Trigger - Part 1

CHAPTER 13 - All That Matters

My lungs burn trying to filter air; I pull Shane back and stop, hunched over I balance myself with my hands on my knees.

"Sage, come on! We have to keep moving!" He takes my hand again.
"Shane, wait... Let me just catch my breath."

He lets go and walks behind me. The sound of leaves crunching underneath his feet fades before it returns as he walks and stands beside me.

"Okay. We're not being followed."

I stand up right, placing my hands on my head: "I think they stopped following us when we ditched the car. Where are we going?"

He starts walking in the direction we were running and I follow, still trying to catch my breath.

"There's a small town on the other side of those trees, if we keep moving we'll be there by night fall." I look where he's pointing but couldn't see anything else but trees. I turn my head toward him and see his face drenched.

"Are you talking about the town we drove through yesterday on our way to the head department?"

"Yes, I know someone there who can help us."

I stop and look around me. "Shane but we drove the opposite direction of the town."

He takes my hand and ushers me forward."Yes... I led them in the opposite direction so we have time to stock up before we leave, now let's go."

Time felt like it was standing still as we kept walking, passing tree after tree. Just as I was about to stop Shane pulls me quickly towards him and start speed walking over an open field towards an old wooden house.

"We're here."

I hear Shane knock on the door; three knocks, pause.
One knock, pause.
Two knocks.

I grab his hand as the door flies open, staring at a classy oldish lady dressed in a bright orange dress. Her bright maple coloured eyes widen as she looks at Shane.

"Oh my dear! What a surprise!" Shane let's go of my hand and wraps his arms around her.

"Maple, it's so great to see you! I'm so sorry for coming unannounced but we need your help." He looks at me and stretches his hand out. I place my hand in his and step forward smiling at Maple as she looks at me.

"Of course dear, and who is this beautiful lady?"

"This is Sage, a friend."

"Hi Maple." I say as Maple and I exchange smiles.

"Well don't just stand there, come in!"

We follow her and take our seats at the dining room table. "Well nice meeting you Sage, so tell me is he behaving himself?" I look at Shane as his face turns slightly red shaking his head.

"Oh well, he is a gentleman if that's what you're implying."

She lets out a giggle and walks off to the kitchen: "Shane dear, come help me with tea and you can tell me all about it."

Shane gives me a quick wink and follows Maple to the kitchen. I start drawing imaginary lines on the table as time seemed to have stood still. Shane walks out carrying a tray and I see Maple walking right behind him.

"Please help yourselves." She speaks in a soft town while taking her seat next to Shane.

"Sage my dear, I am so sorry to hear about all the troubles you have faced." Her hands shake, as she brings the cup to her mouth.
"Thank you Maple, it's been rough-" My words fell short as Shane clears his throat and starts speaking.

"Thank you for helping us Maple, we will leave first thing in the morning."

She lifts her hand and smiles. "My dear, I was in the force for many years. I know how things are and I know how complicated things can end up, now if you two can please excuse me, I'm off to bed. I'll see you in the morning."