Chapter 8

Aeron ran to his side. “Is she…”

“This isn’t her,” Decius said, rolling the girl over. “This is some girl she must have killed. She’s in that room over there, passed out on the bed.”

Aeron jumped up, running to the room he had pointed to. Shannon was sprawled across the bed, covered in blood, but very much alive.

“Shannon,” Aeron said, shaking Shannon to try and wake her. “Shannon!” she yelled louder, and shook her a little harder. She stirred slightly, and Aeron looked around the room for anything that could help rouse her best friend. There was a glass on the dresser, and Aeron took a sniff—an alcohol and energy drink. She parted Shannon’s lips and dribbled a few drops into her mouth. Shannon swallowed and stirred a little more, drinking the offered liquor.

“Thank goodness,” Aeron mumbled, and helped Shannon sit up as she guzzled the rest of the drink. “Freaking Irish.”

Shannon gave her a wicked smile and got up from the bed. “It’s in my blood,” she said, and headed for the door. “I was looking for a pick me up, but this girl,” she gestured over the limp body in the hall, “got in my way. Let’s just get out of here.” The three of them hurried toward the front room. If anyone else was in the apartment, Aeron hoped they stayed put. The front room was filled with smoke; she could hear people, but not see them. Aeron held her breath as Decius grabbed her arm, and she latched onto Shannon, while they navigated the smoky room.

The rug turned to tile as they entered the kitchen, and a body bumped hard into them, breaking their connection. “Dee!” she coughed, sucking in a lungful of smoke. She heard a snap, just to her right, and a hand grasped onto her, tugging her forward. She knew without having to see—it was Decius. They reached the pantry, and Aeron could see the outline of a ladder, heading to the roof. They rushed upwards, clambering onto the roof and gulping in the city air. Shannon dropped to all fours, gasping in big breaths, and Aeron turned around and slammed the roof access closed, sliding the bolt home to lock it. She was surprised the fire department hadn’t been called with the smoke billowing up into the sky, but as she took a few long breaths, she could hear the sirens heading their way.

“We need to go,” Decius said, echoing her thoughts and pulling Shannon to her feet.

“Where are the others?”

“It’s been longer than five minutes. They probably headed to the drop off point,” Aeron said.

“We’re over here!” called a voice, and Aeron and Decius looked over to see Justin, Lesley, Luke and the boy sitting on top of the next building.

“What are you still doing here?” Aeron asked.

“Luke wouldn’t let us leave,” Justin said, offering a hand to help Shannon cross the small gap to the other building. “Are you okay?” he asked her. She was pale, and not speaking, but otherwise unharmed.

Shannon nodded and took his hand. Aeron and Decius followed—Aeron refusing Luke’s hand—and the group headed to the opposite ledge, looking for a way down. The fire engine’s sirens were just around the corner. Aeron looked around for the boy. He was holding onto Lesley’s hand for dear life. The next building over was roughly seven feet away, and that was only the distance to the fire escape. They would have jumped already, if it wasn’t for Chris. She scanned the roof for an entrance or fire escape, but there wasn’t one.

She walked back to the edge and Luke followed her, placing a hand on the small of her back. “What are you thinking?” he asked.

“This is the only way down. I don’t see a roof access to this building, and that fire escape is our closest route. But the boy—”

“Will be fine,” Luke assured her. “We could make a human ladder if we have to. Look at him; he can’t weight more than what—fifty, or sixty pounds? He’ll be an easy toss.” Aeron smiled. She wasn’t completely listening—Luke had begun drawing small circles on her lower back.

“So what’s the plan?” Decius called from behind her, and Luke jumped away from her, almost losing his footing on the ledge.

“The fire escape. It’s the only way down.” Aeron beckoned them to the ledge and pointed. “Luke should go first, and then we can just toss Chris.”

“We’re not tossing him!” Lesley said, pulling the wide-eyed, frightened boy closer to her.

“Les, we don’t have many options, the firefighters are pulling up, and are going to be on their way to the roof.”

“What if he piggybacks me?” Luke suggested.

“Won’t work,” Shannon said quietly. “Well, it might but you’ve never done any training carrying people, perhaps Decius should do it.”

“When has Decius trained in carrying people?” Justin asked.

