Escaping Parker - F.T. Zele Page 0,11
changed, then tell me now. I can take you back.”
He pisses me off, and I know I’m just lashing out as reality hits me. It’s slowly sinking in that I have nothing left of who I was. I am glad to leave behind everything that has to do with Steven, I’m just not happy with the fact that I have to lose my family as well.
“I know! I’m just having an off day.” I give him a bit of attitude. “I didn’t sleep more than thirty minutes last night. Excuse my bitchiness.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll be stopping shortly so you can meet with your new driver.”
I feel terrible that I’m being rude. I really hope this was the plan, and he didn’t call Andrew, asking for someone else to come take over. “What do you mean new driver? I thought you were going to be around for three or four days?”
“No, I said I’m gone usually three to four days. It takes me time to drive home. You’re meeting with someone who will be with you for the rest of the time, till he thinks you are ready to be on your own.”
“I’m sorry if my attitude has caused you to want to get away from me. I’ll try and keep it to myself.” snapping at Mark.
“Do you always apologize like this?”
“I didn’t always, no.” A rush of heat climbs my neck to my face.
“You need to stop saying sorry for being you. That might have been your old life, but you need to be proud of you, as a person. Don’t ever be sorry for that. I understand how unordinary this is for you and others. I’m never offended by what is said, it’s only the fear talking. If you can remember that, then I have no doubt you’ll be fine.”
“I’ll try to remember that. Thank you for everything, Mark.”
“You’re welcome.”
We drive for another hour, and before I know it, we’re pulling into a local burger joint.
“We’re here.”
“What? Where?” I spin in the seat and scan my surroundings, seeing two gas stations, and a couple fast food joints, everything else is open road, and empty.
“This is where you’ll meet up with your new guide. He’ll have your new ID and will make sure you’re where you need to be.” He goes to get my bags out of the trunk and rushes me from the car. “Quickly, I don’t want anybody to see you here. Remember, you can’t be recognized, anywhere. Keep your head down and don’t be noticed. Blend in.”
We get to another SUV with tinted windows. I don’t even get an introduction; the door is opened, and the bags are tossed in.
“Parker, you will be safe! Make the most of the second chance you have been given. It’s been a pleasure helping you.” He extends his hand for a shake.
“Thank you, Mark, I hope everything works out for your mom,” I say honestly.
With that he turns around and jogs to his car, gets in, and drives away.
If I wasn’t nervous before, I am now. After spending time with Mark and finally starting to get used to the way he works, I have someone new to figure out. I quickly climb in the other car. “Hi, I’m Cl . . . Parker. I’m Parker. Thank you for meeting up with us.” I click in my seat belt and catch the profile of the new guy.
I would have to be blind to not notice the firm lines of his jaw, covered in a chestnut stubble. He looks out the side window, giving me a better peek at his face, and it surely doesn’t disappoint. His eyes are blue, which soften the strong, hard features of his face. The longer hair on top is slicked back, and when he looks over his shoulder at me, I notice the little dent in his chin. I quickly shove that to the back of my mind, not needing a distraction from what’s important here.
“You can call me Rig. Here, this is for you.” He reaches back with one hand, eyes still trained on the road in front of him.
I take the envelope and a new ID out of his hand, and his fingers brush mine, making my heart momentarily skip a beat. For some reason, I feel safe, protected. It’s hard trusting someone I don’t even know. I knew Steven for six years, and ended up not being able to trust him.
“So, Parker. How are you doing so far, I mean the last couple of