Chapter 31
The rain poured relentlessly outside, adding to the tension that filled the car as Raphael and I continued our drive. My frustration had been building since the incident at the restaurant
The more I tried to calm myself down the I realized that my stalkers were getting closer and closer
But what did they really want from me!!!
Should I go to the police?
No I can't do that
I need the money
I need it now
"Raphael," I began, my voice steady but firm, "we need to talk about the money."
He glanced at me briefly before returning his focus to the road ahead. "What about it?" he replied, his tone guarded.
What the fuck do you mean what about it!?
I try my very best to swallow my anger and answer him
"I'm asking you for the money to solve this mess," I said, my frustration seeping into my words. "You promised to support me, but it's been weeks, and I haven't received anything from you."
I asked him about the money but his being such a jerk, and now I am ready to erupt.
"I can't believe you're still stalling on the money," I said, my voice sharp with annoyance. "You promised to support me and now you keep giving me excuses."
Raphael let out a sigh, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
"You made a promise!" I retorted, my anger boiling over. "You said you would help me, and now you're backing out."
What is wrong with you !?
He glanced at me, his jaw tense.
"We don't have time!" I snapped, my frustration making my voice quiver.
Raphael's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Can you stop yelling?"
What do you mean can I stop yelling?
I shook my head, unable to understand his perspective. "You don't get it, Raphael. This is my life, my family we're talking about. I need answers, and I can't do it without the money you promised."
He shot me a hard look. "You think I don't want to help you? You think I don't care?"
I scoffed, feeling a mixture of anger and hurt. "It sure doesn't seem like it. If you cared, you would've found a way to fulfill your promise."
The car fell into a heavy silence as we continued our drive. The rain outside seemed to reflect the storm of emotions inside me.
I stare daggers at him waiting for him to answer me but he stays quiet, infuriating me even more.
I can't believe I'm in this fucking mess!!
The rain continued to pour, turning the streets into a treacherous path of slippery asphalt. As Raphael and I drove through the dimly lit night, we couldn't shake off the lingering tension from our argument. Little did we know that a much bigger danger was about to confront us.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, headlights appeared behind us, approaching at an alarming speed. Before we could react, the car rammed into ours, causing Raphael to momentarily lose control of the vehicle. I gripped the edge of my seat, heart pounding as fear washed over me.
Raphael, his experience as a skilled driver coming into play, managed to regain control and keep our car from veering off the road. But the danger didn't end there. The assailant's car rammed into us again, and this time, I saw that we were not alone. There were two other cars, boxing us in.
"Who are they?" I asked, panic lacing my voice.
"I don't know," Raphael replied, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel with determination. "But we need to get out of here."
As our cars continued to collide, I saw masked figures in the other vehicles, their intent clear: they meant us harm. I rummaged through my purse, my heart racing, and managed to find my phone. But as I tried to dial for help, the assailants blocked the signal with some sort of jammer.
Bells ring in my ears as my heart hyperventilates.
We're going to die
We're going to die
We're going to die
I'm going to throw up
"We're trapped," I whispered, feeling a chill of dread run down my spine.
"Not yet," Raphael said, his eyes focused, assessing the situation.
With swift precision, he swerved the car to the side, managing to create a narrow opening between the assailant's vehicles. Taking advantage of the brief opportunity, he accelerated, trying to make a daring escape.
But the assailants were relentless, and they pursued us with ruthless determination. With a loud crash, their car rammed into ours again, forcing us into a desperate struggle to maintain control.
"Raphael, what do we do?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"We fight back," he said, his face determined. "Hold on tight."
Suddenly, he executed a daring maneuver, swerving our car around and using the side to hit the assailant's car. The impact caused their vehicle to veer off course, and it rolled over, landing upside down in the middle of the road.
We didn't have time to feel relief, as the second assailant's car continued to pursue us relentlessly. Raphael skillfully swerved through the rain-soaked streets, trying to lose our pursuer.
As we drove, I noticed a flash of headlights in the distance, and before I could warn Raphael, the other car rammed into ours again. The impact sent us spinning, and our car skidded dangerously close to the edge of the road.
"Raphael, we're in trouble!" I shouted, my heart pounding in my chest.
"I won't let them hurt you," he said, his voice resolute.
Won't let them hurt…me?
Raphael executed another daring move. He accelerated and then sharply turned the car, hitting the assailant's vehicle with a force that sent it crashing into a lamppost. The car flipped over, finally coming to a halt.
Breathing heavily, we looked at each other, both of us realizing how close we had come to disaster. The rain continued to pour, the sound a haunting reminder of the perilous path we had just navigated.
"We need to get out of here," Raphael said, urgency in his voice.
I turn down the window the heavy rain and wind came in like a slap to the face,I stick my head out regardless and turned back to see the masked men escaping from the scene leaving their car in the ditch. Panic and anger surged through me as I realized they were getting away.
"Raphael, we have to go after them!" I exclaimed, my voice tinged with frustration and determination.
But he grabbed my arm firmly, holding me back. "Are you crazy? They could be armed"
His caution only fueled my anger. "We can't just let them escape! They might have information about my past. We have to find them!"
Raphael shook his head, his eyes filled with concern. "I understand that you're scared and want answers, but we need to prioritize our safety."
I jerked my arm out of his grip, my frustration reaching its peak. "Safety? What about my family? What about the danger they might be in right now?"
He took a deep breath, trying to reason with me. "I promise we'll find out who they are and what they want, but we need to do it carefully. Going after them now is too risky."
Tears welled up in my eyes, a mix of fear and anger. "I can't just sit here and do nothing, Raphael. I need to do something!"
His expression softened, and he reached out to hold my hands. "I know you're scared, Julliette. I am too. But we can't let our emotions cloud our judgment. We need a plan."
I weighed the facts in my mind, torn between my desire for answers and the logical reasoning Raphael offered. He was right; going after armed men was dangerous and reckless. But the thought of being idle while those who might hold the key to my past got away infuriated me.
"Fine,I want to go home then," I said, trying to suppress my frustration.
Raphael shook his head again, surprising me. "No, it's too dangerous to go home now. They might be watching us."
My anger flared up once more. "So what do you suggest we do? Where do you want to take me?"
He hesitated for a moment before replying, "Let's go to my place. It's off the grid, and we'll be safer there."
I scowled, not liking the idea of going to his place after our argument. But as much as I hated to admit it, he was right. Going home could put my family at risk, and we needed a safe haven.
"Fine, but don't think this changes anything between us," I grumbled, crossing my arms.
Raphael nodded, understanding the underlying tension between us. "I know. Let's focus on getting through tonight safely, and we can deal with everything else later."
He starts the car and speed off and my stomach churns
Can my life really get worse than this?