Borderline

By Rich Cole

Peter and his gang members are caught in a swashbuckling car chase by the Sheriff Al Sawyer and Deputy Hinkman who were given air support by the state trooper. The gang of robbers are caught in a crossroad of decision which requires hastiness because of their empty gas tank; whether to drive into the cursed town of Saint Barbara or to run completely out of fuel in the hot chase. Peter and his gang members chose the former and the must face the terrifying consequences of entering the town even the police wouldn't dare enter.

Borderline is an action-thriller with a touch of paranormal mystery and adventure for your six senses.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seagull Editions
• Release date: May 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223304517

Book preview

Borderline

© 2021 Seagull Editions s.r.l.

www.seagulleditions.com

Chapter One

Leo, Veronica called over the siren. Talk to Jimmy! He is a raving lunatic and not only did he shoot a cop but we have a hostage?! I thought this was an in and out. Easy. Light. And we were supposed to blend in with this piece of a crap car!

Veronica studied the leader of the gang who was slouched in the front seat of the 1976 Toyota Corona as if he was just taking a Sunday drive down the desert highway. Her long brown ponytail blowing in the wind of Leo’s open window, the warm air brushing against her face and the sirens of the cops behind them hitting her ears.

Tootsie, baby, I know it’s not ideal but it’ll work out. It always works out. Leo said while taking a drag on the cigarette he lit up to help keep him calm. He continued looking out the window, watching the cacti race past them. He liked being in control and right now he was definitely not feeling that control. He ran his fingers through his blonde hair, noting how he probably needed to get it cut before it looked as shaggy as Toodle’s.

Pete, who was driving the banged-up white station wagon, looked at him like he was nuts, but didn’t say a word. His job was to drive the car and not run his mouth. Besides at twenty-six, he was the oldest and felt someone had to act like a reasonable and responsible adult, even if he only had a couple of months on Leo. The two had grown up on the same street and became best friends as kids. It just carried over into adulthood. Many people thought they looked like brothers. Both blonde hair and green eyes. Pete was proud of the fact he stayed taller than Leo.

Pete glanced in the rearview mirror and caught sight of the small slightly man tied up in the trunk of the car as well as the lights flashing from the cops chasing after them. He pressed his foot into the gas pedal and shifted into the next gear. The rev of the engine he’d modified gave him hope that they’d outrun the cops.

That cop was in our way. He pulled his gun first. It was self-defense and besides, Peter here is the fastest driver in Arizona, probably the whole country, Jimmy said with almost too much confidence. Jimmy’s real name was Jimmy Hill and he was the newest and youngest member of the gang, And this guy could be really useful, you know, to do a trade with the pigs. He said as he twisted around in the back seat so that he could continue to point his gun at the hostage.

Jimmy had earned his name because of how trigger happy he was at an unripe nineteen years old. He felt he had to prove how tough he was, but tended to hide behind the barrel of his gun. He was hot-headed and his red shaggy hair seemed to warn those around him about his temper.

That only works in movies you imbecile! Veronica shouted, throwing her hands up in the air, resigned.

She’s right. A small voice said from the open trunk. They won’t go for it. I know the cops. It won’t work. You’re smart kids, you planned a whole robbery that was going well until the end. I could help you, I know people.

Veronica’s eyebrow rose half impressed and half annoyed, her gaze pinning the tied-up man. He was donning a banker’s outfit, grey wool and patterned tie knotted over a crisp button-down white shirt. His dark hair was slightly messed up, a consequence of treating with greasy products.

No one asked you! Jimmy snapped at the hostage.

No one asked you to shoot the cop! Let’s hear him out. Veronica quipped, her eyes rolling.

Hey, both of you shut up! Pete has to focus. You all know that.

Leo’s voice was as smooth as the surface of a cake. He took a puff of the cigarette and exhaled out the open window.

Pete just nodded a single nod, still not wanting to get too involved. Both Veronica and Jimmy were hot-headed, but he liked that Veronica was more rational and not so impulsive. She still scared him a little. Anyone who dated Leo for over a year and kept the leader of the gang in check was a force of nature he did not want to trifle with.

Aye, Leo. The leader turned. We’re running out of gas.

What?

We’re running out –

I heard the first time, Peter. How on earth are we running out of gas while we’re escaping cops? Through the rear mirror, he watched Veronica and the unrestrained Jimmy. How on earth are we in a position where we are out of fuel? What happened to detailed planning?

Leo. We could figure something out.

Sure, Peter. Sure. Fine. I’m all ears. Hit me. What did you get? Nothing? Jimmy, any luck from your end? No, I didn’t think so. Your fingers process faster than your brain these days, right?

The wagon hissed and Pete slowed a bit. He was considering a response when he caught a dusty billboard signaling directions. A town lay a few minutes ahead. Saint Barbara. The name was strange on his lips, but he thought it could be the escape they needed. A number of the towns within the county shared roads and there was a very high possibility that Saint Barbara would lead out to another town. But he knew that meant staying low until dark and then sneaking out under the watch of the officers. They were not letting them off so quickly. A robbery, perhaps. But with the shooting of an officer, this was going to be more than just simple stealing.

Aye, Leo. Look. There’s a town up ahead. Maybe we can get there and hide out a bit, Pete said coolly, again glancing in the rear mirror at the cops who were on their trail.

