⚠️ Blood, Gore, Gruesome content ⚠️

N a s h

"Okay..." Cyrus began, lowering his head."I'll show you. But you have to let me go!" He begged.

"I don't want to be trapped by another person, please... Just let me enjoy my life.." He begged, making Bree, Xian, and me all glance at each other.

"If you mess up, we will call the police on you," I said as Bree started undoing the ropes on him.

A stupid threat I knew I wouldn't carry through, it would get me in trouble too, but funny enough it had Cyrus panicked.

"Okay- can I please just take a shower..?" He begged, running his hand through his hair.

"Fine.." I sighed, keeping his phone in my pocket. Rodger finally had contacted him and told him they were going to make things tonight, but he'd be out doing other work earlier in the day.

Gave us the perfect opening.

Xian led him upstairs and I glanced at Bree as she dropped the ropes."This feels icky.." She sighed, crossing her arms.

"Well I did offer you to go home-"
"Stop saying that." Bree shook her head, stepping closer to me.

"I stayed and that's that." She turned and started up the stairs, leaving me alone. My brows remained raised as I processed how she just snapped.

Is she mad at me?

I sighed and followed her."Wait, Bree.." I begged, catching up with her as she walked up the stairs.

"I didn't mean to push, please..." I begged, hearing Xian and Cyrus in the bathroom. The commotion grew and we both began to rush up the rest of the stairs.

"Dude- You're fine. It was an accident.." Xian reassured, stepping out of the bathroom, and holding his bruised eye.

"I'm so sorry.." Cyrus whimpered, shaking his hands.

"Just hurry up. Get clean." Xian shut the door and leaned in front of it, looking at me.

"He accidentally hit me where... You did." Xian cleared his throat and I nodded, Bree walking away.

Oh, please don't let her just be mad at me because of that...

"Bree.." I followed, passing Xian who gave me a curious glance. I shrugged and continued to follow her to the kitchen.

"Bree.." I sighed, leaning against the counter.

"You keep saying stuff like that.." She groaned, pouring a bowl of cereal and milk.

"Like- one night you're all over me and then the next day you're back to I told you to go home- I'm annoyed.." She stopped, taking a bite.

I nodded as she placed her spoon back into the bowl, pushing away her hair.

"Just... Stop bringing it up Nash, I'm here now, see." She pressed her hand against my chest, looking up at me.

I nodded and took her hand, tracing down her finger."What do we even have to do tonight..?" She pinched the bridge of her nose with her free hand.

"Is that's what making you so upset..?" I asked and she nodded. I picked up her cereal and brought it to the table."Just relax for now. We just need to get the money and leave- actually just stay here." I spoke, but Bree put her hands up.

"Stop- you're talking too fast. I'm going to help..." She sat down and ate her cereal, leaning her head into her hand.

I bit my cheek and sighed. She isn't going to listen.

"Okay." I went to walk away but she grabbed my wrist."Wait- why don't you have breakfast with me..?" She suggested, adjusting my t-shirt around her.

Her brown eyes stared up at me with a begging expression, and subsequently, I caved.

I sat down and grabbed an apple, biting into it. She smiled and continued to eat.

"Do you think it'll be easy?" She began her questions, spinning the spoon through the cereal. The colors from each piece began to swirl in the milk, making a milky-way effect.

"If we are fast, in and out we'll be fine..." I took another bite, the crunch filling my ears.

"Okay..." Bree cupped her hands together and glanced out the window."Do I need a mask?"

"What?" I laughed.

"Like- what you wore on one of your jobs." She motioned her hand on her face, pulling downward.

I furrowed my brows and sighed."If you want one, sure?" I took another bite, watching her lips curl into a smile.

"Awesome!" She stood up, carrying her bowl to the sink. I didn't think she'd finish her cereal so fast...

"Do I wear all black..? I'll do what I got." She cleared her throat, returning to my side and leaning against my arm.

"That would be best but okay." I nodded, twirling them between my fingers. She leaned down and looked at it.

Her eyes scanned it, before I brought it to her face.

"Do you want a bite..?" I asked, her eyes lightening up. Without taking it from my hands, like I expected, she took a bite as I held it.

"Thank you." She patted my shoulder, starting to walk away. Gosh, why am I the one chasing her now..?

