across the river.” Oz shook his head. "Maybe she came up with bus money to get home.”

"Always a possibility,” Nova agreed. "Thanks for this."

"No problem. But I must admit it's got my curiosity piqued.”

Nova laughed. "I'll pass along your appreciation. Just don't disappear down a rabbit hole.”

"Easier said than done. I'll dig more tomorrow. Tonight's my shift at the Landing."

Nova gave a nod, and they brought their bikes to life and headed in their own directions.

Chapter 5

It had now been more than a week since Taylor had run from the Voodoo Troops clubhouse. There were times when she wondered what would have happened if she had stayed. Would they have remained as friendly as they seemed, or would the true nature come out after she became dependent on them? It didn't matter. She had never liked asking for help and didn't plan to start now.

She sat in the shower stall of a truck stop. For a few dollars, you could rent a private stall for a certain amount of time. She had already showered and changed into clean clothes that she had picked up at a thrift store. She pulled out a small, zippered bag and opened it. Twenty. Forty. Sixty, Eighty. Eighty-five. Ninety. One. Two. Three. And a hundred. She sighed, letting her head fall back to the wall. She had a hundred ninety-three dollars. She peeked into the small bag. Her check card was there. She had hoped to have that for when she found a job. A little something to start with. But if push came to shove, she would use it.

The timer in the room dinged bringing her from her thoughts. She kept out five dollars and hurried to return the money to its hiding place in her backpack. Now to fill her water bottle at the fountain and get a hot sandwich from the deli, then back to the park by closing time.

As she walked alongside the road, she made mental notes of places to seek out the next day. The first day she had applied at the grocery store near the park. The drawback there, as she had learned, was the problem with each place, was she had no permanent address to give them. So tomorrow she decided to take a different avenue. She’d search out small local businesses that may be more understanding and give her a chance. And if luck was on her side, they would pay in cash.

She didn't imagine Drifter would look for her. But she wanted to feel secure about that fact.

Taylor sucked in a breath and her heart raced. A motorcycle. It was behind her. Her feet became lead, and she dared to look behind her. It turned into the truck stop. Not Drifter. Relief had never felt so good. She picked up her pace. Her surroundings became a blur as she power-walked away from town and through a neighborhood. She heard it again. Or she thought she did. She studied the area before jogging across the road toward the park entrance.

Taylor squinted, focusing on her steps. Steps that had become routine. But you never know what could be scurrying around in the dark. What was that? She froze and tilted her head. A vehicle. She ducked into the edge of the trees. Lights filled the gaps between the leaves as the truck passed. She hurried to the fence line where she had discovered a break in the links. Not large, but enough for her to ease through. And perfect for not risking sneaking through the gates again.

Hunger and exhaustion slowed her pace the rest of the way to her usual picnic spot where she dropped her backpack onto the bench before sitting down. The deli sandwich was still warm when she pulled it from her bag. It had been a while since she had had a warm meal. She savored every bite, knowing she should save part of it for the morning, but relishing what she thought was actually a real meal. A shower. Clean clothes. Warm food. A full belly. She smiled. Things had to be looking up.

Twigs creaked and a leaf here and there crunched. She closed her eyes, imagining the squirrels scampering about searching for their own dinner. Another moment and she might have fallen asleep out here. She gathered her trash and jerked her bag from the seat. Pausing at the trash can, she tossed the sandwich wrapper into it and headed toward the bathroom. A yawn forced her eyes to close again as she opened the door. She climbed onto the counter and leaned into the corner, dropping her feet into the sink as she had done each night.

The last burst of energy drained from her body. Just as the world began to fade, the bathroom door slammed against the wall. She screamed. Her heart pounding against her ribs, she scrambled to move.

"What are you doing here?"

Taylor's chest heaved. She gasped for breath as stared at Oz. He appeared angry, with his hands resting at the waist of his jeans. His voice was calm, but his eyes cut deep. She opened her mouth to chastise him for scaring her, but nothing came.

"Why. Are. You. Here?" He inched closer with each punctuated word.

"Trying to sleep,” she forced out. "What are you doing in the ladies’ room?"

"Following you. You're one tough woman to track down.”

Taylor clutched the bag in her arms tight and the wall mocked her as her back pressed hard against it. "What do want with me?"

"My best friend's old lady wants to see you. Come on.”

His chest was like steel where she pressed her foot against him. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

"We're not staying here all night."

"Then leave." she demanded. "Shut the door on your way out." She shoved with all she had but he didn’t even waver.

Oz pushed her foot away.

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