Run for Your Life

Joe shuffles down the hill in search of his detective. It was close to midnight and ready to call it a day. He's looking for his crew when he sees Rachel running toward him. Smiling, Joe shakes his head. How can she have so much energy after everything we've been through today? Joe then remembers the age difference. I guess I'm not as spry as I used to be." He glances down at his rounded belly. Or as thin, he thinks, rubbing his stomach. Joe used to hit the gym four times a week, but recently, he's let himself go. Do you have any news, detective?"

"I spoke to the husband, and he said what the wife did word for word."

Joe gives her a curious look. "I know that tone, the look on your face. Something isn't sitting right with you, is it?"

"It's how he said it like it's rehearsed. When I asked him about unexpected things, he'd think before he'd speak." Glancing at the couple, she continues. "It's like something is going on, and he's trying hard not to say it. The way she acted during his interview added to my suspicion."

"How did she act?"

"She seemed nervous, like she was afraid he'd say too much, tugging on his arm like some type of warning when he'd get on a long-winded spiel."

The way you do, we're trying to break a case, Joe thinks, chuckling to himself. Joe couldn't count all the times she'd go on and on about her idea. "How did he respond?"

He'd pause for a second, then start again. Now that I think about it, I noticed the wife warning him the most when discussing finances." Seeing the look on her boss's face, she quickly explains. "I figured the line of questioning is relevant since business owners are known to set fires when the place is in the red."

"What did they say?"

"They said it's doing better than it has in years. I still want to dig deeper and see what I can find."

"It can keep until morning." He glances at his watch. He taps the face and says, "Later in the day." Rachel opens her mouth to protest. Raising his hand, Joe adds. "I'm about to send Jerry home, and then I'm heading that way myself."

"See you in the morning, Serg." She starts to walk away, stops, turns, and says, "I meant what I said about you ever needing to talk."

"I appreciate it, detective." Joe feels horrible for what he said, breaking her heart the way he did. Rachel acts like it's okay, but knowing her as well as he does, Joe knows it's not. "Rach?"

She turns around. "Yes?"

"I only said what I did to get Jerry off my ass about asking you on a date. I mean, it would be weird, seeing you're like my kid sister and all, right?"

The news takes Rachel aback. Her heart breaks again. That's how he sees me, his little sister? I always thought it was more than that. Gulping back the tears threatening to escape, she nods and says. "It would seem wrong." Rachel glances toward the ground. "I suppose." Turning, she walks away, looking back when she reaches her car. I guess there never will be an us. Wiping away the tears streaming down her face, Rachel pulls away.

***

Luigi is waiting in his vehicle when Jeff pulls up to Miller's Pond.

"So, what does he want me to do now?" Jeff asks, climbing into Luigi's car.

"Are you familiar with Stub's Grocery?"

"Oh no, please not..." Seeing the look on Luigi's face, he stops.

Luigi smiles smugly. "Their son owes the boss a shit ton of money and refuses to pay."

Jeff knows their son well. Brian was at the principal's office daily for tormenting the younger kids. He went to a juvenile detention center a month later, greatly relieving the town. "Why not go after him instead of his folks?"

"We need to put a little fear in him first."

The way you did me? "So what is my part in all of this?" Jeff asks, shuffling in his seat.

"Boss wants you to take all the money from the register and mess the place up a bit. Show him that we mean business ."

"Break in and rob the place?"

Seeing the expression on Jeff's face, Luigi chuckles. "That's the whole idea."

"What about the alarms?"

"There isn't any."

"I thought I saw a couple of cameras in the store?"

"They're fake."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive. It would help if you used the service entrance in the back since it's the least visible entry point. I'll drop you off at Tyson's. I want you to meet me there when you finish." He glances at his watch. "You need to do this now while the workers are on their break." He notices the puzzled expression on Jeff's face when he pulls away. "You'll look less conspicuous with them walking around."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"The more damage you do, the better." Luigi emphasized again." Throwing the car in park, he turns toward Jeff and says, "Don't screw it up, or else."

Jeff rolls his eyes. "I know. I know" Climbing out of the car, he anxiously looks around. Seeing everyone busy, Jeff races towards the store.

Dogs bark in the distance. Jeff picks up his pace. I'm almost there, he thinks.

Hearing a rustling behind him, Jeff spins around to find leaves swirling in the wind. I thought I was a goner. He chuckles. Relieved, Jeff heads towards the store. He takes a few steps when he hears the noise again. He turns to find a tall broomstick of a man behind him. Jeff jumps back.

"I didn't mean to startle you." The man chuckles.

"Sneaking up on someone like that could get you killed," Jeff growls

Holding up his hands, the scraggly intruder takes a step back. "Chill, Man." He holds up a bent cigarette. "I only wanted a light."

"I don't smoke." Turning, Jeff anxiously continues down the road.

"It might help to calm your nerves." The lad yells.

Jeff feels his insides quiver. I'm going to need something after all of this. Jeff thinks as he hustles down Freeman.

Jeff heads to the metal service door around the back when the young man is out of view. How does he expect me to get through that? He asks, eyeing the deadbolt. Maybe I can use a window? He runs around the building and finds thick metal bars across them. Jeff darts to the front of the building and inspects the white antique door. It, unlike the other, has a simple latch. Sis locking me out might help me tonight. His sister, Janet, was supposed to babysit him while their parents worked. Most days, Janet didn't want to be bothered, so she'd toss him outside and bolt the doors. Being a bright child, Jeff quickly learned how to sneak back in.

He takes a credit card from his wallet and slides it between the frame and the door. He hears the metal click and then feels the barrier release. Thanks, Janet. He nervously chuckles. Jeff stuffs the card in his pocket as he steps inside. The bell above the door rings. Jumping, Jeff glares at the antique chime. I've always hated that thing.

He runs over to the cash register and opens the drawer. There might be a hundred bucks in here. Maybe. He then remembers Luigi's threat. I have to do it. He reaches for the money. His fingers hit a trip wire, causing red lights to flash. A high-pitched noise echoes through the store. Stuffing a handful of cash in his pocket, Jeff darts out the door, knocking over displays as he goes. Seeing headlights to his right, he darts to his car on the left. Police sirens squeal all around him as he sprints toward Miller's Pond. I have to get away. I have to, he thinks, picking up his pace.

Jumping into his vehicle, Jeff falls across the seat. The police sirens continue to wail in the distance. What if someone saw me? He tried to recall seeing anyone but soon discovered that his escape was one big blur. His stomach tightens into a hard knot. Jeff grimaces from the pain. I hope my crime spree will be over soon because I don't know how much more of this I can take. Jeff pictures his wife and girls lying in their graves. I have to keep going for their sake.

Headlights brighten the darkened skies. Please don't let it be the cops, oh, please don't let it be the cops. A car door slams. Footsteps crunch on the gravel. They did see me. Oh, God, this is it for my girls and me. His stomach tightens more. Jeff suddenly feels a warm liquid trickling down his leg. He eyes his soggy trousers in disbelief. I'm going to jail wearing pissy pants.