Smash!

•F O R T Y F I V E•

"Robin?" Jamie lets out a shuddering breath.

"If Nate isn't home, he'll be there. That warehouse has been empty for decades, then Nate started pushing drugs out of it. It's where he stashes his product, and where all his dealers meet him. Hate to admit it, but it's a clever spot. No bills or rent to worry about. No cameras. Not even any windows for anyone to look into and notice a thing." I explain, rubbing my hands together so they can stay warm. Jamie stares down the building with a hard concerned look, her green eyes analyzing every inch of the warehouse.

"And you were just going to run in there?" Jamie questions, her eyes landing back on me. "With no plan?"

"Ugh," I can't meet her focused eyes. "I didn't know the bus's route passed the warehouse... so... yes." I scratch the back of my neck, despite no discomfort there. Jamie takes a sharp breath, shooting me a pleading look.

"What does the inside of the building look like?" Jamie asks, crossing her arms over her chest for warmth.

"Ugh, four floors." I answer as she nods along. "The ground floor is used the most. It's where Nate stashes all of his merchandise; guns, drugs, but he keeps all of his money off sight at his house."

"Where is most likely Robin is?"

"Third floor from the ground level." I state.

"How many exits are there? Can we sneak in through somewhere without getting noticed?" Jamie inquires, going so pale she might faint.

"There's only one way in and out." I point up at the rusting fire escape on the side of the building. All of the doors are sealed, all except for one door at the very top floor. It's genius as it is idiotic. There's only one entrance, so whoever comes in; cops or rivals, no can sneak up on Nate. But that results in only one exit route. Sucking in a big breath, Jamie takes off for the building. The snow under my feet crunches as I go after her, the only sound on the dead street.

"Jamie," I catch her on the shoulder. "Are you just going to charge in there? The second you do-"

"Scary isn't it?" Jamie gently cuts me off, her one good hand finding mine. Despite the frigidness of December, her hand is warm, making me hold on tighter. "It's absolutely terrifying when the people important to you just impulsively head into danger, isn't it?"

That makes me stop breathing all together. Is this how Jamie felt all this time? Every time I disappeared in the middle of the night without a word? Every time I did something illegal? Every time I did something inconsiderate?

I wish I can take it all back.

"You know, I wish you never meet me." I breathe, the words so hushed, it's almost as if I haven't said them at all. It hurts to say it, because the best thing that has ever happened to me is meeting Jamie. Despite knowing that Jamie doesn't cry, a small part me expects to her. Yet, it's a complete surprise when I'm the one swallowing the lump in my throat.

"I wish you never meet me, and I wish you were safe at home right now."

"That's one of the worst things you have ever said to me." Jamie says quietly, her green eyes unyielding as they plead up to me. The hurt is blatant in her freckled face, knotted up in a mixture of disbelief and betrayal.

"I mean that with love." I add, but it's hollow and and raspy.

"I would do us-everything all over again, just to keep you in my life." Jamie starts, a tight expression of pain on her face.

"Even all the fights?" I inquire, forcing myself to meet her green eyes.

"Yeah, even the fights," Jamie confirms. "All of it, Riley."

"Jamie, please," my voice threatens to crack. "Just leave. Right now. Don't go in there. Pretend Nate and I never happened, just make a run for it right now, and never look back." My entire body shakes as I beg her, tears burning the back of my eyes.

Yet, Jamie just gives me a knowing look.

"We're going to save Robin." Is all she says before marching up to the warehouse.

Author's Note: that abandoned factory is actually what inspired this WHOLE story. I was driving past it, and immediately envisioned my characters climbing up the fire escape, told my ride to pull over just to take pictures.

The whole story immediately came together that day. And whenever I'm having writer's block, I drive over to see it.

Also, Jamie's name was originally suppose to be Jessie 👐🏼