Running Deeper Than A Race: Running, #1

By Kendra J. Williams

When Brinley signed up to run her first 5k race she knew that it was going to be a challenge but not the ones that she faced. Will the community rally together and solve the mystery or will Brinley be running for more than a race? The small town in North Carolina will house more secrets than anyone is ready for. Will there be more to come from Brinley or will this be the only race that she completes? 

 

When hatred fills the Fall air and abandoned houses are involved, anything is possible. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kendra J. Williams
• Release date: Dec 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393172185

Kendra J. Williams

It all started with me writing to express my emotions—until I realized that my words actually spoke the silent inner voice of someone else. I started getting excited about writing, and when new ideas would pop up in my mind, I realized this was meant for me: that this was my gift. I have been writing poetry since I was in middle school, and that’s when I realized I wanted to write a book and be published. I have three short stories that I wrote in high school, which I have hidden away. I am a twenty-seven-year-old from a small town in North Carolina that has a vision to one day have a book in the bookstore.

Book preview

Chapter One

A re you sure that this is a good idea?

Is what a good idea?

Running this mile in this neighborhood?

Why wouldn’t it be?

Brinley looked at Quinn with the look of death.

Don’t look at me like that.

"Like what?’

Like I’m stupid.

I’m not saying that you are but I don’t think this is a good idea. I know this isn’t a good idea.

Why?

You know why. I’m sure there aren’t any people our color that run in this area.

And? Why can’t I run in my neighborhood? I work and pay taxes here too, just like everybody else.

This doesn’t have anything to do with that. We aren’t the same skin tone as everybody in this neighborhood and you know that.

I never said that I was. I only want the same options as everybody else.

Brinley, when are you going to stop living in your own fantasy world? These people don’t like us.

And that’s not going to stop me from running. I don’t care who these people don’t like.

I don’t want you running out here by yourself.

Brinley smacked her lips and rolled her eyes.

I’m serious.

I run out here all of the time.

What does that mean? I didn’t know.

And you don’t know.

Yes, I will. You’ll post it on social media.

No, I won’t.

Whatever. Are you ready?

It depends.

On what?

What’s the pace that you’re running today? I’m not trying to fall out.

Girl, bye. You act like I’m going to lap you or something. How many laps is a mile around here?

Two full laps down and back are a mile.

Down and back where? Show me the outline of this mile.

Brinley started laughing.

What? I don’t think two laps around is a mile.

I’m serious. I’ve been doing this. You should take my word for it.

I don’t want to.

Well, set your watch asshole and let the watch do the work. I’m not going to tell you again.

For someone that wants to improve their time you sure as hell talk a lot of junk.

I’m not talking junk. I’m stating facts. I’m not going to go back and forth with you.

Let’s go. I’m not waiting for you either.

I didn’t ask you to dickhead.

I got your dickhead. Ass wipe.

Quinn was wearing a pair of old Nike sneakers, bright yellow leggings and a white sport’s bra.

Where is your coat? It’s cold out here.

I run like this in the winter time.

But it’s cold out. You aren’t scared of getting a cold?

No. I make sure to take extra vitamin c before and after I run. Plus, it’s not cold today.

I look overdressed. Brinley was dressed in Black Old Navy leggings, a white athletic t-shirt and a green hoodie with Good Vibes printed on the middle of it.

I mean, she paused and shrugged her shoulders. I can’t help that you don’t know how to dress when you’re running.

I’m dressed appropriately.

Well, let’s go.

Brinley double checked the laces on her bright orange Pumas, did a few jumping jacks and smiled.

What are you doing?

Getting ready. I know you’re about to dog walk me this morning.

Why would I do that?

Because you’ve always been fast.

Are you ready? I’m trying to be finished before the sun fully comes up.

I’m ready. I was waiting on you.

Whatever, she rolled her eyes. Where are we starting?

Right here.

I swear this isn’t going to equal up to be a mile.

Brinley let out a deep sigh before she took off running. Start your damn watch and come on. If what I said was right, make sure to send me twenty dollars for all of the bitching that you’ve been doing.

I will not, she laughed as she ran past her.

Brinley was trailing behind Quinn until Quinn slowed down.

Don’t slow down because of me. I know you’re faster than me. I’m not trying to run a marathon just yet. I’m trying to work my way up to it. That’s why I wanted to run with you.

I know. And that’s why I slowed down. You have to stop walking so much and run. You have to find your rhythm.

I’m not 16 anymore. I can’t run as fast as I used to.

And I’m not either.

