Rush: Chapter 16

Pale morning light poured into my little corner of the Trumbull asphalt building. My sleepy eyes opened to a soft pink sky tinged with sunlight. The storm had stopped, and the night wind had dried most of my clothes, but left me chilled.1

I packed up my stuff and vaulted over the railing, exploring the plant in a way only I could, and warming my frozen body up simultaneously. After about a half hour, I was warm and limbered up. It was time for breakfast.2

I wasn't feeling very adventurous per se, so I opted for the pancake house again. Pancakes were still delicious, even after the night I had been through. The warm, fluffiness of the pancakes combined with the sweet syrup was very comforting to me.3

I felt better this morning. My theory was that I had gotten all of this Lance stuff out of my system, and I was determined to not let him and his betrayal hinder me in any way from finding my dad.4

I exited the restaurant, and thought about what my next move would be. I recalled my attackers, and took out the list from my bag. After thinking for awhile, I decided that the sniper could either be The Agent or The Assassin. The woman was probably The Ninja, because The Siren didn't seem to fit her style. At least, she didn't seem very alluring.5

I thought about asking Arthur for more information about The Ninja. I may have already asked him about the list, but I never asked about any specific members. And, as before, he had probably held out on me.6

"Scarlett!" a voice calling to me interrupted my thoughts. It was a voice I knew well, and hearing it was bittersweet.7

I turned around to see Lance running after me.8

I quickly reached into my bag and grabbed the first weapon my hand touched, which happened to be the dagger. I held it out and he stopped a short distance away from me holding his arms up.9

"What are you doing here?" I asked. He was probably trying to find me again so that the other NLA members could attack me. "Well?" I asked.10

"I just wanted to see you again," Lance said.11

"Right," I replied. He was definitely up to no good.12

"Really," he said. "I know it's not a good excuse, but it's the truth! Ever since you left, I can't help but think about you."13

"And I suppose you love me, is that right?"14

"No, but," he paused, "you're, like, my best friend. Will you please put that thing away?" he asked. I lowered the dagger, but still kept it in my hand.15

He took a few slow steps toward me and said, "Scarlett, when you live on the streets like I do, it's a dog-eat-dog world. Not many people have as much character or integrity as you do. You have to be the most selfless person I've ever met."16

"So?" I asked. I didn't know why he was saying these things, but it almost seemed like he was telling the truth.17

"Arthur and I have been trying to find people like you. He always says, 'keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and those you can trust always in your sight.' We live by that, and you are one of the few people I can trust."18

"But I can't trust you," I said.19

"Why not? I know I don't have anything to clear my name, but if it means anything at all to you, I promise on my honor that I haven't betrayed you."20

"Since when do thieves have honor?"21

"I had hoped by now you would've realized that I'm a different kind of thief. I don't even like to be called a thief. It just feels wrong. You have to believe me, Scarlett."22

I took a deep breath and said, "I want to, Lance. But my father's life is at risk, not to mention my own. The stakes are just too high to take any chances."23

"Even if your heart says differently?" Lance asked.24

I turned away from him and replied, "My heart will get me killed. And don't think that I don't want to, Lance. You're a good friend, too. I just can't. I hope you understand."25

Lance took a deep breath and said. "I do. But I'm still going to prove to you that I'm innocent."26

"I'd love it if you could do that."27

"Then I will," he said as he turned to leave.28

"And Lance," I said. He turned back, but I didn't look at him. "If you come find me again, I won't hesitate to kill you like I did this time. It'll be shoot first and ask questions later."29

"Scarlett, don't talk like that."30

"I mean it," I said in an icy voice. Lance left, but I could tell he took a hit at the last comment.31

When he left, I just placed my head in my hands and sat down. I didn't move for a long time.