Chapter 7

He mentally kicked himself for being such an idiot. How could he not see it? Now they were cornered and the police were coming. He saw only three but it was too early to judge how many there were: four, five, six... twenty?

'Come in here.' Jack said as they entered the petrol station, as quietly as possible. Thankfully, the shopkeeper was snoozing on the till; it was nighttime after all. Jack and Kate hid behind the door. Unfortunately, it was transparent and the light from inside the petrol station shone on it, which would make it very easy for them to give out the hiding spot. They would have to be extremely quiet and stay still if they were to survive through this.

Jack looked down at Kate. She was trying her best not to seem scared, but was failing miserably. Her worried face and the frown she had on gave it away that she was absolutely terrified. But, why? Was it because she was scared that she would get caught with him? Or was it that she was too tired? Or maybe, just maybe... no. What was he thinking? She wasn't scared because of him. All she wanted is to get away from here and let Jack carry on with his sad life.

Jack sighed once again. He couldn't do this to her. After all, he had promised that he would leave her alone after she dropped him off somewhere safe and far away from any danger.

'Go.' he sighed.

'What?' Kate asked, bewildered.

'Just go.' Jack repeated, emptiness in his voice.

'But-' Kate began.

'I don't want you to get in trouble. Just go... get away from here! It's over for me now, I don't want it to be over for you.' Jack said softly but firmly. Kate looked at him, sympathy filled in her eyes. Even though he had done an unforgivable thing, he should have been let off. It wasn't fair this way. He shouldn't get caught.

'Why?' she breathed.

'Isn't it obvious?' he whispered.

'Not to me.' she said as she looked down to hide the tears that were forming in her eyes. This time it was his turn to look at her, his stare full with sympathy.

'You have a life, Kate. You are free. Do you know what it means to be free? Of course you don't. That's because you've never experienced what it's like not to be free. Freedom is the best thing that anyone can have and you've got it. You don't want to be trapped. You don't want to be someone like me who is constantly running away with no hope left and no one who cares for me in the world. Don't lose it. Just go.'

For the first time, Kate looked at him differently. This time she didn't cry and didn't feel sorry for him. She felt like he knew what he was talking about. It was happiness and understanding all in one. Was there even a word for that emotion? Happstanding? Underiness? If there wasn't, then she just created it.

She smiled at him and he smiled back. Then Jack looked out of the window trying to see if the police were coming or not. Thankfully, he would be able to see them with the fluorescent clothing they had on. He couldn't see anyone but that didn't mean that they were not hiding behind a bush, waiting for them to come out and get caught in the trap.

'It's clear now. Just go. Please.' Jack pleaded. Kate nodded, reluctantly and began to walk away. Jack watched her as she opened the back door and walked out without looking back. He stared the space, considering the events that had happened today. Maybe, just maybe, he might meet Kate again.

'I can see half of his body. He's just behind the door to the petrol station. Over.' Roberts said.

'Right. I'll go to the back of the petrol station. Stanley you go to the side of it so we can surround it. Over.' Cortez breathed into the walkie-talkie.

'Got it. We need back up. Over.' Stanley said.

'Right. We are watching you. Another police car is coming your way for back up.' another police officer said through the walkie-talkie.

'Great. We'll catch him this time. I'm sure. Over and out.' Stanley said and they all took their positions ready.

So... Kate has left Jack to fend for himself and the police officers have surrounded the building. Not only that but they have total control over the situation and have called for back up so another car is coming their way. Will Jack survive this? And has Kate actually gone?