Aeron felt her face flush, and busied herself with re-evaluating their escape plan. Shannon would know that Decius had to carry Aeron home once while fleeing from their father after a nasty drunken rage.

“I’ll do it,” Decius said. He knelt down next to Chris. “We’re going to get you home, safe and sound, but I need you to hold on to me, alright?” The boy nodded and Decius picked him up piggyback style.

Aeron nodded. This would work. “Once we get down, Decius you bring him to the drop off spot and Justin and Luke—you shadow in case of trouble. We’ll head for The Diner.” Aeron smiled at Chris. “Now Chris, you have to hold on tight, okay? And don’t let go until one of the boys says so.” He nodded again. Aeron smiled at him, and then turned without hesitation and used a precision jump from the ledge. She heard Chris’ screams as she landed on the fire escape and then did a lazy vault over the railing and down the stairs. She heard Luke land above her, and moved in time for him to drop next to her and for Shannon to take his place..

“Are you all right?” she asked Shannon. Her face had a little more color to it from the jump, and she seemed to be running on adrenaline once again.

“I’m feeling much better, but we better get moving.” They ran, and vaulted, and slid their way down the few stories that were left.

Aeron heard the others landing above her but did not look up. She was scanning the ground for any activity, but thanks to the flashing lights, the coast was clear.

Aeron waited, crouched and on the lookout until Shannon had landed next to her. “Go!” she urged, pushing Shannon toward the rear of the building. Aeron looked up to see Lesley struggling—her dress caught on a bent piece of metal. She quickly scaled the fire escape.

“I’ve got this,” Aeron said, swatting the boys off. “You have to get to the drop off.” They nodded and continued on down. Aeron wished she had some kind of knife to cut through the stubborn fabric.

“You’re going to have to take it off,” Aeron said.

“What?”

“The dress. It’s stuck. I don’t have a knife, and we need to go.”

Lesley nodded and began squirming her way out of the restricting garment. She had just freed herself when a shot rang out, barely missing where Lesley had just stood. Two men stoodon the adjacent roof, aiming directly at them.

“Please tell me those are not Pearson and that other body guard.”

“What? No!” Lesley said, as ran down to the second story before jumping to the ground.

“We killed those two in the restrooms. Made it look like a fight gone wrong.”

Aeron and Lesley ran for the rear of the buildings where Alicia was parked, waiting for them. The lights of the limo flared on as they rounded the corner, and Shannon threw the rear door open. Lesley dived into the backseat, rolling out of the way for Aeron.

“Where’s your clothes, Les?” Alicia asked, through the lowered dividing window.

Lesley glared at her. “Shut up and drive.”

They entered The Diner through the kitchen. It was a small room, with a grill against one wall, a work island in the middle, and the doors to the refrigerators on the other. A stout, balding man was flipping burgers at the grill, and smiled when they walked in. “Hi girls,” the man said, waving his spatula at them. “No boys tonight?”

“They’re on their way,” Aeron said. “Whatcha cooking, Arnold?”

“Mighty burgers…whoa!” he said, catching sight of Lesley. “What happened to your clothes, Dimples?”

“Well…”

“And your hair, Platinum! I didn’t know you fancied joining Ginger over there…”

Aeron felt color rise in her cheeks.

“Never mind,” Arnold said, waving his spatula again, a small smile tugging at his lips. Aeron didn’t smile. She tossed Alicia a key which opened one of the lockers along the back wall where they kept some spare clothes. “Let’s get cleaned up before they boys get here,” she said. “Hey, Arnold, do you think you can make Ginger a Pick-Me-Up? Heavy on the whiskey?”

“Not a problem,” he said, turning back to the grill.

Shannon, Aeron, and Lesley moved into the tiny office, in order to put on the spare sweats. “I don’t want a Pick-Me-Up,” Shannon said. “It’s so fattening.”

“Yes you do,” Lesley said, helping Aeron tug the red wig off of her head. It didn’t want to move. “You can use a little extra weight. It might counter-act the Benadryl a bit better.”

“I’m going to kill Alicia if I can’t get this off!” Aeron exclaimed.

“Relax,” Lesley said, extracting handfuls of bobby-pins from Aeron’s head. “Shannon, can you give me a hand?”

