Unleashing Demons | D.D. Bk. 1 | ✔️

Chapter 7: The Truth

The sun slowly sets from the horizon, leaving a flaming streak of orange and red in the atmosphere. The light breathing coming from the passenger's seat and the muffled music from Jake's earphones are the only sounds within the cramped space of the vehicle.

We've been on and off the road for a few hours now; only stopping occasionally for gas or to relieve aching limbs due to the lack of legroom. I wasn't the least surprised when Gideon decided to bring Vaughn along; since Gideon pulled an all-nighter reviewing evidence, Vaughn was now obliged to at least drive for us. They weren't the bit surprised as well when I introduced them to Jake and explained that he'll be accompanying me on this trip, unintentionally making things even. But the three men did conspicuously size each other up from the corner of their eyes.

I couldn't help but notice the building tension between Gideon and Jake; like a collision of two opposite force (I'm pretty sure you could hear the charge of electricity clashing). There was no missing the exchange of hostility and despising glares that I'm unequivocally convinced they've imprinted each other's features on the back of their minds with great detail.

"Dude, when was the last time you tuned up? This thing's running out fast." Vaughn complained from the wheel. Gideon, who rode shotgun, stirred in his seat. "Don't blame my car for your godawful driving." He grunted.

"Now I'm a godawful driver, whatever happened to the simplicity of gratification?" Vaughn murmured at the now dozing Gideon. He caught my eye on the rearview mirror and gave me a wink.

I give him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, there's a gas station on the next stop."

On cue, an old run-downed gasoline station could be seen as we drove closer; its lighted signage flickered against the smeared sky. You would mistake it as abandoned and inoperative if it weren't for two elderly men who sat out front of what appeared to be a small convenience store.

Vaughn killed the engine and climbed off, giving them a friendly nod as he headed to one of the gas pumps. They hardly returned the gesture, giving us suspicious looks instead.

Jake plucked out his earphones and glanced at me. "Want anything from the store? I'm in dire need for a sucker right now."

I declined but before he could step out, Jake scowled at Gideon's direction -as if checking if he really was in a state of sleep, before heading out to the miniscule shop.

As I sat there in the backseat, I felt a minor protest from my bladder and sighed. I went out and looked around for any sign of a lavatory. Vaughn was now at the far edge of the lot, his back to me while taking a call. One of the two seniors was left sitting alone on a rocking chair, assuming that the other went in to accommodate Jake in the store. I asked for their facilities which he irritably directed me at the back with his thumb.

I spotted the banged up signage of the toilet, located at a far distance at the back corner of the lot. It'd be deserted, if it weren't for three thugs in black leather sitting on a couple of wooden crates, hidden out of sight from the road. Several beer bottles and cigarette butts scattered at their feet. There were three worn out Harley-Davidson motorcycles parked in front of them.

A spine-tingling chill came to me; I suddenly felt uneasy and dropped my gaze. I considered going back to the car, but it was at least forty feet away and would seem obvious that I was trying to avoid them. So I continue on, evading eye contact whatsoever.

I could sense one of them ogling at me. As he was about to stand, I let out a gasp as a presence was suddenly at my side, with a protective hand on my wrist. I glance up and was shocked but relieved to see that it was Gideon. He gives a sneering look at the thug, who now stood and eyed us menacingly.