I drove down the empty road for a while longer, but I had to stop before the sunrise. I think they're already looking for the car and me too. I'm dead if Mike finds me. It scares me when I think about what he'll do to me or who he'll sell me to.
As I got out of the car, I gave it one more look and threw the keys in its direction. I parked right next to the woods because I knew I couldn't stay hidden for long. I was cool as a kid for a while, but I didn't love survival and camp enough to remember how to have a good time in the woods.
After almost 12 hours, my makeup was almost gone, my lipstick was smudged, and the bruises on my chin were beginning to appear. I looked like a panda with runny eyes from crying so much. But if it looked cute, I didn't.
I took my purse but left my shoes in the car. It did have a small water bottle that would last for a few hours, though. After work, I'll figure something out. I was free; that was the most important thing.
I couldn't return to the city. Everyone knew who Mike was, and even if they were decent people, no one would want to risk their life for a stranger.
I took the elastic band out of my purse and tied my hair into a tight, messy bun. My phone still had 20 percent battery, and I could already see Mike's angry messages. Go to hell, you bastard.
The most important step was to switch off the Find My iPhone feature. He trusted me, so I didn't expect him to be able to find me on my cell phone until the battery died.
I have a couple hundred dollars with me. Now I'll look for a place to gather my breath and try to catch a ride.
I strolled into the forest, and wow, it was gorgeous. The sun's rays began to seep through the trees, and as I moved deeper into the forest, the rays and sunbeams grew more vivid. The birds were already chirping their tunes, while bunnies were hopping around. Gosh, I suppose I look like a nasty, terrifying Disney princess. Beetles were rushing under my bare feet. Ugh, I detest insects... They're cute, and I don't mean them any harm, but dammit, I'm afraid of them.
After walking some forty minutes deeper into the forest, I came to a large log where I hoped to sit and consider what to do next. The major goal was to avoid running into Mike's people when I stopped to grab a ride. His people would arrive in about an hour. Time was running out.
I grabbed my clutch and pulled out a small mirror and wet wipes. I couldn't intimidate anyone with the way I looked. I would also have to get rid of the dress... God, I hoped I didn't run into another maniac.
I washed off my makeup. I took off the dress and left it on the log. It was a kind of identifying mark, of course. I turned on my phone and read a couple of text messages. Fuck... I went too far...
“You fucking bitch, you killed Gorsky! Do you even realize what you've done?”
“I'll kill you and pray that it's me and not those who are coming for you.”
Apparently, the pills were lethal. Well, I don't feel sorry for him. Yes, he was nice to me, but he still bought me. He still thought it was okay to fuck his partner's wife for business gain. Rest in peace, Mr. Gorsky.
- Time to get out of here.
If it weren't for my underwear, I would have looked like a beaten-up Eve today. I walked on and on, my legs aching, especially my feet. I felt like I had several splinters in my heels, and damn it, it wasn't pleasant at all.
I could hear the hum of cars. Great, I'm close to the road. Come on, Errin, not much further; you can do it. My heart was gradually starting to race, as if I were about to fall off the edge of a high-rise building. I thought that everything depended on the moment of escape, but... now everything could go to hell.
And then there was more light, the trees thinned out, and the sun broke through so clearly that it started to blind me. The highway. I'm here.
I peeked out from the last tree toward the road. Cars sped by one after another. I might have a chance to stop one. I exhaled sharply, gathering all my strength into my fist. Come on, Errin, you can do it.
I ran closer to the road, forgetting that I was wearing nothing but red semi-transparent underwear. I was dirty, scratched, and cut, with scars and bruises all over my body. The first car passed by, honking at me and driving on.
“Damn it, please!” I started jumping up and down a little, giving them the thumbs-up.
Another one just drives by. Hope slowly begins to leave me. And then a red Volvo stops next to me. Thank God, tears well up in my eyes, and I'm ready to get in the car and drive away. However, the driver does not unlock the door, instead merely opening the window slightly.
“How much do you charge an hour, baby?” A man in his 50s, covered in fat, has a sleazy appearance. God, the smell...
“I'm not a prostitute.” But... I just wanted to say that I'm willing to do anything, just to convince him to take me away from here, when he started to close the window.
"Oops. My mistake." And he sped off.
- You bastard! - I shouted after him, hoping he would hear me. If they find me and kill me, he'll be one of those I'll come visit at night as a ghost. And he'll lose his extra 200 pounds out of fear and hate.
I was so overwhelmed with anger and emotion that I did not even notice when a black BMW pulled to a stop beside me.
“Hey, do you need help?” The man in sunglasses looked at me with concern, as if he really wanted to help.
