Born on the Run

By Abigail Fero

After escaping from a lifelong imprisonment, Gloria finds herself in Kentucky with an unexpected ally she isn't sure she should trust. But when she doesn't know how to take care of herself in the outside world, trust might be the only thing to keep her free. Though that might mean giving him the secrets that could destroy her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Black Shire Publishing
• Release date: Feb 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301690114

Abigail Fero

I've always been a reader and now it's my turn to be a writer. The only thing that binds my work together is a love of the unreal and the impossible.In between struggling to make my word quota each day, I enjoy procrastinating on the internet. So endless... so easy!My short attention span leads to more short works but you'll find everything from tiny stories to proper novels and I hope that you'll enjoy some.

Book preview

When he first saw her, Ben didn’t have any idea what she was. Lying in the bed of his truck, his hands tucked behind his head, Ben stared up at the sky, reveling in the quiet. It was soon shattered as she hurtled past the stars like a meteor, her scream echoing through the trees. Scrambling out of the truck bed, Ben slid behind the wheel and the truck roared to life under his hands.

She should have been harder to find. Ben took the road as far as it would take him and when it gave out, he grabbed a flashlight and his rifle and continued on foot. The moon was half full and filtered through the trees, his beam of light bobbing ahead of him as he half-ran, half-stumbled through the woods.

At first all he could see was her red hair, hiding a body folded up at the base of a tree. He paused, uncertain.

Hello? Ben called, afraid to get too close and scare the girl. He couldn’t even be sure she was alive, after a fall like that. Where had she fallen from? Ben dismissed the question from his mind, concerned with the girl in front of him.

Are you ok? he asked when he got no response.

Ben took a step closer, his flashlight pointed at her, his ears straining to hear anything, any sound of life. She didn’t look like she was breathing. The beam of light quivered as his hand shook. He was only twenty and didn’t know what to do with a dead girl in the woods. He wished fiercely that he’d brought his cell phone with him.

Soon he was standing only a foot away from her. There was still no movement and no sound. He put the rifle down and propped the light up on the barrel, still pointed at the girl. Inching closer, Ben reached out and carefully sifted through the long, curly red hair to find her face.

The pale skin of her cheek caught the moonlight, making her look deathly pale. Her eyelashes rested, still, and her lips were bloodless. He should have been able to see her breathing but he couldn’t.

Hello? he said, his voice a whisper.

There was still no response and he reached out with a trembling hand. He had to feel her neck, see if there was a pulse. But just before his fingers made contact, her eyes opened and she gasped in a breath, her body shuddering to life. Her eyes were dark, almost black and the whites were so small around the outside of the iris. She grinned at him, sharp white teeth glinting in the beam of the flashlight.

Hey, she said.

Ben jerked back in surprise. He’d thought she was dead, injured, but as she stood and stretched, the thin fabric of her dress rising up her white legs, she looked perfectly fine.

Don’t you speak? she asked, looking down at him.

She was small, short but stocky. Her red hair tumbled down past her waist, her lips thin under a delicately arched nose. Ben stumbled to his feet, towering over her, even more than he did normally. She looked up at him and laughed in delight.

Who cares if you talk, look at you!

I talk, Ben replied, his voice hoarse. He cleared his throat and bent to retrieve his rifle and his flashlight. She’d moved out of its ray but he could still see her clearly. She seemed lit by some internal light.

Oh, good. Do you know where I am?

Kentucky.

She wrinkled her nose. Kentucky? That’s a new one. Can’t say I was aiming for that. She grabbed her hair and twisted it, trying to tie it up at the nape of her neck. It was too heavy and she didn’t have anything to hold it. With a sigh she let it fall loose once more and it fell, obscuring the black earrings she wore.

Well, I’m not going to get anywhere standing here. Why don’t you take me home? she asked.

My home? Ben asked, confused.

She nodded, the grin still stretching her cheeks.

Ben’s eyes widened. He couldn’t take her to his home. He still lived with his parents and though he hoped to move out soon, he hadn’t made it yet. And because he was still under their roof, he was still under their rules. The cardinal rule was no girls.

She laughed, a full throated laugh. Let me guess…girlfriend? Wife? Can’t bring a strange girl home unless you’re looking for a world of hurt? I promise I’ll behave.

He shook his head and managed to croak, No wife.

Well? Then what’s the problem, bucko? You aren’t going to leave me out here in the woods by myself, are you?

He shook his head. Though he didn’t know what to do, he knew he couldn’t do that. But she didn’t look like she had money on her, or anything useful. Just that light blue dress. It didn’t look sturdy enough to stand up to a stiff wind, let alone a night in the woods.