You’ve been doing this longer than I have.

No, I haven’t. The only difference is that I run on the treadmill.

I can’t talk to you and run. That’s taking my breath. I need it to keep going if you don’t want me to stop, she laughed as she slowed down.

No, ma’am. Let’s go. Knees to chest.

I’m tired. Shit, you need to go ahead of me and let me do my thing.

I can’t do that. You know I have to go out of town for a while and you need as much training as you can get while I’m in town.

I don’t know why you think I’m going to be running an 8-minute mile.

You can do it.

I don’t think I can. I’m about to fall out now.

Mile complete.

What?

You finished in 9 minutes and 10 seconds.

That’s not what I ran. That’s what you ran.

That’s what we ran. I was running with you.

Brinley stopped running when the Nike Running Club app called out her time. 9 minutes and 35 seconds.

Why are you still running?

My app just went off. I was timing my run as well. It was little more than yours.

Let me see. Where is your phone?

In my fanny pack.

And when did you put that on?

Before I came outside. You’re so nosey I’m surprised that you didn’t see it.

Forget you.

How did you hear it?

You’re asking a lot of questions. Can you please come on?

Where are we going?

We need to cool down. I want to show you this house back here.

No ma’am, she answered shaking her head.

What?

I’m not going over there. I already know it’s going to be some shit. I’m already nervous in this neighborhood. I don’t want these people coming outside and killing me.

Why are you even talking like that?

Because it’s true. I know when things aren’t right. This isn’t right. These people don’t want you around here.

Not much that they can do about it at the moment.

I beg to differ but that’s neither here nor there.

Are you serious?

As hell.

You don’t think these white people will kill you and think nothing of it.

I’m not saying that.

What are you saying? Because that is exactly what they can do to you.

I don’t think that they would.

And why is that? People are wicked and evil.

I know.

I don’t think that you do because if you did. You wouldn’t be talking like that.

How long are you going to be out of town? Brinley asked trying to change the subject.

Probably a year or longer. Why?

Why so long?

I need to see about this project. I can’t really tell you what I’m going to be doing but if you need me to come back, I don’t mind if it’s an emergency.

I was only asking because I know how you get missing and stuff.

It’s work this time, she laughed.

Are you sure Quinn? You seem to, she paused.

No, I’m not leaving this time for a man or woman. I’m leaving to follow this dream before I decide to get pregnant and have a baby.

What baby?

The one I’m having once I hit my financial goal.

I don’t see you having a baby.

I don’t either but it’s going to happen. I think it’s time.

You don’t think you need a husband first?

A husband for what? I can raise my baby alone. I don’t mind.

I know that you can but I don’t think it’s going to be smart for the baby.

Why?

You know what it’s like being without one of your parents.

I do know but I also know what I want. Why do I have to wait for a man to find me before I have a baby? I’m almost 40.

No, you are not.

Yes, I am. I’m closer to 40 than I am to 30.

You’re so dramatic. I don’t want you getting pregnant and taking care of a baby alone.

I’m not. You’re going to help me.

I’m not ready for a baby. No, ma’am.

Quinn stopped in the middle of the road while a man with dark straight hair and a dog walked by. Brinley eyed him and kept walking.

What’s wrong with you? Quinn asked.

Nothing, she lied.

Did he do something to you? You know I’m always packing. I don’t mind going back to the house and getting my gun from my bag.

You always got that damn gun.

Yes, and? You need one because you’re always out here running alone. I already told you that I don’t like the vibe out here.

And I told you that I got it.

I don’t think you do but I’ll let it go this time.

I notice things and he’s one thing that I noticed.

I don’t like you running alone. I really don’t. Especially how you looked at him. I’m serious. Think about getting protection.

I have my mace.

But are you going to use it if you need to?

Yes ma’am. I’m not playing with these people. They don’t think I have anything to protect myself but I do. Plus, I try to change up my routine because I know people are watching me.

That’s a start but that’s not going to be everything. Is that the first time that you’ve seen that guy?

No. He’s out here every time that I’m out here.

No matter the time?

Most mornings. I haven’t seen him in the evenings yet but I’m sure he would be out afterwards.

And you don’t think nothing is wrong with that?

Maybe I inspire people in to get moving.

There is more to it than that. Just watch out for him.

I will.

Okay. Even though you annoy the hell out of me, I don’t want anything to happen to you.

I would hope so.

Don’t push it, she laughed.

The sun is starting to get hot.

It’s still cold out.

I know but I’m ready to eat.

And what are you going to eat? I checked the kitchen and all I saw was rabbit food.

