Running Away?

February 6th,

"Huh? What light? I think you're mistaken, Nelson-"

"Get him!"

Suddenly, all we heard was shuffling and then Uncle Hugo started running. Like straight out of an action movie, we heard loud gunshots and Uncle Hugo barely escaped.

"They almost caught him! Ray I thought you placed the pen in a way that no one would notice quickly." I said.

"I did, Sandy. I don't know how it shifted." Ray said, rubbing his forehead.

"How were you able to take the pen out of his jacket?" Tony asked.

"I heard when he ran into the house last night and I sneaked out of my room. I saw him packing all his things and when he removed the jacket and went into the bathroom, I quickly entered, took the pen and left his room. He was a mess, guys. He was trembling and fumbling with his clothes till he left." Ray said.

"So, you mean he's gone now?" Lissa asked as I marched out of the room and into the guest room where uncle Hugo had stayed. The rest followed behind me. The room was as empty as it was in the beginning. None of his belongings were there anymore.

"I think we should call him." Ray said as we all nodded. He brought out his phone and dialed his number.

"Do you think those guys are still chasing Uncle Hugo?" Lissa asked.

The number you called is switched off. Try again later, thank you.

The answering machine said as the line went dead.

"Hey guys, see this note." Lissa said, holding a piece of paper as we huddled around her.

Run. Don't look back, they're coming.

"Lord what's this?!" I cried in desperation.

"Who's coming? And is that his hanwriting?" Lissa asked.

"Yeah it is." I answered, still checking out the note.

"In as much as this note is cryptic, it has a simple message and I think that answers your question, Lissa. Those guys are definitely still chasing after him and they'll probably soon find out that he lives here. Why else do you think Uncle Hugo left in a hurry?" Tony asked. He was always the smart, thoughtful one amongst us.

"B-but where do we run to?" Ray asked.

"I-I don't know, somewhere safe." Tony replied, his voice filled with uncertainty.

"Where else is safe? There's no place to run to guys-" I said.

"But we sure can't stay here! We have to go quickly. It's only a few more hours before nightfall and you know how dangerous it can be, moving at night. Those guys literally own the night." He said as I hesitated.

"B-but where?"

"Guys this is getting worse! I think we should call mum." He said. But the same response came in.

"But why are all their numbers unreachable? What's going on?" Lissa asked.

"I don't know but we have to act fast and keep trying their numbers." I said.

"So?" Lissa asked. "What can we do?"

"We could lodge in a hotel for a few days until we're sure the coast is clear." Lissa said.

"But we don't have the money for that-"

"Wow! Guys look what I found!" Ray squealed, his eyes sparkling as we all turned to him.

"He forgot his credit card." He said as a smile crept up my face. I don't know why but, I felt things were already working well.

"Okay, I agree. It's the best idea we can think of but how would we know when the 'coast is clear?'" I asked, air-quoting my last words.

"I think I have an idea."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Let's go shopping." Ray said, smiling as we looked at each other, confused, but following him anyway.