I got up and hurried behind her. She picked up my phone, glancing at me."Is it ok if I call my Aunt? She's probably enraged but you know.."

I nodded and she smiled, a crease appearing  across her button nose."Okay- I'll be back." She opened the front door and rushed outside. I took a deep breath and looked back to the hallway.

I hope this is easy.

I hope it isn't chaos. I hope he isn't lying. But, I don't see any sign of it.

Going through his text, it's all the same routine.

Every Wednesday they'd start making more cash, and then Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday they would wash it.

Sometimes it would spill over into Monday and Tuesday was a day they got to relax.

"It's not that big of a deal!" I jumped at Bree's yell. It was so loud it could've rattled the floor.

Is she okay..? I winced as I heard her huff and shut the phone, before swinging the door back open.

"Quick call?" I laughed. She smacked the phone back into my hand, stinging my palm.

"Don't ever take me back there- take me to New York, here, or stupid LA with you first!" She growled. If it were possible, I'm sure flames would be radiating from her skin.

I nodded, furrowing my brows as I glanced down at the phone. It rang again, I assume her aunt trying to call her back."Don't answer that."

That does propose the question of what happens after all this is over.

I watched as she paced around the room, her eyes encountering mine."Sorry..." She rubbed her arm, lowering her head.

I shook mine and declined the call."No worries.."

What is there after this..? She tells me to not take her home, but I don't think she means that right now. Do I just take her home then..?

Do we remain in contact? I'll buy her a phone. But... This is too much to be worried about right now. I have a job.

Tiny pieces of Bree's hair poked up across her head, faint bruises were on her lower legs, and her lips kept tugging down like she was fighting the urge to cry.

Whatever that woman said has left her torn.

"What's on your mind..?" She whispered, crossing her arms.

"Nothing."

-

We were parked a bit from outside of Rodger's, Cyrus was in the backseat, and Xian and Coal were in Xian's truck.

"And there. You have a mask." I handed Bree the black mask as she adjusted the black shirt on her.

It took a lot to convince Coal to do this for us, but after he learned it could be the thing to get me out of this, he was a lot more willing.

He was to hack the cameras and gates, letting Xian, Cyrus, Bree, and me sneak inside.

I know the layout of Rodger's house roughly. I took in some during the party, Xian knows it better.

"Thank you. How much time do you think we have?" She asked, glancing back at Cyrus.

"I'm sure we have enough time.." He gulped, leaning into the seat. I sighed and looked outside, waiting for Coal to give us any signal we were clear to go.

"You'll be free too, you should skip town. Go be free. Visit family when you feel safe." Bree suggested, Cyrus's eyes lit up.

"Yeah... That'd be nice."

Coal gave me a thumbs up and I smirked, grabbing 2 of the bags. I gave Bree 1, Cyrus 1, and Xian had 2 as well.

"Ready?"

Both Bree and Cyrus nodded, wearing different expressions.

"Let's go then.." I opened my door and took my keys. As soon as both of them were out, I locked the door and stuffed them into my pocket.

I glanced at Xian and nodded, and he motioned us to follow. He brought us around the back of Rodger's huge house. There were hedges, and wine bottles along the pool, so much chaos had unfolded here. He grabbed the bars and forced open the skinnier gate.

"Cyrus first, you're leading the way," I demanded, placing my hand on Bree's shoulder as she covered her face with the mask.

He gulped and started to lead the way, Rodger's door was of course ajar. He's always so messed up that I'm surprised he remembers to even keep the gates closed.

He swung it open and led us through the messy kitchen. I swear he must have maids before, or maybe that's why he keeps the lights low...

Cyrus looked around before snatching up a pair of keys and trying them in a large door by the counter.

"Down the stairs. Careful..." He instructed, motioning each of us down.

He kept the door open, holding the bag close. I no longer focused on him and instead honed in on Bree.

Her eyes were flickering around the room as we reached the bottom. Cyrus flicked in the light and I winced.

There were piles of cash, terribly organized. But, it was 1's, 5's, 50's, and 100's.

"Those are washed." Cyrus pointed to the back behind a wall, approaching it. Xian was the first to just start. He began to throw the cash into the bag, smirking.

"Well, this is a lot of hundred bills." He commented and Cyrus nodded.

"These have passed. Trust me... Robert was checking them in some machine." He explained, motioning toward the other piles in the corner.

