#daveyork

“On the Run”

“This will be a nice break,” She says reassuringly. A nice break. You think how deserving this is after being cramped inside the house for the last few days. You’re slowly driving up to the carnival. You can see the lights from the rides and hear the music blaring through the speakers. Patrice pulls into a parking space, and stops the car. “You doing alright?” She asks. “I’m managing.” You reply. “We’ll be fine,” she reassures you again. “Let’s go.”

As you step out of the car, the sense of security you felt begins to wane. You feel exposed, out in the open. Was this a bad idea? Your face into an expression of discomfort. Noticing this, Patrice loops her arm around yours, “Hey, you’re okay. The place is looking crowded, surely a sign of a good time?” she jokes to take the edge off. “I hope so,” you sigh.

You walk towards the crowded entrance, you see the big flashing sign, “Giant Dipper.” The screams of laughter and music filling your ears as you walk through the entrance. The smell of fresh popcorn, heavily coated in butter and salt filling the air. The tension slowly melts as a warm breeze caresses your skin. You let out a deep breath. Looking around, you notice how packed the carnival is tonight. You never cared for crowded places, but tonight it offers a sense of security for you. In a sea of faces, how could anyone point you out? This may be the last place anyone would look for you. You let out another breath, and say quietly, “Dave is dead.”

______________________

Dave’s been taking Susan’s death hard. He hasn’t really talked about her or his feelings around it. It’s been difficult to be around him, even after years of knowing him. He’s been a great colleague and even friend, but not when he’s like this. It’s hard to know how to help him. You notice he’s been leaving the office more often, taking phone calls outside. You wonder what’s going on that he feels he can’t share with you. “Dave, are you listening? Earth to Dave!” you quip.

“What” he says absentmindedly. “Yeah?”

“Were you listening? What’s going on?” You inquire.

“Nothing I’m fine” shrugging off the question.

“Are you sure? You don’t seem fine, in fact you’ve been pretty on edge --”

“I said I’m fine!” he snaps and storms out of the office.

You follow him outside. He’s on the phone again, speaking in a hushed voice.

“Ari, I’ll take care of it, but Mac needs to be on your radar. He knows.” Just as he says that, he notices you. Becoming flustered he says, “I'll have to call you back.” He turns to you, “What are you doing out here? Are you following me now?”

“No, I just wanted to check in with you. Is everything okay?” You ask.

“It’s fine, as I said before.”

Look, I can’t imagine what you’re going through, losing Susan, and all, but I’m here for you.” you offer sincerely.

“Well I appreciate it, but really I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me.” He feigns a smile, trying to put you at ease.

“If you say so.” You retort. Yet, there is this lingering feeling that you don’t quite believe him. You couldn’t help but ask, “Who’s Mac? Someone the agency should be concerned with?”

His eyes dart towards you. “No one of significance.” he says cooly.

______________________________________________________

A few days later, as you’re arriving at your apartment, you notice a package with your name on it, yet no return address. Weird. You pick the package up and carry it with you upstairs. As you walk through the threshold of your apartment, you throw the package on the table and start peeling off your coat and work clothes. You return to the package on the table and open it carefully. You pull out an envelope, begin to open it, and tip its contents on to the table. It’s Susan. “Susan? What the hell is this?” Your eyes pour over the pictures of the crime scene and forensic reports. You peer back into the package and see pictures of Dave and a cellphone. You pick up the phone and turn it on. “What the hell is all of this?” The phone screen lights up and begins to ring. An unknown number. Do I dare pick this up? You go against your better judgment and decide to take the call.

“Hello?”

“I see you’ve received my package.”

“Who is this? What the hell is going on?”

“I’m Robert McCall.”

“I don’t understand, who are you?

“A friend of friends.”

“Yeah, that’s not vague at all. What the fuck is going on? Why did you send me those photos? How do you even know --

“I’ve worked with Susan and Dave for a long time.”

“Okay, that still doesn’t explain anything about --

“Dave has been taking out agency assets. He killed Susan and I have reason to suspect, he’s going to come after you.”