Aeron heard Shannon mumbling as she slid off the desk and began tugging on Aeron’s head as well. With the extra pair of hands, the red wig came off—with a few more strands of blond than Aeron would have liked.

“Thanks,” she said, taking the wig from Lesley.

“Order up!” Arnold called from the kitchen. There were seven plates of food waiting for them. “I cooked all the regulars. Oh, and Streaks left with the boys. I hope you don’t mind bringing your own food out. Like I said, I’m busy tonight, with only one waitress.”

“No problem,” Lesley said, gabbing plates and leaving the kitchen. Aeron and Shannon followed suit. There was nothing better than a greasy meal after a long night, especially when they had school in just a few short hours.

***

Friday morning came much too soon, and Aeron was glad to be excused from Parkour once again. She stumbled to the living area and plopped on the couch next to Alicia, who was watching the news.

“Good morning to you,” Alicia said, passing a Poptart to Aeron. Aeron took it gratefully.

“Thanks.”

She had been worried about her equestrian lesson today, and had nightmares of enormous horses stampeding her. It wasn’t until this morning she remembered Alicia had wanted to take lessons too.

“Where is everyone?” Aeron asked looking around. She had slept in since her lesson didn’t start until noon.

“Headed off to their electives, I suppose,” Alicia said. “I don’t have one until ten.”

Aeron looked up from her Poptart. “What do you mean? What class are you taking?”

“I have rock climbing this afternoon.”

“I thought you were going to take equestrian.”

“Well, I was,” Alicia said. “But apparently it’s full. What are you taking?”

Aeron took another bite of her Poptart and didn’t say a word. She had a sinking feeling that equestrian would be filled for everyone but her. She was saved answering Alicia by the flashing message across the T.V. screen: Steven Wells’ Hearing. Presiding over the case is Judge Waterford”.

“Turn it up,” Aeron said.

“This is Judy Coles reporting on the arraignment of the alleged extortionist Steven Wells. Presiding over the case is Judge Waterford—”.

“What!” Aeron said, louder than she intended.

“What?” Alicia asked, hitting the mute button.

“Well,” Aeron said, waving her hand at the T.V. “Judge Waterford is one of the most corrupt judges in the city. I’ve heard there have been multiple contracts to kill him, but the Judge has amazing connections and big bucks.”

“By who?” Alicia asked. “Shouldn’t they have been burned from the Association by now?”

“No idea. But I overheard my father saying if he had received the contract he would never tarnish his honor by being bought out, and would have killed him already.”

“What about Steven Wells?”

“Looks like he’s the head of the city records department,” Aeron said, reading the caption scrolling across the screen.

“Huh.”

“Yeah,” Aeron agreed.

“Well, I have to get ready to go,” Alicia said, passing the remote to Aeron. “What class are you taking again?”

“Nothing as fun as rock climbing,” Aeron said, as Alicia smiled and headed for her room. Aeron got up and found another Poptart before heading to her room. She took her time getting ready, waiting until she heard Alicia leave—Aeron didn’t want to outright lie to her. Once Aeron heard the door close, she dropped a few treats for Jazz and headed out. The equestrian class was held in Greenwich, CT—an hour away. A car was waiting for her in front of the building.

“Good morning Ms. Seward,” said the driver, holding the door open for her. “I’m George. I’ll be your driver this semester.”

“Good morning George,” Aeron said politely, sliding into the back seat. “Are you only waiting for me?”

“Yes ma’am. Some years I have to drive a van we have so many students. Lucky you-you seem to be having a private lesson!”

“Yeah,” Aeron mumbled as they pulled off. “Lucky me.”

—

Aeron approached the barn slowly, drawing out the inevitable as long as she could. “Aeron!” Perry called from inside the stables. It was identical to the one at the manor. She would have felt better if it had been neon pink or even black, instead of the bright red of fresh spilled blood.

“Hi, Perry. How are you?” She stopped before the barn doors and peered in. He was brushing the mane of a gigantic white horse. She took an involuntary step back. “So, where’s everyone else?” Perry looked up and smiled at her. It was a smile very similar to Luke’s, and her heart jumped.

“You’re it!” he said. “Your father called and special requested private lessons. Says you have quiet the knack for riding.”