"Bree, go over there and collect what you can," Xian instructed and she nodded, rushing over behind the wall to collect what she could.

I'm surprised she's handling this so well so far.

"I'll separate some other parts here.." Cyrus sighed, holding the bag close as he walked to the table by the stairs.

I snapped my fingers and motioned to Xian to focus on him. I don't trust him...

He nodded and I walked to Bree's side behind the wall.

She gathered the cash, shoving it into the bag."I feel so wrong..." She whispered, filling one bag to its brim just before it would close.

"I know.." I whispered, beginning to fill mine."But it's not a bank. This isn't like you're stealing from someone innocent, it's a bad guy..."-

"Hey!!"

Bree and I froze, the deep voice boomed so loudly it echoed.

"Robert- what are you doing here..?" Cyrus muttered as I grabbed Bree, hiding her behind me as I tucked us deeper behind the wall.

"I could ask you the same. What's with the bag?" Robert's voice hissed as his footsteps echoed closer.

I covered Bree's mouth and held my breath. I just need to know he isn't that close, please be the echo...

"Nothing- I'm just... I just wanted to collect some I messed up." Cyrus was struggling to lie, but I needed him to.

I can't... I shouldn't have brought her. I held Bree tighter, her hands beginning to tremble a bit.

I'm so sorry. I didn't know...

"You are trying to steal from us??" Robert yelled, a shove being heard. Cyrus groaned as a thump was sounded.

Bree broke from my grasp for a moment and glanced around the edge of the wall. I gasped and grabbed her arm, preparing to jerk her back.

Why is she so impulsive??-

"Please- I'm not—"

'Boom'

The silence after was deafening. And Bree's trembles went dead still. I pulled her back and held her close.

I closed my eyes, returning my hand to her mouth as I felt her breath pick up against my palm.

Please don't scream, please don't scream.

Someone has to do something. One of us has to step out. One of us has to do something before we are next, but I don't know what to do.

"Hey!" Xian yelled and my heart clenched. He's an idiot- but, I can't let him do this alone...

I pushed Bree to the side and ran out.

I grabbed the first heavy item I could find, a rusted pipe. I swung at Robert as he held his gun, knocking him to the side. Xian rushed to him from the side, grabbing the gun.

Robert didn't fall, instead, he planted his hand on the wall, keeping his stance. Blood seeped into his blonde hair as his brown eyes snapped toward me.

"You- you do my jobs and steal from me now??" He glared, tightening his fist until his knuckles began to turn white.

He swung at me, getting a solid hit on my cheek. I groaned, preparing to hit back but I heard a crack.

Xian punched his jaw with every ounce of his strength, knocking Robert out.

"Go- just get the bags and go- do not look at that." Xian gulped, blood splattered on him. The taste of metallic filled my mouth from the punch, my cheek busted against my teeth .

Even with the better judgment in my mind grasping me, I couldn't avoid seeing the mess on the ground. I stepped in the blood after all...

Sure it wasn't the first time I've witnessed something like this. But it never feels easier to see the splattered blood, guts, brains...

I can't step in that. It was almost like my eyes were blocking some of it out. I couldn't truly comprehend it all.

My stomach twisted as it felt volcanic in my throat. This isn't right..-

"Please- I... No-!" Bree whimpered, covering her head. I can't let this affect me. She can't handle this. I have to get her out of here.

I took a deep breath, tightened my stomach, and kept my eyes on her.

She looked like she was about to scream, tugging at her hair and her lip quivering. I won't be surprised if she does.

I ran to her and grabbed her face."Close your eyes, please." I begged, grabbed her wrist as I grabbed both the bags.

I feel like I could throw up.

"Nash- We have got to get out of here, now," Xian warned, rushing past me and taking the other two bags.

"There is not any exact proof we are here, I'm sure Rodger and Robert are going to be distracted about this mess. Just go and don't worry." He instructed, beginning up the stairs. I nodded and pulled Bree to her feet.

I lost her hand mid-walk."Whoa-!"

Oh please no... I felt warm droplets on my arm.

I jerked around and saw Bree's eyes pale and wide, staring at the blood she slipped in. Her elbow was an inch away from touching his body.

Xian gasped and covered his ears.