Your heart drops. Dave killed Susan? Why would he? “I don’t believe you and why would he come after me!”

“Regardless if you believe it not, it’s the truth. I know you’ve worked with Dave for years, but there are some things you don’t know about him. Susan suspected something as well and she told me to contact you if anything should happen to her.”

“If you’ve been so involved in their lives, why am I just now hearing about you?” you question.

“Because I’m not supposed to be alive. Please, I only want to protect you, out of respect for Susan. You need to leave Boston. I can look into my contacts for a safehouse and get back to you as soon as I can.” The phone hangs up.

__________________________________________________________

The heart in your chest, pounding like a drum, fast and loud. What the fuck do I do? Where could I possibly go? You grab your laptop and begin to look at the nearest flights to anywhere. You couldn’t just wait for Robert to call or worse, for Dave to get to you. Fuck, I can’t leave the country, not now. With the recent deaths overseas, the agency wanted employees to stay in the country. How far away could you travel? How far would be far enough? I’ll decide when I get to the airport. I can’t wait for him.

You grab your suitcase from the closet and slam it on the bed. You lunge back towards the closet and grab your clothes from the hanger and toss them haphazardly in the suitcase. I’ll sort it out later. Just as you move towards your dressers, your phone rings. You gaps, startled by the sound.

“Hello?” “Hey, it’s me, it’s uh Dave”. Your eyes widened.

“Hey” you say shakily, and start to pace your room. “Uh what’s up?”

“Not much, haven’t checked-in in awhile and I wanted to see how you were doing. You’ve been a bit distant and I realize that might be my fault. I apologize for snapping at you. You’re right, I’ve been on edge since Susan’s death.” He says earnestly, and yet almost honeyed. You’re unsure if you can believe him.

“I get it, I would, uh feel the same over someone I cared about.”

“I appreciate your understanding with all of this. It’s been, uh really taking a toll on me.”

“Well I’m here if you need someone to talk about it with Dave.”

“Thanks. So listen, are you going somewhere?”

Your heart plummets into your stomach, pacing stops. “Excuse me?” you ask, as if you didn’t hear the first time.

“Are you going somewhere? Are you planning on leaving for a bit?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Seemed like you were in a rush to pack your suitcase” he says in a low, serious tone.

You gasp, how the fuck does he know!? You begin to look around your room and out of windows. You start to search through the house.

“Don’t bother looking, you won’t find me.”

“I don’t understand, did you bug my fucking house! Why?” You scream.

He chuckles, “Heh, I think you know why. I think you met my good friend Mac the other day, yes? What did he say to you?”

“NOTHING!” you quaver. “He told me nothing!”

“I think we both know that’s a lie. And I think we both know what really happened to Susan, don’t we?”

Your eyes begin to well up as you realize Robert was right, it was Dave all along. “Dave”, you plead. “Please, don’t do this, you don’t have to do this”

“It’s done. Just another loose end to tie up”.

“Oh God!” you cry as you hang up the phone.

You have to think fast, as every second passes, he’s watching your every move. You grab the essentials, wallet, keys and ID and head for the door. What if he’s waiting on the other side of the door? You text a colleague from work, Derek and ask him to take you to the airport.

“Right now” he responds.

“Please?”

“I’ll be there in a few.”

You start to slow your breathing, He wouldn’t do anything in front of a colleague, would he? Then again, I shouldn’t underestimate him, it seems as if he would do some things.

“I'm outside” Derek messages you.

Just as you're heading out the door, your phone trills. It’s him.

“What?” you snap. Your question met with silence. “What do you want?!”

“You’re a smart girl, calling our dear coworker, Derek. Look, let’s make this easy. I’d hate to have to kill two coworkers. Not good for team morale.” he chuckles.

“Fuck you, Dave.” You hang up and storm out your apartment.

As you approach Derek’s car, you look around, searching for any sign of Dave, where he might be. You see nothing suspicious, no cars, people, nothing. You get in the car.

“Please drive to Logan airport as quickly as you can” you demand.

“Um, okay, hi to you too. Yes I will get you there. You want to tell me what’s going on?”

