Page 33 of Dreamers Often Lie

12

Merc

“Are we really doing this?” When they told me this plan, my instinct was to laugh in their face. It was insane. But after Jules explained it, I thought it was even more insane. But Ty insisted that it was the only way out for any of us. He was so serious and heartfelt that I instantly agreed. He had asked me to escape with him out of this life. I was fortune's fool. And I realized as I listened to them that Monty would never let me go. He knew everything about me. There could be no escape.

“Yes,” Jules snapped as he placed the camera. “Are you sure he’s coming?”

“Ben never disappoints us,” Roam answered quickly. Besides Merc, he’s the person I trust most.”

“Most?” Jules glanced over at him.

“Besides you, babe.”

“That’s better.” His grin lit up his face. “This angle will be perfect. It will show everything.”

“I can’t believe that it’s come to this.” Ty looked shaken. “But it has, hasn’t it? I didn’t think I would ever look forward to death. But I can’t wait for it to be over.”

“We should have had In N Out one more time. I’m gonna miss their milkshakes,” Roam sighed.

“That’s what you wish for?” I laughed. “Your priorities are as always weird as fuck.”

A soft knock on the door made us all jump out of our skin. Roam ran over and slid the door open.

“Where the fuck did you find this place? I was scared for my life when the taxi dropped me off.” Ben looked shaken as he walked into the small, cramped room that we had found vacant after a few hours of looking around downtown. “Is this a drug den or something?”

“Something,” I muttered. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I’d do anything for you guys. I even have an alibi. I bought a ticket to a show and gave it to someone who looked enough like me to pass. He was excited. So, I have three hours before I need to be back there, just in case. I’m just really sad about it. Are you sure this is…”

“Yes, Ben. We’re sure. It’s the only way for us. I just wish that you’d join us.”

“No fucking way. I don’t want to die, bro. I like who I am and what I do right now. And I appreciate you telling me everything that you have. But with the two of you gone, I’ll be Cappie’s biggest star. I’m ok with that for now. I have my own path to walk and my own plans for the future.” Ben was always steady in the course he charted for himself. I hope he got that degree he wanted.

“I’ll miss you most of all, Scarecrow,” I said sadly.

“With every beat of my heart.” Ben reached up and cupped my face in his palm.

“So, what do I have to do?” Ben looked at all of us. We looked beaten down and scared. We were.

“You have to make sure that this phone is turned off and destroyed as soon as the video is finished posting. We only have one chance at this. We can’t risk it looking like it was altered in any way. But this phone can never be found. Understand?” Damn, Jules could be scary.

“Hopefully, the things that we tell you before we begin can help the rest of you. Maybe it can stop the fucking bartering of people like we’re goods and not human. Their lawyers will fight, but the studios will probably fall. You will know when it’s time to get out. When you do – leave quickly.” Roam ordered.

I looked around at all of these people and almost burst into tears. But Ty walked over and took my hand in his. “We should start before I lose my fucking nerve.”

“Are we sure that this will work?” I looked around, scared.

“No. But Jules said we should go epic, and this was the best I could figure out. Roam is actually really good with this stuff.” Ty kissed me on the cheek. “Remember Ben, it has to look like Roam was able to turn the camera off, and no matter what – you can’t be seen or heard, got it?”

“Crystal. Holy fuck… I’m freaking out, and I’m not even doing it.” Ben turned to me, white as a ghost.

I think the color had drained out of all of our faces. This was the end. I'm not even sure how I got here except for the fact that I met a boy I liked too much. No. Not liked. I had fallen head over heels for him. I was in love enough to die with him. At this point, I should admit that.

“Let’s begin. Remember the order of things. We’re gonna give them one more show.” Jules walked over and placed two wooden chairs in front of the camera. He grabbed me by the hand and led me over to one of them. I sat down next to him.Roam stood behind Jules, and Ty stood behind me. “Oh, shit! Clothes!”

We all stood up, took our clothes off, and carefully threw them on the chair we had placed off-camera before returning to our positions.

Jules stood up, walked to the camera, and turned to look at us. “Ready? No mistakes.” He pushed the red button and walked back to the chair. He reached over and grabbed my hand. He was shaking.

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