Chapter 8

Travis thinks of a doable way out of his situation.

I can’t believe I’m even thinking of doing this! I think as I start the pickup and drive back to the motel. But what other viable options do I have? Should I start applying for jobs? This economy sucks!  And I don’t have any money to even wait for a first paycheck to arrive.  Well,at least I have my final paycheck coming from Mann Lake. That is nice,considering that may be my last look at money for a while. I wonder if I qualify for foodstamps?

 

I arrive back at the motel deep in thought. Or is it self pity? Did I really have to just lose it on Rick this morning? D****t! He was a friend! I should have just chilled out a bit. I was expecting this anyway,and now things are worse since I am now officially out of work! If I could have just chilled a bit then at least I would still be working for a while yet.

 

 

I hate to even think of my current situation. It’s not a good one.  What can I do to make things better...and quickly?

 

I think again of the pretty coed at the University. There is no doubt that she has people that care about her. She probably has a boyfriend,other friends,parents,and others who want her to be happy. I wonder if she has ever had any bad thing happen to her?  She doesn’t look like she has ever frowned! She must be from money. Her clothes tell the story there. Her family probably has a summer house somewhere by a lake up north.

 

I wonder what would it be like to just take her and ask for money to give her back? I mean,her parents have to have money,at least more money than I have. And I’m sure they wouldn’t want anything to happen to their little girl.  

 

Is this really an option for me? Can I do this? Would this work?  Would I be able to hide her somewhere and then make a call asking for money? This just might be the one thing I need to do to get back on my feet. And then,after this is over,I can look for work again and get things back to normal.

 

The next day I make a light lunch at around noon and decide to make another visit to the parking lot next to the same sidewalk on University Drive. She probably will be walking by again around 12:45 since I am guessing her class in the Ed Arts Building starts at 1 p.m.

 

I arrive and start to wait for Alex in my pickup. I know this will be a challenge since there are literally hundreds of students changing classes at the moment,as well as others who are just hanging around,throwing Frisbees with friends,reading outside,or just relaxing in the mid day sun.

 

This isn’t too conspicuous is it? Does this idea rank up there with the stupidest in history?

 

I have made provisions for this tentative plan by making sure I have all my cash in his wallet,several different ropes in the back seat of my truck,a roll of duct tape,flashlights,blankets,towels,a first aid kit,and even a bag of groceries. I also have a video camera,extra batteries,my phone charger,and extra changes of clothes all in a duffle bag in the back cab of the truck.

 

My heart starts to pound and my mouth goes dry as my pickup gets close to where Alex is walking. I get out of the truck and onto the sidewalk right behind her.  

  As I see that I am getting closer to Alex I start to doubt myself.   This is nuts! This will never work! 

 

But I simply remind myself that I am: a) smart and a quick thinker,  b) resourceful and organized, c) desperate and without other options, d) crazy enough to make this plan work, and e) strong and athletic.

 

Alex stops in front of the Fine Arts building as she notices her tiny gold cross necklace has fallen off. She bends over to pick it up off the ground and fixes it around her neck. She does this without noticing she is being followed by me,a man that wants to grab her and drag her off in his truck so he can hold her for ransom...a federal felony.

 ~

I'm Alex. I am five feet tall and am a thin yet shapely girl. I am in college and am pretty popular if I do say so myself. I have tried to get involved in as many activities as I have time for. I don’t work as I have my expenses paid for by my father and mother while I concentrate on passing my classes and completing my liberal arts degree.

 ~

I think,I can’t believe I’m doing this...but….

I quickly come up behind Alex and cover her mouth gripping onto her tightly as she is now unable to scream. I immediately feel strong resistance coming from this younger,smaller woman,who tries to get an elbow free in order to slug me in the ribs with it. Damn she is a fighter!

 

 

Reviews

[s y e]

Wow! Can't believe that either :O