“I just need to get out of here. Family emergency.”

“Where are you headed to?”

“Just down the coast. New Jersey” you lied. Dave made sure you wouldn’t put your trust in another colleague by giving them information that he may uncover.

“New Jersey?” He snorted. “You couldn’t drive?”

“Plane is quicker” you retorted.

Could he be following me right now? You keep watching the rearview and side mirrors for a tail.

You finally arrive at Logan airport.

“Thank you so much Derek, I really appreciate it.”

“Yeah, no problem. Uh, where did you say you were going again?”

Your eyes look at him suspiciously. “Jersey”

“Any place in particular or -”

“Goodbye, Derek.” you turn on your heels and bolt inside the airport doors.

You start to search for the nearest airline desk to ask for flights. The phone trills, again. Without thinking you answer, “What the fuck do you want Dave?”

“Hey, take it easy, this is Robert McCall. You remember me right?”

You let out a sharp breath through your nose, “How could I forget! You’re the one who got me involved in this fucking mess!”

“I understand how scary this may be for you, but I’m here to help. I promise, you can trust me”.

“Like I thought I could trust Dave!” you retort through strained vocals, looking around to see if anyone has heard you.

“Listen, I am here to help. You can choose to accept it or not. I have a place for you to stay. It’s in California, I --”

“California!”

“Yes, it’s far enough away and populated enough. It would be difficult to find anyone”

“For how long?”

“Until it is finished.”

“I don’t have time for this vague bullshit, when can I feel safe again? How long will I have to be in California?”

“Not for very long. Just please, do as I say. I will send you the details of a friend of mine in Santa Cruz. She’ll take care of you.”

“I don’t believe this --”

“You don’t have a choice.” Robert says sternly. “Make sure to take cash out, avoid using credit or debit cards if you can. I’ll follow soon”.

You approach the desk and purchase your ticket to California, with cash. ___________________________________________________________

You land in sunny California. It’s as beautiful as everyone says it is. You take in the sights all around you, and for a moment, you forget that you’re here, on the run.

You make your way to Robert’s contact, Patrice, in Santa Cruz.

“Hello” she greets your warmly. “Please come inside, Robert’s briefed me on what’s happening”

“You’re okay with harboring a complete stranger from someone trying to murder them?” you ask quizzically.

“Well, in this line of work, it wouldn't be the first time.” She smiles wryly.

You let a low laugh. “Thank you”.

“Don’t mention it. Let’s get you set up in the meantime.”

___________________________________________________________

It’s been a few days, and still no sign of Dave, nor a call from Robert. You start to pace the house, peering out of the curtains every so often. I should have heard something by now.

“How are you holding up?” asks Patrice.

“So well”, you say sarcastically. “I just don’t understand how we haven’t heard anything yet. I just don’t get --

In that moment, Patrice’s phone goes off. “Hello? Robert, we’ve been waiting on you!”

Your head snaps up towards Patrice and you walk towards her, leaning in to listen.

“How much longer, your friend is getting restless. We’ve been in the house for days, if Dave knew she was here, he would have gotten us both by now.” Patrice nods her head at Robert’s response. Her eyes grow wide and mouth falls open.

“Dead? Are you sure?” Patrice glances over to you. You move closer to Patrice with bewilderment in your eyes. You mouth the words dead? Dave is dead?

“Robert, as relieved as I am, I’m sorry you had to --”

The phone call ends abruptly. Patrice can’t help but feel a sense of relief for you. Patrice glances over to you. “Well, I believe it’s finally over. Robert always comes through.”

“I can’t believe it. I should feel relieved, but I’m just --”

“ I get it. Robert also lost a friend, and an enemy, who would’ve continued to come after you.”

“I know, I know! I just can’t believe someone I thought I knew would do this. See me as an enemy.”

“I tell you what, we have been cooped up in this house for too long! How would you feel about stretching your legs near the shore?”

The thought intrigued you, but should you be leaving the house so suddenly? You knew Dave was gone, but still felt this lingering uneasiness. “I’m unsure.”

