District 2, Old Texas.
Present time.
Done with his gentleman conquest, he started leading me back. While walking I started looking at the night sky, I started asking myself, is this the end for me? Then out of the blue, the unexpected happened.
Richard fell asleep.
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I was startled. I looked back and saw some blues heading our way. He had already killed some before, so I wondered how I was supposed to take care of the number heading our way (although they were still quite a distance from us). Not to mention but district 2 was neither hardstone/drafter territory. So, I bent down with my hands cuffed, then–
"Heyy, Heyyyy!, what's the meaning of this?! Now's not the time for naps!!" I growled, while shaking him vigorously. While shaking him, I turned him over and then I saw something very disturbing… a tranq dart. Immediately I stood up, lifted my hands in surrender and started pleading.
"Oh God, whoever you are please do not kill–or kidnap us, please… I just want to find an acquaintance of mine hence all this so please do not harm us in any way.
Because of my shouting, the blues that were heading our way picked up the speed. Then the mystery dart handler used real guns to shoot them. I saw where the shots were coming from, but I couldn't move an inch, because I didn't know how many of them were out there. If I couldn't outrun Richie, what chance do I have against guys I don't even know?? So, I repeated my pleading phrase, then the person decided to show his face.
"I never thought I'd see the day Juliet Don-Carlow would beg for her life. God, I wish I had a phone…" the person gushed.
"You membrane fucker. Why the hell would you scare me like that DANIEL ??"
"Membrane what?? Is that any way to thank your savior?"
I gritted my teeth. "You little–"
"Hey, tune it down…the holy men are around.
I loosened the jacket Richie lent me, showing him Richard's treatment.
"Do I look like I need saving?! Bella's missing, you fool, I was just about to go get her! God, it's my fault." I snapped.
"What's your fault?"
"Bella."
Daniel smiled at me. "You know, you never cease to amaze me. I thought immediately Richard went down, you'll lose yourself and boot, but you just stood there, begging. Why?"
"Why the hell would I do that? One, I didn't know who was out there, or their number. Given the holy men's rep, I better not try shit. Two–"
"Hahaha. so, you're scared of some old priests?" he mocked.
"No, I'm scared of death. Now do not cut me off again. As I was saying, secondly, rich said he'll help me find bells. I trusted him, so I complied. But hey, she might be dead now, since we're here chatting!!" I barked.
"You were with hardstone for how long…5 years? Yet, you still don't know how Ezekiel operates."
"Never paid attention"
"He wouldn't lay a finger on her until he's got you. That's why I'm bailing you out. No need to deliver yourself on a platter. I promise you; I'll find Bella. Now get up, you still got a journey ahead of you." he said while unlocking my cuffs.
"Where the hell would I even go?"
"Awwn, where were you planning to go with Bella?"
"You're having fun, right? Anyway, we were just planning to leg it till morning. Besides, it's almost dawn."
Dan stood up and pointed straight ahead. "Alright, keep on heading this way, before you get to Seminole, you'll see a building with a red star painted on the door. Rusty doors, a church right before the house. Just knock. He might be there now."
"Who??"
"A contact of mine among the priests. Now go." he said while picking Richard up.
He gave me two loaded pistols then nudged me to start going. But I needed to clear my mind first. Leaving Dan to go lie again to Ezekiel did not really sit well with me.
"Hey, Dan?"
He stopped. "What? You need clearer directions?"
"Thank you. Frankly, without you I would be six feet under. I really can't comprehend why you're helping me in this magnitude, but if I do find my feet, I would find a way to pay you back, I swear."
"Whatchu' talking about? I told you; I would protect you till I no longer can. You saved me first, so it's my turn."
"But what i did compared to what you are doing now–"
He placed his hands on my mouth. "Say no more. Just get outta' here."
I just stood there, speechless.
"That reminds me, I saw this and wanted to give it to you. Use it till I get your things from the site. By this morning or tomorrow, I'll be at the house with your stuff. Just make sure you stay there till I come find you."
He handed me a little notebook and a pen. I smiled because Dan knew my love for writing, and my reason for doing it. It pleased my heart that he got me that. In gratitude, I gave him a hug.
"Hmph… don't ma..make me fa..all Richard down girl."
"Shut up."
As I released him, I turned and started going. Even if I didn't have many friends, at least I had those two. I walked on the roads till the sun started showing its face. Then I reached the house Dan was talking about. A church by the side, a red star painted on the walls, rusty doors. Only difference was I saw a middle-aged man sitting on the porch, reading a book. The Bible I guess??
"Hello, my name is Juliet, Daniel sent me to you saying i should stay by your place, till he comes around."
The man didn't answer, he just continued what he was doing.