“Did he now?” Aeron said. This couldn’t be good. “And what did he say exactly?”

“Oh, you know, didn’t want to brag I suppose, but he did mention a love for wild horses, which you’re in luck!” He slapped the hind quarters of the gigantic white horse and it reared up.

“Just caught her a few weeks ago.”

Sweat broke out on Aeron’s brow. She thought maybe they’d start her small—cleaning the stalls or moving hay—manual labor. She was not going to get on a wild horse and be tossed to her death like a rag doll.

“Why don’t you come and get to know her,” Perry offered, waving Aeron over. “We haven’t named her yet, maybe you could help us…”

But Aeron was moving backward, not forward. There was nowhere for her to really go but up. She took a few long running strides and used a wallhop to propel herself high enough to reach the edge of the roof, climbing on top of it and heading for the peak. The roof was steep and Aeron had to slow down so she didn’t slip. She took a seat at the top and stared over the flowing woods, taking deep, calming breaths. It didn’t take long for Perry to follow her.

“What’s wrong, Aeron?” Perry asked, sitting beside her.

“What? Oh, nothing’s wrong,” Aeron said, dropping her head to hide the color filling her face and the moisture behind her eyes. “I just wanted to see the view from up here before we started.”

“I didn’t know you enjoyed the country side of life. I pegged you more for a city girl.”

Aeron smiled, still looking down. “There’s a lot about me that would surprise you.”

“I’m sure there is,” he said. They sat in silence long enough for Aeron to regain her composure.

“Thank you,” she said simply.

“For what?”

“Being you. You make it seem okay that I scaled your barn to enjoy a country view.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes, and Aeron was reminded of the comfortable silence she shared with Luke. “How was Europe?” she asked.

“It wasn’t what I expected. I ended up staying in Madrid while Grandfather introduced Luke to his contacts. It’s been like this ever since my uncle died and Luke came here to live with us”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I know he would have rather you been dragged around Europe.”

“You didn’t tell Luke you were taking my class,” Perry said, abruptly changing the subject.

Aeron looked up at him now. “What?”

“I asked him if he was coming to hang out while you rode, and he said he didn’t know you were taking equestrian. He didn’t know you liked horses at all.”

“Well,” Aeron began. “It was kind of supposed to be a surprise, and—”

“Aeron, you don’t have to lie to me,” Perry said, leaning back. “I remember, very clearly, the last time you visited. Spring break three years ago, you avoided the stables like the plague.”

“I did, but…” Aeron said, trying to come up with some reason why she was suddenly here for a private lesson about wild horses, but she drew a blank.

“But…”

“In truth, I hate horses—bad experience as a child. My father wanted me to overcome my fear, and thought his would be best for me.” It was the closest thing to the truth she could tell. She knew her father wanted her broken—both mentally and physically.

“Well now?” Perry said, patting her on the back. “That wasn’t so bad.”

Aeron glared at him, and he smiled.

“There’s the Aeron we all know and love. Now, I can get you going at a slow pace. I wonder why your father would want you to start out on wild horses though.” He was standing up and heading back down the side of the building.

“He has high expectations,” Aeron said, following suit.

“And Luke?” Perry asked, reaching up a hand to help her down.

Aeron brushed it off and jumped the eight feet to the ground. “He would never let me live it down.”

Perry laughed. “Very true. Now let’s get you acquainted with the basics first—cleaning the stables.”

***

Aeron’s first lesson surpassed her expectations. She hadn’t had to go near a single horse and having a familiar teacher didn’t hurt. The apartment was empty when she arrived home. It was nearing dinner time and she found a note on the fridge door: ‘Went out to eat at pizzeria. Join when you get home. –D’

She tossed the note out and turned on the T.V. It was the same station she and Alicia had been watching earlier. The red caption read: ‘Judge Waterford sets bail at $1500 allowing Steven Wells to walk free. Both killed moments after arraignment’.

Aeron stared at the screen a few moments longer. Perhaps her father had finally received the contract. She stood and stretched, her muscles were sore from the unusual exercise of shoveling manure. She had to shower—maybe take a nice bubble bath. Heading for her room, Aeron realized Jazz hadn’t come out to greet her. She switched on her light and jumped—her father was sitting on her bed, fiddling with one of Jazz’s cat toys.