What the hell is rabbit food?

All of the food in your cabinets and fridge. I didn’t see one bottle of wine, nothing. Do you still drink?

We had wine last night, foolish. Don’t try and act like my house doesn’t always look like that.

It doesn’t. The last time I was over you had so much junk food I was ready to leave.

So, what’s the problem now?

I’m not training for anything, she laughed.

So. Don’t get mad at me because you want to be fat in peace. I don’t want to be fat and I’m honestly tired of working out. I’m really thinking about getting surgery.

For what body part? Your ass looks good, your stomach is flatter than I’ve ever seen and your breasts sit up like you have a bra on 24/7.

I can’t stand your ass, she laughed.

And I love you too. Let’s get food.

Chapter Two

I can’t believe that you let me run that mile in that fast of a time.

Why?

Do you not see how I’m walking? I’m tired and my feet are killing me.

I can’t help that you were trying to be fast.

No, I was trying to keep up with you.

No you weren’t.

Do you like that place off 301?

What place?

The grill place?

Never been. I heard it was good though.

Why haven’t you been?

Why are you asking me so many questions?

Because I was just asking. Damn.

And I answered damn. You act like you’re trying to check my every move.

Just maybe I am.

Quinn adjusted herself on the couch before grabbing the blanket to cover up. Brinley looked in her direction before turning the television to football.

What are you doing?

Watching tv.

You watch football?

Sometimes. I love sports. Take your nap.

I am, she laughed.

There was a knock on the door.

Who is that? Quinn asked propping herself up on her elbows."

I don’t know.

Are you going to answer the door?

Probably not.

I’ll get it.

Who is it? she called out as she walked to the door.

The police.

It’s the police, she whispered looking back at Brinley who moved to stand beside her.

I don’t know. Open the door, she nudged her in the side.

Shit, this is your place. I’m a visitor.

Well, back up. You were the one that wanted to answer it. Don’t get scared now.

I’m not scared, she answered stepping back.

Good afternoon, Brinley answered.

Ma’am, how are you doing today?

I’m good. Is there anything that I can help you with?

I was making rounds to see how everybody was doing?

Excuse me? Quinn asked as she stepped forward.

Yes, ma’am. I’m making rounds to see how the neighbors are doing.

Sir, I don’t mean to sound rude but I don’t think that’s what you’re doing.

Quinn, don’t start.

I’m not starting. I’m being honest. Has this officer or any other officer ever stopped by before?

No.

Exactly.

Sir, is everything good?

Yes. So far.

What does that mean? Is something going on in town that we need to know about? I find it strange that you stopped by all of a sudden.

It is kind of strange but nothing to be alarmed about.

What does that mean? Quinn continued.

Don’t mind her.

Yes, you do. I don’t need my friend getting hurt or killed out here by herself. If something is going on, you need to let us know now.

Everything is fine ma’am.

Yeah for now. Don’t make me come back and show my natural black ass because I don’t mind. She tries to keep everything calm but I’m not the one or the two, Quinn explained.

I understand ma’am.

Sir, I don’t think that you do.

Have a great day, ladies. He stated before walking away.

Brinley closed the door right before Quinn started going off.

I don’t like that shit at all. If he hasn’t been by here before, I don’t understand what the issue was today.

I don’t know, she stated throwing her hands up. Maybe someone complained about us running earlier.

I wish a bitch would try me and tell the cops that we were minding our own damn business. I’m ready for you to buy that house and move from these nosey ass people before someone gets hurt.

I’m not going to get hurt.

I know because they’re going to be the ones that get hurt. I already told you. I don’t mind.

You need to chill out.

I will once I find out what’s going on. We can’t even enjoy a nice Sunday morning run without people being nosey and trying to start trouble.

Brinley shook her head but she knew that Quinn was telling the truth. She walked back over to the couch and sat down.

Don’t feel defeated. I already told you, I don’t mind.

Brinley started laughing.

What’s so funny?

You. I swear once you get upset, it’s hard for you to come back down.

You’re right. I’ll get back calm once I know that my best friend is safe. I don’t play about you and you know that.

I know. I know.

I don’t think that you do.

Let’s not think about the negative before you run up behind that police and shoot him dead.

You’re damn right.

Brinley started laughing.

Quinn rolled her eyes before going into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

Brinley lived in a two-bedroom, two-bath house in the small town of Micro, North Carolina.

Now we need to watch a movie so I can laugh because you already know that this football isn’t going to cut it.

Sit down. My husband might be on this screen.