I’m so busy trying to process what the hell just happened that I don’t even notice Wren’s arrival until he awkwardly clears his throat behind me. I spin around so fast I nearly trip over my own feet. Again.
“Hi?” Wren says, his brow furrowing as he takes in my dramatic flailing. His confusion is entirely justified. For a second, I just stare at him, my brain still catching up. But then, despite everything, despite my overthinking, despite the impossible situation we’re in, a genuine smile tugs at my lips. Wren looks… Okay. I mean, not great. He still has that same exhausted, wary expression he did the last time I saw him, the kind of look that’s far too old for his actual age. His shoulders are hunched slightly, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket, like he’s bracing for something. But he doesn’t look worse, and considering everything, that’s something.
“Hey, Wren.” I say, softening my voice a little.
“How have you been?” I ask, the words leaving my lips automatically before I can even think about them. The look he gives me in response is peak teenage disbelief. A single raised eyebrow, a slight tilt of his head, silent but brutally effective. It’s the kind of expression that says, Are you serious? Are you actually asking me that right now? To be fair… He’s kind of right.
“Okay. Stupid question. I get it.” I mutter uncomfortably. Lukas steps up beside me and gives me a brief pat on the arm. It could be reassurance, or it could be him trying to figure out what part of my thought process made me think that was a good question? Either way, I appreciate the gesture. Wren shifts his weight slightly, his usual guarded expression flickering for just a second before he speaks.
“Did you bring the bracelet?” His voice is quieter now, almost hesitant, like he’s nervious about the answer.
“It was my mum’s. I really want it back.” He admits with a deep sigh. The poor kid has been through way too much.
“Yeah, I have it.” I say quickly, not wanting him to think it’s lost, or that he isn’t about to get it back. It’s in my handbag, tucked safely inside. Not my pocket, because of course not, women’s clothing is stupid and my pockets are fake. Honestly, I’m pretty sure it’s all part of some massive fashion industry conspiracy to force us to buy more handbags. Wren watches me expectantly. A beat passes. Then another.
“…Can I have it back?” He prompts, when it becomes clear that I’m just standing there like an idiot, not actively getting it for him. Right. Right. I need to actually follow through with the plan now. It’s one thing to theorise about kidnapping someone, but actually doing it? This is terrifying. But it’s for the best, I need to remember that. I force a nod, then make a whole performance out of digging through my bag. First, I pull out a pen. Then my phone. Then a tube of lip gloss. Then… Another lip gloss. And another. Why do I have five of these? Lukas leans slightly toward me, his eyes flicking down to the growing collection of lip glosses in my palm. He doesn’t say anything, but the judgment and amusement on his face is obvious. I start handing him objects to hold as I make a big deal out of searching for the bracelet. Wren shifts impatiently, his lips pressing into a thin line. I let out a dramatic sigh.
“Oh… I, uh… I think I left it in the taxi.” I say, keeping my tone as casual as possible.
“But it’s fine! The taxi agreed to wait for us, so we can just go get it. It’s not going to, like… Drive off or anything.” I assure him. Silence. Wren blinks at me. Lukas blinks at me. I resist the urge to groan. Why am I struggling so much? I’m usually not this terrible at lying. Sure, I’m no master manipulator, but this? This is embarrassing. Maybe it’s because I do feel conflicted. Or maybe it’s just because, for once, the stakes are actually high enough to matter. I’m cracking under the pressure. Either way, I really need to pull it together.
Lukas grabs my hand. His grip is firm but not forceful, his palm slightly warm against mine.
“Come on, let’s go grab that bracelet from the car.” He says, a little too stiffly. I glance up at him. He’s not great at lying either. Or is he? He was good at it back at my parents’ house, when he was pretending to be my boyfriend. He didn’t just act the part, he sold it. He had my parents eating out of the palm of his hand, convinced that he was hopelessly in love with me. So why does he sound so awkward now? It doesn’t add up. If he’s bad at lying, then that means… what? That his act back then wasn’t just an act? I suppose I knew that he was enjoying having a chance to get some physical contact, but he acted a lot more than than… I risk another glance at him, but he just shrugs, then gives me a small, encouraging nod toward Wren. Right. Focus, Clare. I can mentally pick apart everything Lukas has ever said to me at a later time.
“Sure.” I say, nodding like this is all perfectly normal. Lukas wastes no time tugging me toward the taxi, his grip still secure around my hand. I don’t resist, but I do keep glancing back to make sure Wren is following. Sure enough, he trails behind us, his footsteps a little hesitant. Roxy pads at his heels, her large frame moving easily beside him. I notice how Wren tentatively reaches out, his fingers just barely brushing against her fur before pulling back. He still seems wary of her, which, honestly, makes sense. The last time they met, she was chasing him. Roxy might be a total sweetheart, but she’s also a big dog, and if you don’t know her, I can see how she’d be intimidating.
As we reach the taxi, I slide into the back seat first. I keep up my charade, making a big show of rifling through my bag, muttering under my breath as I ‘search’ for the bracelet. I pretend to search around in the car, then start digging in my handbag as I repeat that the bracelet has GOT to be here SOMEWHERE. I pull out a few random items for effect, another pen, my phone, yet another lip gloss. Seriously, how do I even own this many? And why are they all in my bag? I can’t even wear more than one at a time anyway! Then, after a dramatic pause, I ‘suddenly’ find the bracelet and hold it up.
“Here you go!” I chirp, voice full of forced cheerfulness. Wren steps closer, reaching for it, then frowns. He’s just realised something. I’m sitting on the far side of the taxi. Well out of his reach. His eyes flick from the bracelet to me, sharp and wary. He waits a beat, probably expecting me to shift closer and hand it to him. But I don’t move. Suspicion flashes across his face, but he still leans in, one knee propped on the seat to keep his balance. The hesitation is there, but so is the need, it’s his mother’s bracelet. That makes it personal. And that’s when Lukas makes his move. With one swift motion, he shoves Wren forward. The shove isn’t violent, just sudden, enough to completely knock Wren off balance.
“Hey!” Wren yelps as he tumbles into the back seat, practically landing in my lap. Before he can scramble up, Lukas gives a sharp command, and Roxy leaps up onto the seat beside us. Wren barely has time to react before the door slams shut behind him, trapping him inside.
Then Lukas is in the front passenger seat, and the car lurches forward, tires screeching against the pavement. We’re moving. Fast. And just like that, the ‘rescue’ operation is officially underway.