Running Deeper Than A Race: The Findings: Running, #2

By Kendra J. Williams

When Brinley went missing, it caused chaos. Of course, the crew is back and they're ready to see what's in store. The town that was known for being small is about to shake up the world. The mysteries that will be uncovered will cause the crew to call in reinforcements. Are you ready for another wild ride? Will they all make it out alive? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kendra J. Williams
• Release date: Jun 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201756093

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

DEDICATION

This one is for me.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thankful for all of the seconds, hours, days and moments that I’m able to breathe. Each day is a gift. My gratitude is one that can’t be expressed on paper.

CHAPTER ONE

RUNNERS GET READY.

Quinn looked over at Maverick who seemed nervous. What’s wrong?

Something doesn’t feel right.

Don’t get nervous. I’m sure she wants us both to be together today and win this race.

I’m not trying to win. I’m trying to finish, he laughed.

That too. I hope I can, she joined in with his laughter.

You’re going to finish. Your body looks like it’s in shape.

Don’t start flirting with me.

I’m not. I know that you’re taken.

Quinn wanted to hide her true emotions. Despite Lamar helping her with the grieving process of Brinley, she wasn’t feeling him as much as he was her. She didn’t want to cause any further confusion or heartache either.

Are you ready? he asked nervous.

Hell no, she laughed. Well it’s too late now.

Maverick eyes caught sight of Police Officer Miller. What is he doing here?

Probably being nosey or half ass working security. We both know that he isn’t good with doing anything else. Sure, as hell isn’t good with being a police. Stupid ass.

You got that right.

Today was the warmest day all week. I hope my deodorant doesn’t fail me. I swear it’s warm out today.

Maverick started laughing as he adjusted his top.

How many layers of clothing do you have on?

Apparently too many. I wasn’t expecting it to feel like Spring. I thought we were going into Winter.

I don’t think the weather knows what it wants to do.

Do you know the route?

I don’t. I think we have to run under the bridge.

What bridge?

The one that leads to 70.

Oh, okay. I forgot that we were in Smithfield. My fault.

Yes. Where did you think that we were?

I don’t know. I honestly thought for a minute that we were back in Micro.

Quinn laughed because she thought the same.

Runners take your marks.

I’m nervous, she nudged Maverick.

I am too. And I’m cold.

You’re about to warm up. Are we running at the same pace or are you going to leave me?

You’re probably going to leave me. If another drift of wind hit my face, I’m going to turn around and go back home. It’s cold, he stated pulling his hoodie tighter.

You can’t pull it any closer. It’s a hoodie, she laughed.

I’m trying. Let me get into your skin. You aren’t cold?

No. I love the cold weather. It’s not cold though. I thought it was a warm day.

Maverick turned to look at her.

What?

It’s warm for you?

Yes, Quinn checked the weather on her phone. Look, the weather is showing at 65 degrees. It’s warm out.

It’s not cold. It’s that damn wind chill.

Which one is it?

I’m cold with the wind. I don’t know.

You’re nervous and it shows. Relax your shoulders. You can’t fail unless you don’t try. Hell, you can quit if you want to. You’re not doing this to get anything.

Yes, I am. I feel like Brinley would want me to try it.

I don’t think that’s what she wanted but okay. I won’t get you upset.

I’m not going to get upset.

WHERE DID YOU PUT HIM?

We will go to him after the race. I don’t want to focus on that right now. They have taken enough from us already. Let us enjoy something in her honor for now.

Lamar nodded his head as he looked on.

How do you think this race is going to be?

I don’t know but I’m glad my fat ass isn’t running in it, he laughed.

You and me both. I don’t understand these things. I used to hate running for PE in school. I know I’m not about to sign up to get my ass kicked and pay to participate. How did they get in so fast? I thought these things had cut off times.

Yeah. I think Maverick worked his magic and got a place. I’m not for sure but I think Quinn is running in the place of Brinley since she can’t.

Oh, that makes sense. How are you doing with everything that’s going on? He asked leaning to the side.

I’m well. I think once we attend the funeral that’s when everything is going to hit me. I’ve never had to go to one for someone so young. And to know how she was handled and died.

Yeah. We’re going to get to the bottom on how she died too. They all owe us that much. Especially since the police can’t handle their job.

We’re not going to discuss the police. They can’t control their feelings just like the rest. It’s all good because once the smoke clears and we start this real fire, it’s going to be on and popping around here.

That’s true. They aren’t ready for what’s to come. It’s going to be good.

I hope you’re ready to get your hands dirty.

Oh, trust me. I don’t have to do that. None of us do. Once I call my people up, there is no turning back. All I have to do is say the words and they handle the dirty work.

