The backpack straps couldn't kept the bottom from hitting his lower back. He kept walking anyways. It proved to be minor compared how he felt about leaving. He wanted to stay, but it wouldn't change the fact that the dark man waited in the west. The fact if he stayed might push the dark man's time table ahead of schedule. These people needed every second.
Walking past people. he knew eyes were on him. Even whispering of "That's the guy," "He saved Teddy,". It was more dismay and surprise then acceptance. Then again he didn't care just wanting to put distance between him and Kate. She wants a normal life, she's going to get it. He couldn't give her that. Maybe this was her chance to find normality. Outside of Boulder, he didn't care that Steve appeared with a rifle and aiming at his back.
"Don't walk away from me, hero!" yelled Steve.
Looking over his shoulder, "How did he get a rifle?" wondered Rath continuing to walk, "Maybe he stole it. Not my problem."
Chunks of pavement flew when his right foot touched the ground. Then pavement chunks flew again when his left foot touched the ground. By the fifth bullet, Steve had Rath's back in the cross hairs. Before he could pull the trigger, A hand grabbed the rifle and pulled it out of his hands. Then a fist connected with his face. Looking up, Stu's face looked down at him. In his hand was the rifle.
"You didn't learn from yesterday," commented Stu.
Looking up, Stu saw Kate. She staring at the slowly fading back of Rath. It was decision time.
His feet connecting with pavement didn't hide the truck engine that was closing in from behind him. Stopping, he watched truck heading towards him. He could make out three people in the cab.
"What now?" he thought.
It stopped. Through the driver side window, he saw Stu was driving. The window was rolled down.
"Didn't get to say thank you for yesterday," stated Stu.
"Welcome, now what do you want?"
Popping her head forward, "You forgot something," said Fran.
The passenger door opened then closed, but Rath kept his eyes on Fran.
"What did I forget?"
"Me!" came from behind him.
Turning he saw Kate with her back pack on.
Returning towards Stu, "Can you take her back?"
"Take me back, forget it," interrupted Kate, "I promise Jess to keep you out of trouble. That is one promise that I'm not going to break so you're struck with me."
They stared at each other.
"Fine, can't get rid of you even if I tried."
"Wish you luck," remarked Stu.
"What else is there?" remarked Rath walking froward with Kate trying to keep up with him.
Watching them faded into the distance, "Strange couple," remarked Fran.
"Yes, they are," returned Stu
"Could've used their help."
"Something wrong?"
"Yes, worried."
"About them?"
"No, whoever crosses their path."
Just nodding his head, Stu put the truck into reverse, turned around and headed back towards Boulder.