Desperate Lies (Lies 2)

The concrete of the runway greets my feet.

I smile for the first time all day. I bite my bottom lip as the grin spreads.

My lip—Langston’s kiss.

No, stop thinking about him, brain.

Focus.

I made it to the runway. There are no airplanes stored here, but I’ve spotted a handful of planes landing on this island while I’ve spent my time here. There are planes that fly here that don’t belong to Langston Pearce.

There will be a plane if I wait here long enough for one to land.

Tomorrow, come find me, huntress.

Langston’s words ring in my ear.

I don’t have time to wait—to get lucky.

I make my own luck.

There is a small building near the runway. It looks more like an outhouse than an actual building, but I have to try something.

When I get to the entrance, I realize there isn’t even a door.

I exhale loudly.

I’m not counting on there being anyone inside, or any electronics to call for help.

I step inside anyway.

The room is dark. I search the wall with my hand, but I don’t find a light switch.

I should just leave, but it’s the middle of the night.

The explosions and gunfire stopped—not that that’s comforting. It means Langston is probably looking for me now. If I head into the jungle again, I have to deal with jaguars, venomous snakes, poisonous spiders.

I need sleep if I’m going to have any energy to face tomorrow. This tiny building is better than sleeping on the jungle floor.

There isn’t a door, but there are at least three walls to protect me.

I lie down on the floor and curl up in a ball as I hear rain starting overhead.

Please, let the roof be waterproof.

I cross my fingers, squinting my eyes up at the dark roof.

After five minutes pass and I’m not wet, I realize my luck might have changed. At least the roof is holding.

A soft smile spreads as I close my eyes and begin to drift off to sleep from exhaustion with the help of the lightly tapping rain. The rain will make it harder for Langston to find me. And he won’t think I made it all the way to the runway in one night.

Tonight, I’ll sleep soundly. Tomorrow…

A buzzing wakes me up.

I blink rapidly, trying to make sense of my surroundings. I’ve been sleeping in a closet, and this room isn’t much bigger than that, but it’s not Langston’s closet.

I moan, wishing a buzzing noise would stop and let me sleep. It’s still dark outside. I have no idea how long I’ve been asleep, but it can’t be more than a couple of hours at best.