Bree screamed as tears uncontrollably rushed down her cheeks, leaving my heart pounding louder until it was all I could hear in my ears.

"I'm so sorry..!" I grabbed her up, the blood splattered on her face and soaking her shorts.

"I'm so sorry, we have to go, I am so so so sorry." I pulled her toward the stairs, but her feet weren't budging.

I had no clue this would- or even could happen...

"I need you to drive my car close." I threw Xian my keys, Bree's whimpers growing more frantic as she stared down.

"Stop- please don't look." I pulled her face up, the blood my fingers pressed in smearing across her skin. I tugged her to the stairs and just picked her up.

There's not much else I can do at this point. My arms faltered from all the weight combined. The cash and now her was a lot. But, I have to get us out of here.

I grit my teeth and pushed myself up the stairs, her cries not dying down. It made my heart feel like someone was slowly cutting it into two.

"Bree, you have to calm down- I know it's horrible, but please breathe," I begged, setting her down. The blood mostly soaked her shorts.

I grabbed a random jacket in Rodger's kitchen and tied it around her waist and cupped her face into my hands.

Her breathing grew more spastic as I did. I shushed her, all her tears rushing down my thumbs. Her cheeks and nose were bright red from crying, her nose running, her brows tugging down.

"Shhh, breathe, breathe." I ignored all her snot getting on my hands, trying to soothe all the terror manifesting in her.

She continued to panic despite my attempts. I frowned and pulled her into my arms, tightening around her until she muffled into my shirt.

Her shoulders started to slow down along with her heartbeat. Oh, thank goodness... That seemed to work.

I rubbed her back, her cries didn't stop though. I don't think it's going to for a while.

"I'm so sorry.." I whispered, rubbing circles into her back."I am so, so, so... Sorry."

I know Xian is probably out there. I have got to get us back home...

"Come on." I pulled her out the back door, it was hard to not let her slip. She often paused and stiffened and if I were to guess, I don't think she can see through the tears.

I wiped my feet in the grass, getting the blood off. I don't think I can get Bree to do that.

My main concern is just getting her to breathe.

Xian helped me out of the gate and opened the door. I pushed her into the car, keeping the jacket beneath her so blood wouldn't soak my car.

"Breathe please.." I whispered, clenching her hand as I rushed around, throwing the money into the back and taking my keys back from Xian.

"Go- just go."

I nodded and got into the car, shoving the keys in the ignition.

This is a nightmare...

-

Bree stood in the bathroom, the blood still on her body. Her shorts were still soaked, her thighs stained, and the splatters across her upper body from the fall.

I squeezed a washcloth, the blood I had been wiping off of myself rolling down the sink. I repeated until it ran clear, leaving it damp.

"Bree, you have to get this blood off of you..." I begged, looking at her face. Her eyes were bloodshot and swollen now along with her nose. Blood still smeared across her cheeks where I grabbed her.

I sighed and reached toward her hand."I'll get you a change of clothes?" I suggested, rubbing my thumb along the top of her hand.

Her bones were more visible in them, she had skinny fingers, but they were always soft.

She glanced toward the mirror, nodding as she cupped her face. Her posture grew more slumped as she leaned over the sink, dry blood flaking off her skin as she ran her finger across it. I cringed and walked to my room.

I grabbed her bag and returned, finding her covering her eyes."Curiosity kills the stupid cat.." She whined, rubbing circles in her eyes with her palms.

I frowned and sat down her bag."It's okay..." I truly am void of words. I don't know what to say to her."Maybe you should take a bath?" I suggested, but she shook her head.

"I don't want to be alone..." She whimpered, grabbing her red crop top from the bag. I nodded and turned away, closing the door and leaning into it.

"Do we need to bleach our clothes? I feel like I want to bleach my skin..." She groaned, her shirt landing by my feet. I picked it up and bit my cheek."I'll ask Coal.."

She really should bathe then. But I can't push her.

She turned the faucet on as she wiped the blood off. I heard her gag as she did, making my eyes water. I pinched the tears away and looked at the wall more intensely.

"How did he know..?" She asked, throwing her shorts to my feet as well. I picked them up with the rest, avoiding getting any of the blood on me.

"I don't think he did. Just terrible luck..." I sighed. Bree gagged again before coughing."I wish I didn't look..."

"I know.." I closed my eyes."I should've held you tighter. I'm so sorry."