He aimed the car for the exit.

Saint Barbara. Huh. That sounds pretty cozy! Tootsie, baby, don’t you think that sounds nice! It sounds like if we could hide out long enough it could even be a good place to settle. Don’t you think?! Leo said, his voice lightening and tapped the cigarette on the partially open window causing ash to fly past the window Veronica was looking out.

That does sound cozy. She said her voice on the verge of dreamy. She imagined a nice two-story house painted brightly and a porch swing. No flowers though, she’d just kill them.

Her daydream was abruptly interrupted by the man in the back, NO! No! Don’t go there! You don’t want to go there! Just drive past Saint Barbara and hit up Sunset Crest. It’s a few miles further, but it would be better if you went there! The man was frantic, his eyes wild.

Peter said, We might not be able to stay ahead that long. This is our best bet. His voice stayed cool and even.

Trust me! You’d rather face the police instead of Saint Barbara! The hostages' voice was squeaky and scared. He was pulling against the binds on his wrists.

Leo? Petey asked not looking at the leader, his eyes intent on the road.

He’s wacky, let’s just stop here at Saint Barbara.

Sure thing boss.

What the problem with this town? Why are you so scared? Veronica asked over Jimmy who was still yelling at the hostage to shut up. The hostage just shook his head. His eyes are wide. Please just drive past! I will talk to the police! Vouch for your kids. Tell them you didn’t mean to shoot that officer. Just try making it to Sunset Crest! The hostage begged.

Nah, Peter said. He switched gears and pulled off the highway, blasting past the white signpost that read, Saint Barbara, the name scrawled in block letters and fading red ink. He floored the gas and put more distance between himself and the cops. He was quite shocked they only had a car on their tail, but set the thoughts aside and focused on the road.

I’d rather die than go there! The hostage said, his voice firmer than the crew had heard all day.

I can arrange that for you, old man! Jimmy snapped pushing the gun towards the hostage. Veronica glared at Jimmy.

Just cut it out! I think we should listen to him. Veronica said biting her nails.

What would you know? Jimmy looked at her.

More than you apparently.

He’s just a kook.

He seems genuinely scared... I really think we should be smart about this. We’ve messed up enough lately! Her voice was starting to rise.

The car jolted, forcing Pete’s mind back to the road. He was amazed at how quickly the road went from smooth asphalt to bumpy dirt road. He murmured at what that spelled for them, and for a brief moment, wondered if the hostage in the trunk had been fearful about heading towards the town – Saint Barbara, wasn’t that what Leo called it? – and almost turned to voice his worry. He slowed the car before they could blow out a tire, lifted his foot off the gas, and moved it onto the brake pedal, downshifting the car to a speed he was not happy about. He was too focused on the unpleasant adjustments he was making to his driving that he did not notice the pothole closing in on them as the car blasted over the asphalt.

Before he could steady himself, the car dumped into the pothole, throwing them off the asphalt and off-balance. The shrill of the impact rang out in their ears, as though a church bell had gone off and an altar boy was content with pulling at the bell strings. Pete clutched at the wheel and tried to regain composure.

Just then, Veronica let out a scream.

Chapter Two

Sheriff Al Sawyer felt sick to his stomach. It was the culmination of Deputy John Hinkman’s driving and what he had just witnessed did not bode well with his guts. He tapped absently at the internal chassis of the sedan and contemplated the eerie silence that swallowed their afternoon chase.

Round Rock was a quiet town where nothing really happened. Nothing except Belinda Johnson and Carl Winford’s front yard feud, that is. It was Sunday, and they had just received their daily after church call from Belinda. They got it worked out, until tomorrow when there would surely be another call from the drama queen. They were on their way back to the station when their two-way went off.

Ira, their dispatcher, and secretary, gave them a call saying Officer Perkins needed help at the bank.

You okay, Sheriff? Young Deputy Hinkman asked Sheriff Sawyer who just nodded, his face a particularly deep shade of green.

Did Ira call in the state troopers? Sheriff asked, glancing in the rearview, hoping backup was on the way. Hinkman nodded, never taking his eyes off the white station wagon in front of him.

Sheriff Sawyer let out a groan. The wagon ahead coasted over the asphalt, the backlights blaring despite the sunny weather.

I’m too old for this, the Sheriff said.

Deputy Hinkman just chuckled.

You just turned fifty-three last month, sir! You’re still a spring chicken!

Deputy Hinkman’s twinkled his eyes as he tried to lighten the heavy mood in the car. Hinkman knew that Sheriff Sawyer was grieving for Officer Perkins’ death. The Sheriff’s eyes were distant and on the few occasions they swapped glances, he looked indifferent. But Hinkman could cut beyond the maturity façade and knew without doubt that the Sheriff would take a while before he could get over the death of one of his men.

They had just driven up to the bank when a red-headed kid pulled a gun and shot Officer

Perkins then jumped in the car. The Sheriff had dashed out of the trooper and ran to his office while Deputy Hinkman radioed Ira for both medical assistance and state trooper assistance.

He knew Perkins was dead when he saw the Sheriff seem to age right in front of his eyes, a pool of blood spreading beneath the splayed body of the young officer.