Page 60 of Bravo

As I always do when Bravo is with me, I get some weird looks. And since I didn’t see the driver or passenger of the sedan get out, I make my way up to the young guy working the cash register.

He’s likely mid-twenties and looks far more bored than I think I ever have in my life.

“Hey, my truck broke down, and I was wondering if there’s a bus station near here? I need to get to Memphis.”

“Man, that’s a bummer. But yeah. There’s a station about a mile up the road. They have a lot of routes they run, so you might find some luck.”

“Great, thanks.”

“No problem. Cute dog.”

I glance down at Bravo, and he tilts his head as he looks back at me. “You hear that, bud? You’re cute.” I look back at the kid. “Thanks for the tip.” After reaching into my wallet, I pull out a hundred and slide it over the counter. “If anyone asks about me, tell them I went in another direction.”

He grins and takes the bill like I just handed him the world. “You got it, man. No questions.”

I head toward the back of the rest stop and slip through the kitchen which, thanks to the early hours, isn’t operating right now. The back door doesn’t have an alarm notice, so I take the risk and push it open, peering outside before taking Bravo all the way out.

The grass is tall behind the gas station, so we move quickly and silently, using the still-dark morning to shield us from unwanted attention.

By the time the tail realizes I’m not coming out, Bravo and I will be on a bus and hopefully closer to Sammy.

CHAPTER 20

KENNEDY

“Thanks so much.” I take the key and shove it into my pocket then use the single crutch I managed to bring with me to make my way back out of the office and toward the stairs. I stare at them, intimidated by the sheer height I’m about to have to climb with only one good foot.

I’m already exhausted from the travel, dirty from having to slip off of the ranch on what equates to pretty much a single good foot, but it’s the idea of a hot shower that has me putting one foot in front of the other, using the rest of my strength to make my way up the steps. Normally, I insist on a low-level motel room, but they were booked solid except for one room on the second floor.

The next motel isn’t for another fifteen miles, and since the bus station doesn’t open until six tomorrow morning, I’m out of options.

By the sheer force of my desire to rest, I make it to the top.

My ankle is throbbing. I haven’t had the chance to take any pain meds since I left Hunt Ranch sixteen hours ago. Sixteen hours on three different buses, all while I try to outrun a past that seems hell-bent on taking me out.

I can’t believe she put my photograph in the newspaper. I can’t believe Bradyn let her. Why would they give her that image? Why allow it to be run without my permission? I hadn’t even known it was being taken.

Anger burns through my veins as I unlock the door and shove it open to reveal a mildewy-smelling room with two double beds, an old block of a television, and a bathroom. The red-and-gold floral comforters likely haven’t been replaced in decades, but I can at least hope the sheets are clean.

After ensuring the door is locked up tight, I prop a chair beneath the handle and peek out the window. The parking lot is dark, and there’s no movement, so I find it in me to relax just slightly.

I got out before they found me. That is if they’re even still looking.

I toss the crutch down and half-hop into the bathroom. Of course they’re still looking. They’ll never stop looking. I’m enemy number one, and I’m not even entirely sure why. The shower comes on with a groan, and there’s a few seconds of delay before the hot water hits the bottom of the dingy-looking bathtub.

It’s not much. But it’ll do tonight.

Someone knocks on the door.

My heart jumps. I leave the water on then withdraw my firearm and limp toward the door.

Another knock.

Is it possible they caught up with me? That I didn’t slip out of Pine Creek fast enough?

Another knock.

Adrenaline pulsing through my system, I peek up into the peephole on the door, only to find myself staring at someone I’d already told myself I’d never see again.How did he find me?

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