Chapter 16: Run

Lucky glanced at Keon and nodded, a silent conversation playing out between them. If it was the authorities, they screwed wasn't enough to describe how much trouble they were in. The seconds in between their decision was enough to make Keon's heart beat out of his chest in anticipation. They both understood that their only option was to hide her and pray to a god that didn't believe in.

But they both knew it was bullshit. Not even god could save them now.

Keon grabbed Blue's cold, clammy and trembling hands to pull her behind the counter. He led her to the sit on the floor, their backs resting on the steel of the bar equipment.

As Lucky opened the door, Keon chanced a peek. The ever-familiar ring sounded like a death sentence. At the door's entrance stood Firo, eyes shining in the iridescent light.

"I hear the news," he said. The door slammed shut behind him, the kickback vibrating the walls surrounding them.

Lucky let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, it's just you."

"That's not a very warm welcome for someone who came to help you." Although he sounded offended, the smirk on his face said otherwise.

"The hell?"

While Firo showing up was suspicious, it wasn't all that surprising. Word traveled fast among the clones. But then, that also meant the authorities already knew about Blue's master's death. It would only be a matter of time before they came to the bar as well. She wasn't safe.

Keon got up, letting go of Blue's hand. "What's your plan?"

He didn't trust Firo, but at the moment, they didn't have many options available to them. Time was ticking, yet no one was moving. Staying at the bar any longer was too risky for Blue. They needed it to look like she had never been there.

Lucky hissed. "Keon, what the hell—"

"We don't have time for this." Keon peered over at Firo. "Do you have a plan or not?"

He shrugged. "You may not like what I have to say."

"Just spit it out already, you damned rat." Lucky paced, clearly agitated.

"Leave Blue with me. I'm not connected to you or this establishment."

"What's in it for you?" Keon was unsure why Firo would help them, or why he had showed up to begin with.

He flashed a quick look at Keon. "A favor."

Lucky scrunched his nose, either confused or irritated. "Like what?"

"What do you say, Keon?" He ignored Lucky, acting as if he wasn't even in the room.

Keon sighed. It wasn't as if he had much of a choice. He couldn't take Blue home with him. His neighbors were nosy, and not to mention he would not involve Cassius. No matter how much he tried to avoid getting into trouble, it always followed him.

"Fine," he replied. There wasn't any time to argue about it.

Blue must have made her way over to them during the conversation, for she grabbed Keon's shirtsleeve and pulled. He didn't have to look at her to know what she wanted.

As if knowing it was his turn to act, Firo jumped up from where he sat and pulled out his phone. His voice, muffled as he spoke, made it impossible to hear what he was saying. His feet took him to the other side of the bar.

"We really don't have any other choice, do we?" Lucky, less-than-thrilled at the situation, could only complain. They did not know what Firo's intentions were, but the least they could do was be thankful for the help. Keon knew he was powerless to do anything himself.

Keon's eyes followed Firo as he trotted back and forth. Blue's grip tightened on his shirt. "We just have to trust him for now."