Page 31 of Jax

He trailed off, seeing the sadness in Mia’s eyes.

“I just want to feel like I can stop and take a breath for a while. You know?” she said sadly.

“Well, staying in a hotel is risky. We'd have to give personal information, and there could be surveillance."

"Isn't there another way?" she asked, her voice tinged with desperation.

As they rounded the corner, a weathered sign caught Jax's eye. Faded letters spelled out "Bloomington Books" above the entrance to an old, seemingly abandoned bookstore. Intrigued, he tugged gently on Mia's hand, leading her toward the building.

"Maybe there's an alternative," he murmured, his curious gaze scanning the storefront. "We could explore this place, see if it's safe enough to spend the night."

"An abandoned bookstore?" Mia's initial skepticism gave way to a gleam of excitement. "That actually sounds . . . perfect." She smirked. “And definitely very, very punk.”

Jax pushed open the creaky door, revealing darkness within. They stepped inside, the scent of musty paper and forgotten stories enveloping them. As their eyes adjusted to the dim light, they found themselves surrounded by towering shelves filled with dusty volumes, evidence of what must have been a once-thriving literary haven.

"Let's make sure the coast is clear," Jax whispered, leading Mia through the shadowy aisles. He felt a thrill of excitement at their daring adventure.

"Okay," Mia agreed, her eyes wide with wonder as they moved deeper into the bookstore.

"Look at all these," Mia breathed, her voice barely louder than a whisper, as if she were afraid to disturb the solemn hush that enveloped them. She trailed her own fingertips across the book spines, lingering over titles that caught her eye.

Jax felt his heart swell as he watched the wonder in her eyes. He knew how much literature meant to her, and it filled him with happiness to be able to share this moment. "This place is amazing," he agreed, his voice low and reverent.

As they wandered the aisles, Mia's eyes lit up when she stumbled upon a cozy kids’ reading corner tucked away in the back. Surrounded by shelves full of children's classics, the area boasted plush cushions and warm blankets strewn about the floor. "Oh, Jax, look!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

"Wow," he murmured, following her gaze to the inviting nook. "It's perfect."

Mia sank down onto the cushions, her face alight with joy. "I could stay here forever."

Jax grinned, lowering himself next to her. "You know, we might just have to."

They sat in silence for a while, but Jax felt like his heart was pounding so loud Mia would hear it. “I’m just gonna look for some candles,” he said. “You relax here. Have a little play.”

“Play?” asked Mia, incredulous. “I’m going toread.”

Jax chuckled. “As long as you readplayfully.”

Mia picked up some children’s books, reading pages from them aloud and giggling, while Jax searched in various dusty dresser drawers until finally, he found an old gas lantern. “Even better than a candle,” he said.

Mia laughed. “Seriously? What’s that doing in a bookstore?”

Jax pointed at a crate of food and cooking utensils. “We aren’t the first folks who squatted here.” He returned to Mia’s side. “Don’t worry, though. Looks like it was a bunch of hippy students. There was a sign on the crate saying, ‘So long, suckers!’”

Mia shook her head. “That’s ridiculous.”

Jax turned on the lantern and the whole place felt much cozier straight away. He even found an old record player in the corner of the store and put on an old jazz record, then he sat on a cushion beside Mia.

"Tell me something, Jax," she said, her voice soft and full of trust. "What's your favorite book?"

"1984," he answered without hesitation. "I've always been drawn to stories about fighting against oppressive systems."

Mia nodded thoughtfully, her green eyes searching his face. "Is that anything to do with Chloe’s death?”

“Sure is,” replied Jax. “Chloe was taken down by a bunch of traffickers.” He paused. “In fact, I’m pretty sure it was the same group of guys who took you.”

Mia looked wary. “So . . . this rescue mission. Are you saving me because you couldn’t save her? Am I some kind of stand-infor Chloe?” She paused. “I’m sorry. That sounded so harsh. I’m just . . . I guess I hoped you like me for me, Jax. Not because I remind you of . . . her.”

Jax took Mia’s hand. “You’re nothing like my sister,” he told her. “Seriously. Not a bit.”

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