That’s how you’re rolling?

Sure is. I’m sure you have a friend that you can call that has the same thing. These people don’t need to know what we’re doing because they think they got away with it. I’m here to tell them no the hell they did not.

I know that’s right.

It’s a shame that we have to result to violence. But it is what it’s going to be.

And then some.

I’m so ready to get this started. I’ve never been so excited for something in my life before.

I don’t know you like that but I can tell you’re about your business and not taking any bullshit.

None at all. I’ve been doing security for so long. I even interviewed for my dream job, hopefully I get it but I’m going to put it on hold until this issue gets resolved. I will not let them get away with it.

I’m glad that I’m retired.

I’m semi-retired but I wanted this job so I went for it.

There is nothing wrong with that. I hope you stay safe with whatever it is.

I’m always safe. That’s my middle name when I don’t want to get caught up in the mess, he chuckled.

I feel you on that. Trouble seems to follow me.

Man, I swear it’s following all of us. I know it’s been following me a lot more lately.

We’re following it. We’re in the wrong place talking about trouble. I know all of these people and you know which one I’m speaking of without even having to mention it.

They don’t think they’re trouble. They always say that we’re trouble.

I got their trouble. I hope they are ready to see the real trouble. I got some for them, Kendall stated.

I don’t even think I’m ready for what’s to come.

Get your seatbelt and gun ready.

Lamar stared on as the other runners lined up.

CHAPTER TWO

W here is Joe?

I don’t know. I thought he was with you.

I haven’t seen him all night.

Do you think someone got a hold of him?

I doubt it. The police let us go. I’m sure he’s out being fast or something. There is nothing to it.

Whatever you say, Bill. I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.

Don’t you have some grandkids to watch or something?

What does that have to do with finding, Joe? You don’t think someone got him?

I don’t because this is like him to leave. I can’t keep the man around. Plus, we need to divide for a while. We’ve been together so long that the people might suspect something.

Y’all do drugs together. I’m sure everybody knows that y’all are together.

We aren’t together. We’re just friends that hang out together.

Cut the bullshit. I can’t believe the police let us go after what happened.

Don’t start talking about it. They might come back and get us. Things just happened. They might put two and two together and come back to find us.

Who is us? I didn’t do anything.

Bill stepped closer, If I go down for this, you’re going down with me. I know you don’t believe that you’re going to get away with your part.

I don’t have a part. I wasn’t even there when the initial stuff happened.

You’re full of shit and you know it. Betty, I think you want to leave me alone for a while. I know you don’t want to get involved in this situation. This is going to be more than you’re ready for. Didn’t you get beat up already?

And? She didn’t do too much to me.

You’re old. I want you to live to see a few more years before getting manhandled.

I can hold my own.

I’ve seen you do that. Please do yourself a favor and stay out of the way.

I’ll think about it. I’ll find Joe on my own since you don’t care about him.

He’s grown. If he needs help he knows where I am. Plus, he can always call the police. I’m sure they will be more than willing to help.

Betty shook her head before walking off.

I don’t care about your funky ass attitude. You don’t have to come back either.

I won’t, she called over her shoulder.

ARE YOU READY?

As I’m going to be. Stay close.

I’m trying to get finished as fast as I can, she laughed.

Don’t leave me for real.

You better keep up. I’m trying to get this done and over with in no time, she chuckled.

Maverick stepped back and shook his head. He wasn’t quite sure but there was a wave of emotions that hit him. He shook his head again and it still wasn’t working. Quinn walked over and tapped him on his shoulder.

What’s going on?

I don’t know. Something just came over me. I’m trying to see what’s going on but I can’t. I don’t know if I can do this race.

What do you mean?

I don’t know if I’m going to be able to start this race.

Runners on your mark.

He just said that a few minutes ago.

I think this is the real one. Are you ready?

We’re about to see, he sighed.

Quinn tapped his shoulder and gave him a thumbs up. He nodded his head and took his stance.

Ready. Set. Go! The announcer called out.

Everybody took off running but Maverick. His feet weren’t ready to move. Quinn looked over her shoulder and realized that he wasn’t moving. Maverick, are you going to take off or not? You need to decide, she called over her shoulder.

He smiled and started moving.

I swear you’re so difficult.

My feet weren’t trying to move. I guess they already knew what kind of mess this run was going to be.

It’s only 3 miles.

Only. I can’t talk to you and run. I need to concentrate.

Quinn laughed because she knew how hard it was going to be. When she looked over the rules, she forgot that headphones weren’t allowed.

I forgot that I can’t listen to music during these things.

How did you forget that? Lamar asked as he stood in the kitchen making a plate of food.

It’s been a while. I wasn’t planning on running for a while.

