7-Eleven [Lashton AU]

Chapter 35

Dedication: ObsessedMuch_YAS [for making a cover]

*Ashton's POV*

Now, I wasn't the brightest person, but I wasn't extremely stupid either. I knew better than to meet with Devin unarmed. I had to go prepared. I was determined to get Luke out alive and keep myself from going to prison.

While looking around, I saw this one ice cream stand and the vendor was using an ice pick, trying to get any ice off of the inner sides of his ice cream cart.

I waited by a nearby wall, smoking one cigarette until I saw the ice cream guy set the pick down to serve this couple some ice cream. I threw the cigarette onto the ground, stomping on it and then approached the stand casually.

To make sure their attention was completely distracted, I stood by the girl and calmly whispered, "There's a roach in your ice cream."

"What?!" the girl exclaimed, jumping back and screaming incoherent words. Her boyfriend and the ice cream man seemed confused when she was practically having a panic attack. As this happened, I snatched the pick up and then walked away like nothing happened.

Holding the pick upside down, I checked to see how sharp the end was. I let my finger touch the tip, hardly pricking myself in the process. It wasn't the sharpest pick, but it was good enough for me to use to defend myself and Luke. It's no gun, but it was better than nothing.

I checked the time to see that it was already noon and I was finally where I was told to be. The building used to be a blade warehouse where it sold, well, blades. Of course, the business relocated to a more populated area, and no one's claimed the building since.

I wasn't sure how I was going to conceal the pick from Devin if he saw me. I couldn't just put it in my pocket, because it'd easily fall out. I couldn't put it in my backpack either, because I needed easy and quick access to the small weapon. So I decided to clutch it in my hand, hopefully I can conceal it from Devin's sight.

I stepped up to the front entrance and pushed and pulled the doors, but they didn't budge. How was Devin supposed to expect me to get inside if the doors are locked? There had to be another way in.

My feet took me around the building, seeing that there was a large hole in the wall, like someone decided it was a good idea to ram a wrecking ball against the bricks. Whatever. At least it's some sort of entrance inside.

I quietly moved inside, keeping myself close to the walls so I didn't have any blind spots around me. I strained my ears to listen for the smallest noises so I could find out exactly where Devin was holding Luke hostage.

Sounds of someone grunting were heard and I stopped walking just to figure out where it was coming from. I heard it from my right side, so I hurried in that direction.

I approached another door, but this one looked busted. I placed a shaky hand on it and pushed the door farther, and it emitted a creaking noise. I tensed at how loud it was, but then the noises I heard earlier were now louder and sounded much closer.

Once the door was wide open, my eyes gazed into the room and right there I saw Luke, tied down to a chair and gagged and he was struggling to break free.

"Luke!" I whisper shouted and then his blue eyes looked up at me, widening. He must be relieved to see me. I rushed over to him, but he was frantically shaking his head.

I pulled the cloth from around his mouth down and he immediately whisper-shouted, "You shouldn't be here! You need to get out!"

"What? Why?" I asked in confusion while I attempted to cut the ropes by stabbing it multiple times with the ice pick. "I'm trying to to rescue you!"