I can drive you to town, he offered. He’d figure something out on the way.

Oh, good. She grinned again and he was reminded of a predator.

How did you get in the sky? Ben asked as he led the way with his flashlight. She walked beside him, looking very at home.

I escaped, she replied.

Escaped from what? Her answer distracted him from the fact that it wasn’t much of an answer at all.

He looked at her with a long, sideways glance, wondering if she’d escaped from a mental institution. He’d heard of those and the people in them. Sometimes they were dangerous and all of them were crazy. She didn’t look crazy but then he didn’t know exactly what that looked like.

Hmm.

What’s that supposed to mean? Ben asked, stopping to look at her.

She stopped as well and looked back. I think maybe I shouldn’t tell you. You could report me.

Are you a criminal?

She chuckled. No.

Are you crazy?

She choked on her laughter, shaking her head no.

Then, why would I report you?

She shrugged. Possibly they’d pay you.

It was then that he noticed she didn’t have any shoes on. How he hadn’t seen it before, he didn’t know. She saw him looking and squished her toes down in the dirt.

Yeah, they never seem to come with. I don’t understand it either. I got to keep this stupid dress but something useful, like shoes..? She shrugged.

You can’t walk like that.

I’ve been walking like this.

But he couldn’t let her walk barefoot through the forest. Who knew what she would step on?

Ben gave her a hard look. I’m going to have to carry you.

She laughed again. Really? You’re serious? My feet can take it.

I can’t let you walk like that, he said stubbornly. And I’m taking you no further until you let me carry you.

Her eyes sparkled and her grin didn’t disappear. She held out her arms. Carry me, then.

Piggy back’s best, I think, he told her.

It didn’t take long for them to sort themselves out and she leapt onto his back with enthusiasm as he squatted so that she could reach. She was light. Lighter than he’d expected. She held the flashlight for them while he kept hold of her and the rifle.

She smelled like a bonfire, burnt wood and clear nights.

What’s your name? she asked into his ear, her voice no louder than the wing beat of a hummingbird.

Ben. What’s yours?

Gloria.

He couldn’t decide if it fit her or not. Ben thought about it all the way to the truck. It was hard to hold the rifle at the same time and he was relieved to see the familiar red vehicle. He dumped Gloria right next to the passenger side door. He took the flashlight from her and tossed it, as well as the rifle, into the bed of the truck. They made a muffled thump against the tarp.

So, where are you dropping me off? Gloria asked once they were both inside.

He looked over at her. Where do you want to be dropped off?

If I can’t stay at yours, she shrugged. Anywhere is fine.

He sighed. It was obvious she wouldn’t be alright and he didn’t want to have her on his conscience. If you promise to do exactly as I say, you can stay at mine.

She smiled, nudging him with her elbow as she wiggled her eyebrows. Kinky.

No. I live at home. I have four brothers and sisters and I’m not allowed to bring girls back. You have to do as I say so that they don’t find you. Otherwise you won’t be able to stay.

He kept his eyes on the road out of the windshield. He didn’t want to have to see her reaction to that. Ben could feel the start of a blush. He gritted his teeth.

That’s fine. I won’t stay too long. Just a few days.

A few days? He’d only meant for her to stay the night. Don’t you have anywhere to go?

I told you, I escaped, she said with a shrug. Kind of means I don’t have anywhere to go.

You didn’t have a plan? What if they find you?

I’m not a good planner. And I didn’t know where I’d end up. It’s not like I had somewhere in mind. I just didn’t want to be there. I wanted to be free.

Ben didn’t know much about girls. He’d dated a few, slept with a few, but he’d never really hung out with any. Despite that, he was pretty sure Gloria wasn’t a normal girl. And underneath the bravado and sharpness, he was pretty sure that she couldn’t take care of herself. Once again he wondered where she’d escaped from.

Fine. You can stay a few days. But if anyone sees you…

I know, I know. I’ll do exactly as you say. I’ll hide away all day and night if that’s what you need me to do. I’ll be out of your life after those few days, promise.

Why a few days? It was hard keeping his mind on the strange conversation and concentrating on the dark road in front of him. He wasn’t very familiar with this county so he didn’t know the twists and turns of the road.

I’ll be able to take care of myself in a few days.

Why?

She refused to answer. Gloria tucked her feet up under her.

You cold? Ben asked.

