Mikey stood frozen, his heart beating like it would jump out of his chest. Lila was right there, glaring at him, the USB drive clutched tightly in her hand. She wasn't supposed to be here. This wasn't supposed to happen. He thought he had more time, more space to figure things out. But now, everything was spiraling out of control.
"Lila, I... I can explain," he stammered, but his words felt weak. He didn't know what to say. How do you explain something like this? He hadn't prepared for it. He just wanted to keep her safe, but now she was standing here, demanding answers.
"Explain?" Lila said, her voice sharper than a knife. "You've been lying to me, Mikey. All of this time. Do you think I'm stupid?" Her voice cracked a little at the end, and Mikey felt a pang of guilt. He'd never seen her like this before—so hurt, so angry.
Mikey glanced over at Gregor, who was standing off to the side, arms crossed. Gregor didn't say anything, just watched the whole scene unfold like it was some kind of movie. Mikey wished he could hit pause, but life didn't work like that.
"I'm not lying to you," Mikey finally managed to say, but even as the words came out of his mouth, he knew they sounded hollow. "It's just... complicated."
"Complicated?" Lila practically shouted. "I've been your best friend since forever. You owe me the truth. What is going on with you? What's on this drive?"
Mikey's mind raced. He couldn't tell her the full truth—it would put her in danger. But she wasn't going to let it go. Not this time. He felt trapped. No matter what he said, it wasn't going to be enough.
Just then, his phone buzzed again. Another message. He didn't even want to look at it, but he couldn't help it. He glanced down at the screen and felt a wave of cold fear wash over him.
We're watching you. You won't get away.
His throat tightened, and his eyes shot back up to Lila. She saw the fear in his face. Her expression shifted, softening just a little. "Mikey... what's going on? Please, just tell me."
"I can't, Lila," Mikey said, barely above a whisper. "It's too dangerous."
"Too dangerous for who?" she demanded. "For you? Or for me?"
Before he could answer, Gregor stepped forward, his face serious. "Mikey, we need to move. Now. We don't have time for this."
Lila frowned, confused. "Move? Where are we going?"
Mikey shook his head. "No, you're not coming. It's not safe."
Lila stepped closer to him, her eyes locked on his. "I don't care. I'm not leaving you."
Mikey wanted to argue, to push her away, but before he could, they heard a loud noise from behind. The sound of tires screeching against gravel. His stomach dropped. He didn't need to look to know what it was. They were here.
Gregor cursed under his breath. "Mikey, we need to run. Now."
Without thinking, Mikey grabbed Lila's hand and pulled her along, running as fast as he could toward the park exit. Lila stumbled behind him, struggling to keep up.
"Mikey, slow down!" she yelled, but he didn't stop. He couldn't. The black SUV was right behind them. He could hear the engine roaring, getting closer.
His mind was spinning. What was he supposed to do? He couldn't outrun them, and he definitely couldn't fight them off. They had guns. They had power. They had everything.
They reached the trees, and Mikey pulled Lila down behind some bushes. Gregor crouched next to them, his eyes scanning the park.
"Stay down," Gregor muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "If they find us, it's over."
Lila was panting, her face pale with fear. She looked at Mikey, her eyes wide. "What is happening? Who are these people?"
Mikey didn't answer. He couldn't. His heart was still racing, his thoughts jumbled. He just had to keep her safe. That was all that mattered now.
They waited in silence, the sound of footsteps and voices getting closer. Mikey held his breath, praying they wouldn't be found. He could feel Lila trembling next to him, but he didn't dare move. Not yet.