The Encounter Part 2

Max looked up at Zack with question showing on her face. "Zack," she said, "what do you mean my life is in danger? Why are you here?"

          Zack looked at the girl. He leaned over and whispered quietly in her ear. "Let me take you to my place so we can talk in private. Lydecker's men will be waking up soon and there is a van over there with Lydecker's symbol on it so lets go."

          Zack hopped on the bike. Max handed him the keys and got on behind him. "Hold on," Zack said.

          The couple sped off. Zack turned off the main road and began speeding through the back alleyways. Zack stopped the bike in front of an old wooden door. He got off the bike and motioned for Max to be quiet. Zack opened the door and walked up a tall narrow stairway. Max followed the young man. They stopped in front of a heavy metal door. Zack pulled out a set of keys and used 2 keys and 3 combinations to open the door.

"A little paranoid are we," Max asked? Zack smiled and walked inside the room. He turned on the light and moved out of the way to let Max through. Zack locked the door behind them. Max looked around the large square room. A bed and dresser were on the far wall. A fridge and table were to Max's left and there was a sofa in the middle of the room. Zack's motorcycle was leaning against the right wall. "Nice place," Max said impressed at her siblings living conditions.

          "Thanks," Zack said walking up behind her," I have some friends that own the bar below here. If you want to we can go get some drinks later."

          Max nodded. " The little manticore siblings has 'friends'. Wow, I thought that stuff was phony sentimentality." Zack and Max laughed together.

          "I've changed Max," Zack began, " but you have to admit Mantacore gave us some good life skills."

          Max nodded. "Zack," Max said turning instantly serious, "what did you mean, my life is in danger?"

          "I think Lydecker knows who you are. For the past few weeks I have broken into your apartment and have found 2 microphones in your lamp. Lydecker has not come after you so I think he is not sure if you are one of the kids or not." Zack got up and went over to the window on the far wall. "After what happened..." Zack's voice trailed off.

          " What do you mean? Zack what happened?" Max demanded.

          Zack turned around and Max saw a tear roll down his perfect cheek. "Bryn was captured by Lydeckers men. I tried to save her but she was sick. Lydecker said he could cure her so I let her choose. She chose Mantacore." Zack wiped his eyes and turned back towards the window.

          Max walked over to him. "It's alright. I would have done the same thing. It's not your fault." Max put her hand on his shoulder.

          "Shit Max, it is my fault." Zack said slapping her hand away," Bryn called me before she was captured. She told me Lydecker was close to her so I told her to meet me. When I got there Lydeker already had her. He told me she was sick and I spoke with Bryn for a second to let her chose who to go with. I did not even try to stop him."

          "Dose Lydecker know who you are?" Max asked. Zack nodded and he began crying again. Max hugged him. "I'd rather die than go back to Mantacore." he muttered under his breath.

          "I have a friend who can help. He can make you disappear." Max offered thinking of Logan.

          " No Max I can't risk putting either of you in danger." Zack said

          " Zack I signed up for danger when I escaped from Mantacore. I have been living in danger day and night for the past 10 years so don't lecture me on danger." Max turned and began to walk away but felt a strong hand on her shoulder. Zack turned her around and before Max could react Zack kissed her hard on the lips. Max pulled away.

          "Zack we can't you know that it would just make things more complicated."

          "Max I don't care. I have wanted this my whole life. And I want this now more than anything." Zack leaned in to kiss her again but Max dodged and ran out the door.

          Max jumped on her motorcycle and sped away. "Damn it Max. What were you thinking? You have to get control. You know this is not what you want. Zack was just acting on the moment and so were you. The feelings you had are gone now. Or are they?" Max thought to herself. Max felt her beeper go off. She looked at it and then took of to Logan's apartment.