Kari had retreated into the bathroom. She wanted to soak in the tub to hide her tears. It was all her fault. Tiffany and Pop Tart were both dead because that buffoon had been looking for her. It wasn't right. They didn't deserve to die. No one did. And her mom. Her mom had kept this a secret. Was anyone else lying to her? She believed she could trust Del. But what if they killed him? Or Stu? Or Martha?? She couldn't even fathom the despair she'd feel knowing any of them had died for her. She wasn't sure what to do. She didn't want to die, but it was the only answer to stop the killing.

Her mom had always told her that if the way forward proved impossible, she'd need to take a step back. Reevaluate her position and make moves accordingly. She'd always assumed it was some kind of chess strategy. Maybe her mom had tried to prepare her. Maybe some straight up explanations would've been fucking better than all this cloak and dagger bullshit. She was fighting being furious. If she had her mom here right now….

Wait…that's it!! She needed to talk to her mom. That would give her some answers she hoped. She couldn't involve the others. She needed them to survive. She wasn't very brave, but she could at least find a way to do right by them. That would have to be enough. She'd sneak out tonight and make her way home.

*


Del was left talking to Martha. He was worried about Kari now. People tended to blame themselves for the stupidity of others. Not everyone thinks in a rational way.

"Well, Martha, what do you think about Kari?"

"I mean she's a sweet enough girl, but I don't know how she's gonna make it through this mess. Normally, i'd be afraid she'll go all noble and try to sacrifice for everyone else. Kari isn't that brave by any means. She's probably crying and feeling helpless. She won't have any of the answers and she'll wish she had someone that does."

Del was thoughtful. Martha had confirmed everything he already believed. Kari was far too innocent to get involved in the game. He wasn't sure how to keep her alive. He'd kind of hoped she had some sort of drive to fight. She might have to go into hiding. It seemed unfair, but it was likely the best option.
Martha realized he'd drifted into thought and left him to it. She'd come back with some tea.
Del would be a while.

*

It felt like days before the sun finally went down. Kari had retired to her room. This escape plan depended on a lot of factors, but she was sure she could pull it off. At 3 am, she decided to make her move.

She felt bad about sneaking out. Del had really gone out of his way to help. That's why she couldn't let him be hurt now. She managed to get outside without issue. Just as she started across the yard, a pair of headlights lit up the night. She couldn't even get out of the apartment building without being found!!

Kari panicked and ran. The car followed her. Some safe house. She managed to run about a block before the world started spinning. She never asked how bad the blow to the head was. Maybe there'd been a concussion. Dammit. At the corner, she surrendered. All this hiding and she'd messed it up.

A window rolled down and the driver motioned her towards the car. Her fight was gone. She was no hero.

She sat down in the car and the driver decided to address her.

"You know, wherever you're going, riding in a car will get you there faster. Especially in your condition."

She looked at the driver.

"Stu!?!?"

"I'm glad you recognize me now. I thought I'd been turned into the Boogeyman."

"But how did you know my plans??"

"You are such an innocent. We were mobsters ourselves. We may be living on the straight and narrow now, but we are all very familiar with that look of determination that someone gets when planning an escape."

She was bewildered. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. They knew the whole damn time. They were sick.

"I know you think we are a little twisted, but since you were making your move anyway, we decided to check and see if anyone was on to us. So, I've been waiting outside. I'm sorry I frightened you. I never dreamed you'd run for it."

He was obviously holding back his need to laugh because he could tell that she was in distress. She couldn't help herself but chuckle a little bit.

"Well at least my fight or flight works fine."

He was laughing now, while she looked away and laughed as well.

"Well we better get going because it's a bit of a journey. Or at least it would have been if I had walked it like I planned."

"Where are we headed?"

"I need to see my mom."


*

Del watched in the distance as Kari got in the car. Maybe he should've let her in on the plan. This really sold it though. He had a feeling they might be on to him. No one had made a move. Something wasn't right. What had he missed?

The gunshot that rang out in the next room caused a panic. There was no one here but….

As he entered, he found Martha on the floor. Steel stood over her, gun pointed at her. He was ready to execute her.

"What are you doing here, Steel?"

"Oh I think you already know"

"If I knew for sure, I damn well wouldn't be asking questions." Del knew this was bad. He had to find a way to get that gun.

"Don't even think about it. I have you now."

He wasn't wrong. With Martha on the floor, he was painted in a corner. His guards were on the ground. He didn't need to check vitals when he saw the lifelessness in their still opened eyes. He'd been too focused on Kari to notice the struggle. He really was getting old.

" Just don't hurt her any more then you already have. I'll cooperate if she continues to breathe ."

"Where's the girl?

"She's not here."

"Bullshit! I know she was here."

"Care to explain how you came by such a reliable source?"

"Turns out it was your fault old man. You see, I didn't realize, at first, that you might try to spirit away our girls. Then, Cyn stopped coming to work. Ironically, I picked up her scent and she led me here. You see? Your need to help others is how I found you."

"Where is Cyn?" He already knew before Steel had answered.

"I couldn't have her warn anyone. Especially, Demetrius. I don't want him to see what's coming."

"You're making a power play. I'm not surprised. I wasn't sure you had it in you."

"As much as I'm enjoying this, I need a reason here to spare the old lady."

"Leave her and take me with you. I'll explain when we are safely away.'

"What information could you possibly have for me old timer?"

"I know why Demetrius is after the girl. I'm sure he hasn't told you. He doesn't want anyone to know his plans. That's also why he wants me taken out. He knows I saw through him. Spare Martha. You won't regret it."

Steel debated it for a second. He knew this was how people ended up dead, but he wanted to know. Maybe he really could take out Demetrius!

"Alright. But if you try to go against this agreement, I'll keep your alive just long enough to know she went first."

Del didn't like it but it was his only chance to save Martha. He'd have to think fast to get out of this one. This is why he avoided this bullshit!!



© The Moonlight Bard