Max flipped the CLOSED sign over and locked the door after them. He had no idea how he was going to come up with the money Lucielle needed. It had been a rough year at the shoe store and it’s not like you ever heard of millionaire shoe store owners anyway. So as they walked through the mall out to his car he started to turn over in his mind what they would do.
“I’m sorry I never told you.” she said.
“Would have been nice to know that you in fact didn’t die in my arms.”
“I was afraid that if I came forward that the people that tried to do this would have found me.”
“Where did you go?”
“South America for a long time. The Mediterranean for awhile longer. Constantly looking over my shoulder. Moving around if the guy at the grocery store looked at me like he had seen me before.”
“I sat here thinking the love of my life. . .” she glanced at him. “. . . at that time, had died. It took me five years before I could even think about wanting to date anyone else. You caused me a lot of broken relationships.”
“I know. Again I can’t even begin to understand.”
“You can’t? I just called you the love of my life and I haven’t even heard you say that you even liked me. And you want to draw me into all this mess?” Lucielle grabbed him by the arm and made him stop.
“I know. It sounds like shit. But I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love you at some point.” He looked her in the eye and shook his head. “If you don’t help me I will be dead this time.” He turned and continued to walk towards the parking lot.
* * * *
He felt her on the move. A lot more emotions. Love, hatred, and sadness. Coming from all directions. He walked back out to the parking lot and just as he walked out he saw them driving by. As if she sensed him the blonde in the passenger seat looked up and him and their eyes met. She seemed to read his intentions. Her eyes widened. He smiled at her. The fear she exuded jumped to insane levels. He literally almost came it was so intoxicating. Later he would have to scare her until he climaxed. For now the foreplay was enough to keep her alive. The car began to speed up. He laughed to himself and walked calmly to his car. She was going to be easy to track.
* * * *
“Speed up!”
“What?” Max looked over at her.
“Someone is here. He’s following me.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. And if it’s who they threatened to send we’re both in deep. We’re not safe anywhere.”
“Already? You already have me dead in this scenario?” She looked at him and he could tell she was terrified. Max knew he just had entered something way over his head. He had to find a way to get the money. There was one person he could call but he really didn’t want to bring anyone else into this situation. And if he called this person it would be out that Lucielle was still alive. “The only person I know that can get us the money is Brad.”
“No. We can’t.”
“Unless you have a better plan, which if you came to me for help then I am guessing you don’t, it’s the only option we have.”
“But you know we can’t. I can’t go back to that feeling. I can’t feel that again.”
“I know.”
They drove on in silence. Max got onto the expressway and he felt Lucielle tense up.
“I guess we don’t have any other choice.” When he pulled into Brad’s drive way Lucielle was gripping the door handle so hard she was leaving indentions. Max got out and walked up to the door. He looked around and knocked on the door.
“Go away!” immediately came from inside.
“It’s Max.”
“Then fuck off.”
“I need your help.” He heard heavy foot steps coming to the door. The door opened and Max saw Brad for the first time in twenty years. He had grayed around the temples. It looked like he hadn’t shaved in a week. Also didn’t seem to have showered in a couple of days.
“What the fuck are you doing here? What makes you think I’d help you do anything?”
“Well it’s not so much me as it is her.” Max moved off to the side and Brad looked over as Lucielle shut the car door. All the anger in his face drained out into disbelief.
“Lucy?”
“Hello Brad.” He walked over to her and went to hug her. She shirked away. “Please don’t. Not after . . .”
“How can you still think that?” Max walked up behind Brad.
“Can we just talk about why we’re here?”
“I’m sorry.” Brad said as he turned to look at Max. “If I seem a little shocked it’s because the love of my life turns out to be alive after me thinking she was dead for twenty years.” Max smirked.
“Right. Love of your life.”
“Oh why the fuck are you here?” Brad began to get defensive.
“You’re lucky I don’t knock your teeth out. Which if you remember the last time I saw you I said I would do if I saw you again.”
“Oh get over yourself. Mr. White Knight.”
“Please stop . . .” Max and Brad were in each other’s faces.
“Well Max why don’t you take a swing then?”
“Would love to.” Max took a step forward. Lucielle tried to get between them.
“Brad please. We wouldn’t be here unless we needed your help. Not to rehash old wounds.” Brad looked at her.
“Old wounds? Please.”
“Oh come on. I should have known.” Max looked about ready to explode. “All these years and still being an asshole.”
“Max please you’re not helping.”
“I don’t care! I’m going to bust him finally. Should have done it twenty years ago.”
“Lucy tell him.” Brad looked at her pleading.
“Max . . . I . . .”
“Tell him . . .” Max was balling up his fists.
“Max! Back off!”
“Lucy. Tell him . . .”
“Please. We need him.” She put her arms up to try and push Max back.
“Tell him I didn’t rape you that night.” Brad looked at Max as he said it and watch Max look at Lucielle to confirm his statement.