She nodded hesitantly and he reached back behind the seat to pull out a blanket. It had come in handy more than once over the years since he’d gotten the truck. He tossed it onto her lap and saw her unfold it out of the corner of his eye.

They traveled the rest of the way in silence. He didn’t know what to say to her and was still thinking about it as they pulled up to the front of his house. The lights were all off and he knew everyone would be in bed. Farmers had to get up early in the mornings and in the summer, that meant the rest of the kids too. Only Ben was exempt from the family bedtime, and that was because he had his own job.

So, how do you want to do this? Gloria whispered as he parked the truck.

Everyone should be asleep. We’ll just go in the front door.

She rolled her eyes. Real sneaky. And here I thought it was going to be some kind of covert operation.

No, that’ll be during the daytime when you can’t leave the room.

Gloria huffed but got out of the truck when he did. The front door was always unlocked and Ben opened it slowly, peering inside, just to be sure no one else was up. They’d gotten used to his hours two years ago and his mother finally stopped waiting up for him to come home.

Is it safe? Gloria asked from behind him.

Ben nodded and opened the door wide enough to let them both through. He took off his boots and left them next to the staircase. They crept up and up, past the second floor to the third, where his bedroom was. He was the only one of his brothers and sisters to have his own room. Though it had once been the attic, and he could only stand upright in the center of the room, he loved it.

His bed stood at one end of the room, a window peeking over the headboard. The walls were painted white and the floors were wooden. It was a fairly empty room. He didn’t like clutter.

So, where are you going to sleep? Gloria asked, diving onto his bed. She propped herself up with her elbows and smirked at him.

He shook his head. I don’t think so. My mom comes in to wake me up sometimes and my brothers and sisters love to sneak in. You can’t be seen.

She sighed. Then where am I supposed to sleep?

Ben solved both problems in what he thought was an ingenious manner. A pile of extra bedding, complete with pillow and plenty of blankets made a serviceable bed for her underneath his own. No one would see her under his bed, the dust ruffle hiding her from view.

He stood back, proudly surveying what he could see of his handiwork. Gloria looked less impressed.

You expect me to sleep under there?

Unless you’d prefer the shed. He didn’t bother telling her that she couldn’t sleep in the shed. His dad would be in there early in the morning and didn’t take kindly to people camping out. It had happened once or twice before.

Gloria shook her head. No, this is fine.

She disappeared under the bed and he could hear her grumbling as she tried to settle down. He stood at the side of the bed, not sure what to do next. He didn’t want to undress with her in the room but he couldn’t sleep in his jeans.

You comfortable? he asked, turning the light out.

As comfortable as I’m going to get.

He shucked off his jeans, pulled his shirt over his head and jumped in the bed, hoping she couldn’t see in the dark very well.

Hey! No jumping on the bed. You’re going to crush me down here!

Sorry, he whispered.

You do it again and you will be, she grumbled.

And that was the last thing she said. He expected it to be hard to fall asleep, questions and thoughts swirling around, but he fell asleep as soon as he grabbed the sheets and rolled over.

When he woke in the morning, Ben couldn’t decide if last night had been a dream. He popped his head under the bed. It was empty, nothing but floorboards, as it had always been. He frowned and rolled out of bed, his feet thunking on the floor. He looked around but couldn’t see her. She wasn’t there.

Gloria? Ben called.

Gloria? Gloria, where are you? Ben’s youngest brother poked his head up over the edge of the stairs, calling for Gloria. Ben’s frown did nothing to stop Carl. "Who’s Gloria, Ben? Your girlfriend?"

Carl was at that age where girls were icky.

Knock it off, Carl. Aren’t you supposed to be busy doing something?

Mom said I had to come wake you up.

Carl looked like their father, blonde hair and thickset features. Ben took after their mother’s side of the family with dark hair and eyes and a lot of height. Carl was always going to be short.

Well, I’m awake.

Carl opened his mouth, probably to make another smart comment, when Ben heard their mother yell up the stairs. Carl’s eyes got wide and he ran off. As soon as his younger brother was gone, Ben tore apart the room looking for Gloria. Instead of finding her, he found all the bedding stuffed behind his dresser.

Gloria?

Still no answer. The room didn’t have anywhere big enough to hide a person, aside from underneath the bed. He had to accept that she was gone.

Chapter 2

Gloria hid outside the house, in a tree a good distance away. While he’d told her she had to stay put or get caught, she knew she wouldn’t manage to spend the whole day underneath his bed. She would get caught and then she’d get kicked out. She couldn’t afford that. It was the first time she’d been on her own, away from everything she knew and she couldn’t go back. She couldn’t get caught.

