The Marradith Ryder Series Part 16
Marradith stood, watching Will twitching and seizing on the ground as the electric current worked its way through his body. Justin was screaming, but she barely heard him. He came running towards her and pulled her into his arms. In the corner of her eye she saw it moving towards them; a black Land Cruiser . Just missing the trajectory of the vehicle, Marradith shivered when it crashed into the front window of the convenience store.
***
Bruce emerged, stumbling out into the mess of smashed glass and rubble. Gun at his side, he sniffed the air. Justin was still close, he assessed. Climbing out of what used to be the store entrance, he found Will still laying on the pavement only a few yards away.
“More business to clean up,” Bruce said . “You must have known there was a reason we didn’t turn you,” he grinned. “You’ve been bait all along.”
Will looked into Bruce’s eyes. There was no mercy there. His lips moved to form words, but nothing came out. The barrel of the gun stared back at him, and he closed his eyes.
There was a sound. Gurgling.
And the gun went off.
Will opened his eyes. Justin Granthem stood, holding a bloody knife. Bruce was now beside Will on the ground, clutching his neck with both hands. Justin bent down and retrieved the gun from the pavement. Marradith turned away as he lifted the gun and finished Bruce off.
***
After that, things went in a blur.
Will did know that Granthem picked him up from the concrete and threw him over his shoulders like a sack of old laundry. He was shoved into the back of a car - his car.
He listened as the couple argued back and fourth.
“There has to be a reason that they seem to know our every move. Maybe he knows something,” she motioned to the back of the car.
Justin shook his head. He was in a rage. Even without hearing him speak, it was palpable, like heat rising off a stove.
“You heard what the other one said. If he was just bait then they didn’t tell him anything. What are we going to do with him now?”
Will opened his eyes. He could see Marradith’s profile. She was staring at Granthem.
“Remember what you told me? The difference between Sojourners and the Circle?” she prodded.
He made a sound, an angry grunt from deep in his chest. “He tried to hurt you. I don’t care what he is. No one gets away with that. Why do I even have to say that?” he hissed.
Marradith was quiet for a moment. She looked at his clenched jaw, his shirt now stained with blood. He wouldn’t face her. He kept his eyes on the road ahead. “You take good care of me,” she said, barely above a whisper.
Justin’s hands shook, even as he tried to steady them on the wheel.
Will was sure they were speeding. He was sliding back and fourth on the seat.
“What is this?” Marradith said, poking at the complicated looking console on the dashboard.
“Police radio,” Will was able to manage. “I made it.”
Marradith turned. She looked at him and managed an uneasy smile. “You okay?”
He nodded. “If you punch in 104.3, you can hear the police frequency. Make sure they’re not behind you.”
“That’s a bonus,” Marradith said pointedly to Justin.
He shook his head negatively. Marradith turned back and stared at Justin. “It’s alright, you know. You got me. Look,” she lifted her arms. “Not a scratch. Him, on the other hand,” she motioned to their passenger. “What are we going to do about first aid?”
Justin shrugged. “He can get medical attention when we get where we’re going.”
“And what if he doesn’t make it that far?”
“I think I’m gonna be okay,” Will said, but neither of them were listening.
“I’m not a doctor, I didn’t take an oath to save him. And while we’re discussing it,” Justin raised his voice, and made eye contact with Will in the rearview mirror. “Just so you’re absolutely clear, she is the reason your sorry ass is alive. Go right ahead and fuck that up, because I’ll get the pleasure of killing you and telling her I was right.”
“I can be useful,” Will said. “I know things.”
“Like what?” Justin spat.
“I know who is after Marradith.”
__
© 2009 Lori Titus
Lori Titus’s The Marradith Ryder Series appears each Wednesday on Flashes in the Dark. Many of her short stories have appeared on MicroHorror and Shadeworks, and she is currently writing an anthology of short stories with a tentative release date in 2010.
For more information see her at http://www.myspace.com/talesforthedark.
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May 18th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Lori, this is one of your best installments since “Hunting In Closed Spaces”. I’m loving the blend of action, character development and the hint of romance.
May 20th, 2009 at 6:08 am
I agree, Lori. It’s loaded with great action and seems to be getting a bit darker. Damn…gotta wait a whole ‘nother week for more…
May 20th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Lovin’ it!
May 20th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Thanks so much! I have been very excited about this chapter because I knew you would enjoy it. The chapters before have really been about putting all the players into place and making you familiar with them. But this is what I think of as the true beginning of the story. From here on out there will be more drama, more action, and sneaky surprises. So please stick around for the joyride.
May 20th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Count on it!
June 16th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Well looks like Will might make it back after that zap, and the radio will help them some.
Will at least learned that to the Circle he is just lunch meat, maybe he will behave with our pair.