“I promise you, Robert took care of everything, you don’t have to worry. Now, I can’t make you go, but I would heavily encourage it,” Patrice says with an endearing smile.

Not totally convinced you ask, “what did you have in mind?”

“First time in Santa Cruz, yes?” Patrice asks. You nod. “How do you feel about carnivals?”

_____________________________________________________________Hours pass by and reality starts to set in. Dave is dead and you are safe. You feel like you haven't been able to take a full breath since this started. You actually start to enjoy yourself and glance over to Patrice. Patrice returns your gaze and smiles. “I told you this would be good!” She laughs, dragging you to the nearest carnival game.

“Name of the game is “Shoot’em Up!” First one to knock down the pins gets the prize!” the worker announces.

“Are you a good shot?” Patrice inquires.

“I’ll give it a try”, you smirk. You pick up the rifle and aim it at the pins.

“Just like your training, right? Patrice jokes.

“A little, although there’s a bit more at stake here. Need to win the prize” you joke. You inhale slowly and as you exhale, you unload the rifle. Pew Pew Pew.

“Wow! Nice shooting!” the worker exclaims. “Well, you do indeed get that prize. What’ll it be?”

“How about the elephant?”You ask.

“You got it.”

“Hey, not too bad, not too bad.” states Patrice.

“Ha, thank you. And thanks again for this Patrice. I must admit I was a little nervous at first, but I’m glad I took your encouragement.” You nudge Patrice playfully.

“No problem. It’s unfortunate we had to meet under these circumstances. Otherwise this would be a nice trip”, she says in a sing-songy voice. “Anything else you want to do? How about the Giant Dipper?

“Oh no, I don’t know. I’m not hugely into rollercoasters. It’s been years!”

“Oh, come on! It’s the whole reason for this place! It’ll be a good time!

You consider it for a moment. Maybe it could be fun. Hell i’ve been put through the wringer, what could a rollercoaster do to me?

“You know what, why not?” you state. “But first, I really need to use the restroom!

“Fine, I’ll get us a place in line. Fortunately there’s rest rooms near there! Make it quick!”

“I will! I’ll meet you over there!”

They make their way to the Giant Dipper, the main attraction of the carnival. Anyone could see the appeal and thrill of the rollercoaster. Sounds of laughter filling the air. Screams grow louder and louder the two walk closer to the rollercoaster. As Patrice waits in line, you run to the restrooms.

“Don’t be too long!” Patrice calls after you.

As you enter the restroom, you can no longer hear the screams and laughter of the crowd. You locate an empty stall. Just as you enter the stall, another occupant comes in and settles in the stall a few doors down. Wanting to get back to Patrice, you finish up quickly. As you open the stall, the other toilet flushes. You walk over to the sink and dispense the soap into your hands. As you lather, you recognize red stains in the sink, as well as the counter. Thinking nothing of it, you rinse her hands off. As you look up from the sink and gazes into the mirror, you notice what appears to be a frowny face. What the hell, that’s mature. You study it for a moment. Blood? “What the hell, is that blood?”

“It is” a gravelly voice states behind you. “In fact, it’s mine.”

You stop. Frozen with fear, like a deer in headlights, you stare in the mirror, gazing upon a beaten and bloodied corpse. He surely looks like a dead man, missing an eye and badly bruised. Is this real or am I imagining it?

“D-Dave?” you choke out, barely audibly.

“Yes, it’s me. In the flesh.”

Your eyes begin to well, unable to move or look away from the ghost in the mirror.

“You seem surprised to see me. Haunted, almost.”

“I thought,” you take a breath. “I thought you were --”

“Dead?” He lets out a menacing chuckle. “I know.”

“How did --”

“Robert taught me to always have a contingency plan.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You don’t need to,” he said coldly. He starts to creep towards you. You slowly start to walk backwards towards the door. “Dave,” you plead, tears streaming down your cheeks. “You don’t have to do this.”

“But I do. See, you know about Susan, the agency asset, and I can’t let you leave.”

“Dave, I’m not your enemy please don’t do this! I’m not a threat, I’m not an enemy!” You scream through tears.

“No,” he says cooly. “Just an unfortunate.”