She’d wondered when she snuck out the window if she should have left Ben a note. Shrugging, she went back to watching the family get around. Ben was right, they were early risers. His mother had been up before the sun. It was lucky Gloria woke up when she did. She never slept well the first night back, though this was the first time she’d had to endure it alone.

Gloria watched the family slowly leave the house, a few at a time. Ben hadn’t been lying. There were two brothers and two sisters. Five kids in all. She’d never seen so many in one place. Or so many dogs.

Only when she was sure the whole family was gone, did she climb down out of the tree. Ben’s truck was still there and she wondered what he was doing. She crept into the house, half-expecting someone to pop out from behind a doorway and demand to know who she was and what she was doing. But no one did.

She could hear the shower going as she went up the stairs. Gloria looked down at herself. She could probably use a wash but first she needed some clothes. The oldest girl looked about her size, or her height at least, and it took her two false tries before she found the right closet in the right bedroom.

Gloria flicked through the clothes there and picked out a pair of pants, a shirt and a hoody. There was an old pair of sneakers at the back of the closet she doubted the girl would miss. Before Ben could finish in the shower, Gloria changed her clothes and stuffed the horrible hospital gown into the trash. She was never going to wear one of those again.

Chapter 3

Ben stuck his head out of the shower, frowning. He could have sworn he’d heard something.

Hello?

No one answered. There was only the pounding of the shower. He pulled his head back behind the curtain and washed the soap out of his hair. He was due on shift in half an hour and hadn’t eaten yet.

Gloria was still nowhere to be found when he was getting ready to leave. He wondered if she was coming back at all or if he should leave her a note. Ben shook his head, told himself not to be silly, and got in his truck. Throwing his Home Depot vest onto the passenger side of the seat, Ben revved the truck and sped down the dirt driveway, onto the road.

He worked as a manager in the gardening department. The manager position was the only reason he wasn’t required to work on the farm. Ben clung to it with everything he had. He didn’t want to be a farmer though he knew his dad wanted him to help out and eventually take over. Though Ben wasn’t sure what he wanted from life, he knew farming wasn’t it. His younger brother Denny was the one interested in the farm and Ben didn’t want to stand in his way.

Jumping out of the truck, Ben almost ran right into his boss.

Ben, I need you in the office.

Sure, is everything ok? Ben asked, immediately worried. The only time he’d been invited to Larry’s office was when he got promoted, but that wasn’t the general experience of that office.

Larry lay a hand on his shoulder as he steered Ben into the store, towards the back where the offices hid behind mirrored glass.

There are some men here who want to talk to you.

About what? I’m not in trouble, am I? Ben asked, trying to think of anything he’d done recently that might have been the cause of this.

They don’t look like police. Just answer their questions, Ben. I’ll be right outside if you need anything.

With that, Larry pushed him into the office and shut the door behind him. Ben stared at the two men in suits, sitting in front of the desk. They both stared at him and he stared back, unsure what to do or say.

Are you Ben Harper? one of the men asked, rising to his feet. His dark eyes raked him from head to toe and Ben shifted, tucking his hands into his pockets, feeling foolish in his bright orange vest.

Yes, sir. Yes, I am. Can I help you?

Maybe you’d like to take a seat, the second man said, rising and gesturing to his chair.

There were more than enough seats in the office for them all to have one but as Ben sat down, the two men didn’t join him. They looked serious and they looked like trouble. Ben could feel his palms sweating and the trace of a beard he was trying to grow itched on his cheeks.

They closed ranks around him. Though he was taller than both of them standing, sitting he was half their height. He knew it was deliberate and he swallowed hard. It was working.

You were in Grayson county last night, the taller of the two men said.

Ben could feel his face crinkle in confusion. He’d been just over the border and there was nothing illegal about being in a different county. He didn’t see how it mattered.

That wasn’t a question, son, the other man said.

I wasn’t arguing. Yeah, I was in Grayson last night. I wasn’t doing anything wrong, Ben replied, trying to keep the quiver out of his voice. He knew he hadn’t done anything wrong.

Your truck was spotted out by the woods, just over the county line. What were you doing there?

I went for a drive.

At midnight?

Ben frowned and crossed his arms over his chest, slouching in the chair. He hadn’t done anything wrong and he didn’t need to explain himself. If he’d done something, they would have told him by now. The only thing of note that had happened was Gloria and no one knew about her.

Why do you care? Ben asked. "What are you here for? I haven’t done anything wrong and you know it. I was out for a drive,