Page 65 of Unspoken Truths

“Really?” she asks, surprised.

“I’ve had to wipe a lot of asses this year,” I growl. “While not literally, I’m tired of picking up the pieces when some asshole simply doesn’t want to do the work. The newspaper shouldn’t be an easy out for an elective. They can find something else to do or step up. You also did all the legwork, so your name should be in the byline.”

“What if the article sucks?” she groans as we approach the parking lot.

The trek across campus has even my calves mad at me. Maybe I should have stretched first.

“I’ve watched how you work your ass off,” I remind her. “There’s no fucking way you’d submit something that was less than amazing.”

Stepping into the lot, I hear a revving of an engine. Glancing to the side, I see that I don’t recognize the SUV and my blood runs cold. It appears expensive, the windows are blacked out, and while it could be one of the guys fucking with us, there are too many other options too.

My father is in the mafia, and Rachelle’s stepfather is as well. There’s no fucking way I’m about to allow a kidnapping to happen on my watch.

“Baby, I need you to run, okay?” I ask her. “Don’t ask questions, run for the car!”

Pushing her ahead of me, I chase after her as the vehicle shifts into drive. They’re too close, fuck they’re going to run us over if we stay on the asphalt.

“Turn right!” I scream, my foot slipping as I move with her. “Get off the lot, run for the trees.”

I have my phone in my pocket, I’ll call Dad, Mr. Emil, or fucking anyone else to come get us. I have zero issues hiding when I need to.

Rachelle follows my directions well, running hard to get off the parking lot. The vehicle follows, barreling down as we run so hard, it feels like we’re flying. I don’t think we’re going to make it, and I throw my backpack, hoping the expensive camera doesn’t get broken. Honestly, I’d rather live to worry about it at this point.

Rachelle sees the SUV, but doesn’t freeze with fear, thank god. Sometimes, your legs just stop moving when you’re faced with something this scary. Gasping, I strangle a scream back as the vehicle barely misses us as we jump out of the way. The warmth of the fucking car as it flies by is something I’ll never forget.

“Don’t stop,” I rasp, simply wanting to get completely of out the fucking lot. I don’t trust whoever is driving not to turn around for a third chance.

Pushing my hair out of my face, I watch as the vehicle careens out of the parking lot, the window opening up.

“Down!” I scream, yanking Rachelle’s arm so she’ll drop to the ground with me. The asshole has a silencer on his gun, so the bullets fly over our heads as we make ourselves as small as possible.

Pulling out my phone, I call Mr. Emil immediately. My dad is still out of town, which is the worst timing.

“Lili?”

I’m crying, the stress making me almost drop the phone, despite my eyes witnessing the damn SUV gun his engine and race away.

“Gun, oh my God,” I wheeze, breathing hard. “Someone tried to run us over, Mr. Emil. We got out of the parking lot on foot, but he tried to shoot us.”

“Where? Breathe, Lili. You can do this. You have Rachelle, right?”he asks, sounding intense.

I need him to sound harsh so that I can use it to ground myself.

“She’s with me. We were just walking to the car after getting our work done for the newspaper. We’re still on campus for fuck’s sakes.”

“Get up, get into your car, and start driving. Share your location with me, okay? I’m leaving now,”he grunts. “I’m assuming no one is hurt?”

“No. Baby, are you hurt?” I ask, sitting up. Rachelle pushes herself off the ground, shaking her head, and I can feel my hands shaking. Driving is going to suck. “We’re fine. I think he took shots at us to be a dick. He almost hit us though. That was too close. I wish I had seen more, but?—”

“You’re fine. Get up,”he reminds me.

Nodding, it takes me two tries to get my legs to obey. I would be better if Rachelle wasn’t with me. The idea of being responsible for her and failing to keep her safe is fucking with me. Grabbing her hand, I walk with her quickly to the car.

“We’re almost to the car,” I say, knowing there’s tears in my tone. I can’t help it, I’m very close to losing it.

“Good, keep going. Just tell me everything,” he says. “Remember to share your location with me so I can track you, Lili.”

“Okay,” I whisper, a tear running down my cheek as I unlock the car. “Get in, Rachelle. We’re good.”

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