I do know that you can decide against doing this.

I know that but that wouldn’t feel right. I don’t know why I agreed to run it but something tells me that I need to do this.

I understand. Are you going to be comfortable without the headphones?

I don’t have a choice.

You always have a choice.

You know what I mean.

I don’t. I try and let you make your own decisions. I understand your heart to an extent most of the time.

Forget you, she laughed. I’m not that hard to get along with.

I didn’t say you were. I said that I understand your heart sometimes. There was nothing wrong with what I said, he smiled as he walked over and kissed her on the cheek before walking into the living room.

I wasn’t finished talking to you.

Well, I’m sorry but I am finished talking. He smiled as he walked away.

Did you start your watch? I know you want to get a good time but did you start it?

I didn’t. It doesn’t matter, she answered looking straight ahead.

Why does this area look like this?

Like what?

Like it’s a colony for white people.

Quinn slowed down and took in all of the scenery. She passed by an old house that was in the process of being renovated. She smiled as she thought about Brinley and all of the conversations they would have and none about running.

Girl, are you sure that you’re ready to start dating for real? I know that guy had your head gone?

Don’t start with that mess. Brinley, you need to start back dating. I know you’re tired of being by yourself.

I’m never by myself. I’m dating. Why do you want me to get serious? I keep going back and forth about this issue. I want to be happy but what is happiness without loving myself? I don’t understand the people that can’t be alone.

Well, I used to be like you. Don’t you remember?

Quinn laughed and came back to.

Why are you smiling so hard?

I miss my friend. She used to keep me from getting in all kinds of trouble. I need to hear her voice one more time. It doesn’t seem real.

We still have to attend a funeral. I can’t remember the last funeral that I went to.

Yeah. I’m sure her mom is going to want it to be small and intimate.

That works for me, he agreed. Why does it feel like all of these runners keep lapping us?

Because we’re going slow as hell. We need to pick up the pace.

We’re going to need some kind of drink or celebration after this.

Yes. The only celebration I want or need is to beat those two men asses like you did Betty.

Quinn started laughing.

That shit is still funny to me. I’ve never seen someone get beat in a circle, he laughed.

Trust me I wanted to do more than that to her. She still has it coming. Once I get my hands on her again. I won’t stop this time, she stated as her eye caught the outline of someone.

Is that her? Maverick asked as she seemed to be getting closer.

It better not be.

I think it is.

Maverick kept his pace up as she smiled at them.

Betty, I’m going to beat your ass. I don’t know why you’re smiling.

A runner hit Quinn’s shoulder and she almost chased the person down but decided against it.

Quinn, I know you better get back focused on this run.

Do you see this bitch, though? She’s trying to show us that she can get away with murder.

Quinn, he nudged her shoulder. Let’s finish what we started and get her afterwards.

I’m going to get you this time bitch, she mouthed to her.

Betty smiled and waved at her.

Oh, she’s mocking me. I’m definitely going to tap that tater of hers.

Maverick tried not to laugh but he knew that she was serious. Let’s get this done. I’m sure we don’t have much longer to go.

Mile marker 2 was displayed in big red letters.

Quinn glanced down at her watch. We’re doing good. Our time is in line to finish in about 20 minutes.

I sure hope so because I feel like I haven’t been running at all. My legs are moving but I feel like I’m walking, he explained.

You’re doing some fast walking, she smiled.

I wonder how Brinley would feel about this race and this area. It feels you know like another part of Micro.

She wouldn’t feel anything. She was naïve as you can see. She would say, well they deserve to be out here too. I hate my friend didn’t take what I said seriously.

She wanted to see the good in people.

And look where that got her? I’ll never be right again. How am I supposed to go on with my life knowing that I can’t share some of the most important parts of my life with her? I can’t believe I’m talking and thinking about this at this race.

It’s amazing how different things can trigger grief. We weren’t even on that level of intimacy but I loved her. I know that because of the things that I did for her I’ve never done for another woman.

We’re two messed up individuals.

I agree but we will get through this.

I’m sure we will. I just don’t know when.

Maverick wiped his eyes as he tried to hide it with his sweat. Quinn acted like she didn’t see it but she could feel the hurt and sorrow in his body language. It started to changed when they starting talking about Brinley. Brinley was different for him. There wasn’t an ulterior motive. The conversations were easy and fun. No pressure and Maverick knew that. Quinn didn’t quite know the depth of their relationship but she would slowly learn of those things.

She glanced up and noticed that his eyes were red and his nose was snotty. She reached in her fanny pack and offered him a tissue. He didn’t look in her direction but took it out of her hand. He smiled.

This is going to be a long mile, she whispered to herself as she took a right turn on the course. This part of the