Page 45 of Take A Chance

I waited until they were just out of earshot, then slowly backed out of the hiding spot. My eyes had adjusted to the light well enough, so I started slowly, and as quietly as I could, to pick my way through the woods in a different direction. I saw a faint light in the distance, so I went that way, my ears fully alert to every noise in the woods.

Soon, the only things I heard were the rhythmic dripping of the rain from the leaves and my own footsteps. As the clouds cleared and gave way to moonlight, I wiped the moisture from my face, only to find it was partially blood. My skin was bleeding everywhere. My side hurt, and I was still on edge. Just because they weren’t in earshot didn’t mean they weren’t hunting for me. By now, they’d have called my father and sent more cars out to search for me.

I walked out of the woods and into a field of some sort. Whatever was growing was only knee-deep, making it easier to slog through. My entire body was caked in mud and sweat. I was exhausted and starving. I saw a sign in the distance for a gas station with a restaurant in it—Moe’s, it said. Probably the light I’d seen from the woods. Though, if I’d seen it, they probably had too. I should avoid it, but I was shivering so badly now, I was afraid I’d catch pneumonia or something. So I headed that direction.

When I got into the light, I tried to clean myself off as best as I could. Leaves clung to my hair and clothing. I wiped the mud from my shoes onto the pavement and the mud from my hands onto my soggy jacket. Anyone who saw me would know immediately that I’d taken a jaunt through the woods, and maybe they’d have pity on me. At this point, I didn’t care. I just needed help.

I pulled open the door and trudged in. There was one woman at the register and a man walking around in the back. I could see him through the window they slid food through. She looked up at me and instantly popped off her chair.

“Oh, honey! You look like you’ve been through hell.” The woman, mid-thirties, red hair, bright red lipstick, short, curly hair, walked around the counter. “Moe! Look, come out here.” She rushed over to me and then passed me, looking out the window. Then she came back to me. “Are you okay?”

I wasn’t about to tell her I was chased by the mafia and they were still searching for me. “My car broke down... uh, that way.” I pointed toward the woods. “Can I use your phone?”

The man I assumed was Moe came out of the back. “Not another one.” He shook his head and returned to the kitchen area without another word. I wondered if this happened a lot. Then I wondered exactly what Tony was doing in that old, abandoned warehouse. Maybe I should have stayed and taken him out, after all.

“Yeah, sure, hon. You can call anyone.” She reached into her apron pocket and handed me a cell phone. You sit here. I’ll get you some towels. She gestured to a booth right by the door, and I cringed.

“Can I sit over there?” I pointed to a dark corner, far away from any light or door. She looked troubled.

“Yeah... go ahead.”

I made my way to the dark booth and dialed Blake’s number. It rang and rang, and I feared he wouldn’t pick up. When he did, he didn’t speak. So I did.

“Blake?” My hand trembled. I was so sure he would hate me, I almost hung up. It took him a full thirty seconds before he responded to me, and when he did, my heart stopped.

“Amelia?”

Tears stung my eyes, and as I let them fall, they stung my cheeks too. I sobbed, letting out all of the emotion I had been stewing on for days. “Blake... I need you. They took me.”

“I’m here. Tell me where you are.”

“Blake, I’m scared. I got away. They’re going to kill me. I need you.” I knew I made no sense. I knew I had so much explaining to do, but all I could do was cry.

“Tell me where you’re at.”

“I don’t know!” I sobbed. “Some diner-slash-convenience store. Moe’s... please. It’s by a woods and an abandoned factory or something. Please. They’re searching for me.”

“I’m coming. Okay? Don’t leave there, whatever you do. I’m coming.”

The cashier returned with several towels, and I gave her phone back. “They’re going to come get me.” I took her towels, but I couldn’t stop crying now.

“Don’t you worry, honey. Old Moe is armed to the teeth. He ain’t lettin’ anyone touch you again. Now, should I call the police or someone?”

“I called my b—” I hesitated. Then I continued. “I called my boyfriend. He’s coming.”

She frowned. “It’s a shame what they do over there, and we’ve tried to tell the cops about it but it seems nothing ever gets done. Now, I’m going to keep a watch on the road. Moe is already cooking you up something to eat. You take these towels into the John and clean yourself up. You’re safe now.”

I stood and hugged her. She didn’t even seem put off by how soggy I was. I cried so hard I thought my knees would give out. Now if only Blake would get here before Jazz caught up with me.

26

Blake

Ihung up the phone and raced back into the office, running past the secretary directly to Harrison’s office. He looked surprised as I stormed in. “Get your computer up. Now!” I rushed to his side and leaned over him as he shook his head in confusion.

“What is it?” he questioned me, but he did what I said. His fingers flew across the keyboard and his hand had the mouse ready.

“Moe’s... It’s a restaurant or convenience store. I need to know where. And look for some place out of town, near a forest. Maybe there is an industrial section of town or an old, abandoned building of some sort.” My eyes scanned the screen as he went to work, typing things in and searching. My heart raced. Emma, Amelia—whatever she wanted to be called—was in trouble. I needed to get to her.

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