“Yes, God, please, take me away from here...”
“I'm going to Sacramento. Want a ride?”
Sacramento isn't that far from home, but it's still far, so...
"Yes, yes, please!" I was already crying with relief when the car door opened and I leaped into the front seat. "God, thank you, thank you so much..."
I started crying, and the driver acted as if nothing had happened. He simply took out a black jacket from the rear seat and offered it to me so I could cover myself.
«Thank you…»
«You are welcome. I am Matt, by the way."
«Gloria.» New life, new name, correct?
"That is a beautiful name. Do you want something to drink?
"Yes, please." He opened the glove compartment and handed me a bottle of water, followed by a box containing a few sandwiches.
"You need that more than I do."
"Thank you..."
I ate the sandwiches so quickly that Matt may have thought I could eat him as well. And I could have. He seems massive, and I'm sure he's quite meaty. Just kidding; I'm hungry but not crazy. I sighed after washing down the sandwiches with water. We didn't drive very fast. And only now could I take a decent look at my savior.
His hair was as black as coal, with a faint stubble. It wasn't untamed but rather well-kept and well-clipped. He had spotless hands and eyes as blue as the ocean. He was a gorgeous man. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep while staring at him.
When I opened my eyes, I discovered we hadn't driven more than 20-25 miles. We still had a long way to go. Matt was still focusing on the road, like I weren't in the car. But something disturbed me. I could not figure out what it was...
I began searching about, attempting to figure out what was wrong... Until it dawned on me. The jacket. More specifically, the smell of perfume on the jacket. Damn, I sensed it and think I've figured it out...
"You finally figured it out." I nodded slightly and smiled in shock before reaching for the car door handle. Locked. Of course. "Are you crazy?" "Getting out of the car at this speed?"
"Why did you pick me up...?" My chin was already shaking. Not because of fear, but because I realized I was so close, and everything had fallen apart.
"Have you seen yourself in the mirror? Be grateful that it was me rather than your buddies or some huge, fat guy who wanted to screw you."
"That was someone I met before you." I pushed myself into the seat.
The same man I ran into in the restaurant section. Fuck.
"So you're not Matt?"
"Just like you're not Gloria."
"What are you going to do with me?"
"Nothing."
"Are you always this talkative?" Sarcasm was about all I had left. Please make sure you understand me correctly. I was sitting naked in a car with a weird, silent man who was directly involved in my escape and the murder of a big shot person. What else could I do but make a joke?
"I'll transport you to Sacramento, where you can remain on your own. I do not need any trouble. Did you at least throw away your phone?"
I became painfully silent.
"God, why are women so stupid?"
"That's sexism, actually." I replied, offended.
He opened the window and waved towards it. I flung the phone at the window.
"So we aren't going to Sacramento. We'll need to take a detour."
"Why?"
"Because your husband isn't stupid enough not to have a tracking device installed on your phone. If you hadn't thought about it. And they are probably already on their way here. Hold on." I didn't have time to grab the handrails before he took a fast turn crossing a double solid line and drove away in the opposite direction. I'm guessing toward the intersection.
We have been driving for God knows how long. It's becoming dark outside. At the last gas station, Matt got out and purchased me a T-shirt and shorts. Not my size, of course, but at least I wasn't naked.
We just sat there, silent. I don't give a fuck who he is, but he knows exactly who I am. I really wanted to get away from everyone, including him, as soon as possible.
At some time, I noticed a sign on the road: Palm Springs. Yes, we have come a long way. However, I believe it would only be far enough if we landed on another planet. They will eventually discover me here as well.
We drove into the city, and I froze in front of the window. People are quite happy, tranquil, and cheerful. The air was really clean and nice. Palm trees all around, my God, it was stunning. A little heated, however... Nothing in this world could be more stifling than my husband.
We drove a little further and passed through the city. In the suburbs, Matt came to a stop near a little townhouse.
"Thanks."
"You are welcome. Here." He pulled out some keys and threw them at me. "This is my parents's home. No one knows anything about them or this location. You may sit out the storm here. But don't let me see you again in a month. Do you have any money?" I nodded.
"Do you need any more help?"
"No, thank you. You've already done more than enough." I held the keys in my palm and sniffed gently.
"Well, see you then." He opened the door and waited for me to get out without looking at me.
"Thank you. Really. Thank you."
"Go on, I've got things to do." I chuckled slightly as I got out of the car.
If Mike's people do not discover me, I will be able to start over. And Alan's people. Damn, I am still screwed. Alan's people are also involved. growl behind me. Matt was gone.
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