Ruby Revenge

Geo was right. She had no evidence. If she went to the cops, someone in the group would hear about it. Her only choice was to hide. I was going to help so I could mend things with my family. I couldn’t take the guilt anymore. The group came first. They always would. I never should have gone to see her in Kalamazoo. I should have told them right away. Too late for that. But I’d fix it.

My phone rang, and I sighed when I looked at the screen. He’d keep calling if I didn’t answer.

“Yeah?” I answered while putting it on speakerphone.

“Where are you? Got to the house, but you’re gone,”

I paused. “I needed to get away for the day. I’ll be back tomorrow. I needed some space.”

“Space from what? Us? We’re just trying to help you fix what you screwed up—”

“What I screwed up? I wasn’t the only one in that house when everything went to shit,” I snapped, my temper reaching a boiling point. This was why she needed to disappear. I wouldn’t feel torn when she was gone.

“Calm down. I called with good news. One of our guys, who is a state trooper, thinks he saw her car. Heading south out of Michigan. First lead we’ve had in months.”

My heart sank. It wasn’t possible. It had only been a couple of days since the last time I’d checked on her. The car hadn’t moved in weeks. She felt safe; there was no reason for her to leave. I calmed myself down before responding.

“This isn’t the first time someone has thought they saw her car. It always turns out to be a dead end.” I controlled my voice to sound nonchalant, but my grip on the steering wheel tightened.

“I know, but he seemed pretty positive it was her car. Me and a few other guys are going to check it out. You going to come?”

I hesitated. “Tell me where you’re headed, and I’ll meet you.”

“What the hell is so important compared to finding her?” The guy was getting mad. “This needs to be handled, and you’re supposed to help do that.”

“I know. I said I would meet you. What, you don’t think you could take care of it without me if you do find her?”

“Just hurry up and come meet us.”

I tried to push the dread away as I veered onto the exit ramp to get off the highway. She had to be there. If she was gone and they had gotten a lead on her car, then it was only a matter of time before they caught up. There was nothing I could do if they found her. Except pray that she kept her mouth shut about me knowing where she was this whole time. Something I seriously doubted she’d do.

My anger built as the motel sign came into view. She had tased me, and I’d still warned her. I hadn’t told anyone where she was. Why would she jeopardize that to drive around? What had changed? I pulled into the parking lot and looked at the spot where her car had been.

It was empty.