Run Run As Fast As You Can Re-write

Chapter Two

"Marty says that she's the best snapper there is, and she's been running for a while. Who knew a photographic memory could cause all this trouble?" I heard a female voice and jumped up, shoving my hand into my pocket.

"Your gun isn't there, I removed it. Welcome." Groaning, I finally turned to look at her.

"Since when did Carter employ university students?" She laughed at my confused face. She grabbed her red hair and pulled it into a ponytail.

"You're not at Carter's. We were just coming in from San Francisco to give Marty a surprise visit, and we had just bought this house, when we saw you getting grabbed by Carter's goons. Mason shot him and we grabbed you. Where are my manners? I'm Alexis." She held out her hand for me to shake and I blinked.

"Jessica, the polite thing to do is shake my hand." She laughed.

"How do you know my name?" I asked, as I stood up.

"You're famous in our little world. Ryder, introduce yourself please." Alexis scolded. My eyes landed on an intimidating man, who was frowning.

"I'm Ryder." He said abruptly, glaring at me. Alexis gave me a grin as he left the room.

"He'll warm up to you, eventually. Ryder's a manipulator, but I think they need a better name for that." I scrunched my nose up as Alexis handed me a sandwich.

"Manipulator? I've never heard of that one before." I tore into my sandwich.

"Ryder's a master in human psychology, but never went to school for it. He can sense people's emotions through their bodies, and can also always catch a lie. Pierson's been after him for years."

"Who's Pierson?" I asked.

"He's another gang leader, of the Moon Knights. Stupid name I know. Actually, speaking of Pierson, we need to grab a little girl he's after, April. She's only eight, and has enhanced hearing. You know, Pierson and Carter will grab anyone with any enhanced ability. Which reminds me." She paused. "MASON!" My hands covered my ears as Alexis shrieked.

"What?" A voice yelled back. Alexis frowned as she looked at me.

"It's time to go rescue that little girl! You have to meet Jessica when you get back!" I heard grumbling as Alexis climbed up the stairs.

"I'm going to lock the door as a precaution. Please don't try to leave, Ryder set up a really dangerous alarm system." I heard the door click as it locked and sighed, looking around. I was in a gym of sorts, sitting on a chair.

I pursed my lips as I thought of Alexis and her group. Would they hurt me, were they truly on the run? Or was this an elaborate scheme by Carter? I wanted to scream I was so confused. I was stuck here until Alexis and the others returned, I didn't want to risk the security system. That Ryder guy really freaked me out, and I had no doubt that he would hurt me without a second thought.

Spotting a treadmill, I walked over to it and started to run on it, trying to clear my head. Who was that Mason guy? He didn't seem too nice. Alexis did though, and I felt bad for not trusting her.

Sometimes I just wish I could turn myself in to Carter again, like I had before. I didn't want to run anymore, I was tired. Carter would be overjoyed to have me again, and I'd have food and water, and a bed. No more worries about basic amenities, but I would never be free. Carter would never let me get away a second time.

Maybe with these three, I would be safer and protected. I wouldn't have to worry about being on my own again. Maybe I could even go back to school. Laughing, I moved on to a stationary bike. I hadn't even completed tenth grade before I started running.