Bree shut off the water and tapped my shoulder. I turned back to her and she took the clothes from my arms.

"There. It's off..." She gulped before tugging at her hair."What is his family going to think..?" She whimpered, beginning to make herself cry all over again.

"Whoa whoa- no, stop... Let's go do something else." I opened the bathroom door and pulled her out."Coal?" I called, glancing around.

"He's out, I'll take it.." Xian grabbed the clothes from Bree. He had already changed and cleaned up as well.

I gulped, my cheek ached as I closed my mouth. It was swollen, I should probably ice it soon, but I'm worried about Bree.

I held her arm as she sniffled.

"How much..?" I asked through my teeth.

"20,000..." Xian cringed, his undereyes creasing around his green eyes as he squinted.

I held my breath. You have to be kidding me... I'm going to die. I am a walking target in exactly 12 days.

I stared at Bree's figure, every other thing in the room began to fade into black. I inhaled, reaching in front of her.

She stared at the basement door, her body remained still, not even a waiver from her shoulders. I waved my fingers in front of her eyes, snapping her from whatever was captivating her mind.

I have a feeling I don't want to know what is going on in there. But, my focus is getting hers off of it.

She grabbed my hand and squeezed my fingers, before pushing it away. She adjusted her shirt and started into my bedroom.

I stayed close behind her, watching her every step.

What do I do for her..?

I bit the skin on my thumb, pinching it between my teeth. The string grew sharper until I tasted the same metallic.

She collapsed into the bed, her chest rising and falling. It grew farther between the inhales and exhales as she clenched the sheets.

"Bree..?" I whispered."Is there something I can get you?"

"A sedative..." She groaned, covering her face with her arm. I frowned. Maybe I could put on some kind of light-hearted show?

But I don't ever watch TV, so what could I find..? She pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them.

"I'm sorry..." I sat down next to her, turning on my TV. I flickered to a random channel playing old sitcoms.

"What do you need really..?" I asked, tucking her hair behind her ear. She shrugged, leaning into my touch.

I hummed, twisting the pieces around my finger."Xian said we only got 20,000 from this..." She whispered.

I nodded, laying down behind her."I'm sorry."

"What does that mean for you?" She asked, tucking her hand against her mouth. I laid my hand against her cheeks, the heat radiating onto my fingers similar to a campfire.

I don't know what to say. I don't want to say a thing. I don't want to make her sob more if I'm honest and admit I think I'll be killed. Or at least they'll try.

I don't think my body can hold out for any more running. I don't think I'll make it any more nights in the car, not eating, not drinking, barely sleeping.

And I can't subject Bree to this life anymore. I can't let her suffer. She didn't deserve to see what she did today, I should have never taken her, and I won't ever forgive myself.

I can't get her screams out of my mind.

"Are they going to kill you..?" Her voice cracked. My fingers curled into my palm as I looked toward the setting sun glaring through the window.

The sky had pinks blurred into the blues, oranges caressing the red, the clouds mixing all to a pastel peace.

It's sickening how it's such a beautiful day.

She rolled over to face me, tears brimming her eyes."Nash..?" I took a deep breath, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her close.

"It'll be okay." I lied.

I've never held her like this. Especially in my bed.

"Just try and rest." I brushed her hair, feeling her heavy breaths against my chest. I don't think I'm going to get her to calm.

I'm trying so hard.

She hit her fist against my chest, bursting into a sob. I clenched her shirt, resting my chin on top of her head.

My eyes stung as her voice grew more hoarse. She started coughing, pressing her fist into my chest.

"It's okay.." I pinched my eyes shut, the warmth of the sun washing onto my blue blankets.

"It's not..." Her voice broke as she hiccuped, releasing her fist."Where will you go..?"

I twisted her hair into my fingers, kissing her head. At this point, I don't think I can reply anymore. I just can't do this...

"Nash.." She whimpered as I sniffled, holding in every ounce of air I could."Please..."

I sniffled and held her closer. Birds sang outside of the window and crickets were beginning to chirp. Bree's breathing began to sync with mine, the chatter on the TV wasn't audible.

"No matter what happens, you'll be safe..." I whispered, denying the tears trying to find an exit.

"Because you'll be there... Right?" Bree gulped, burying closer to me.

"Mhm..."

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