The Circle: Rain's Story by Treasure E. Blue

up and move your fucking ass!” Rain didn’t wait for an answer and took off running.
    The three of them kept low and blended into the crowd, dropping smoke grenades along the way. Finally, she spotted the car that was in its designated place, as she watched Miss Jackie ahead of them, hop out of the driver’s seat while the car was still running, then blend subversively into the crowd.
    Rain hopped into the front seat, Autumn and the other girl dived into the rear of the car.
    “Lie down on the floor and don’t sit up.” Rain ordered, as she frantically jumped in the car and drove off in haste. Watching in the rearview mirror as cars, clogged the street behind her, ensuring no one could follow.
    Adrenaline rushing through her veins, Rain smiled cynically and thought, money well spent.
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 13
     
    After a clean getaway, Rain drove west on I-76, towards Ohio. They drove the 250 plus miles and stopped at the borderline of the states that separated the two near Pittsburgh to get a motel room to plan their next move.
    The whole five hours, Autumn and the girl, who they come to know as Erin, were stil l on the floor of the back seat— fought and argued the whole way there. Rain had to bark at them a number of times reminding them that they were on the run and to shut their mouths.
    “But, this bitch is fuckin annoying with all this complaining. I’m getting real tired of hearing her mouth, yo. I’m gonna fuck around and choke this bitch, Rain. You better tell her what’s up.” Autumn spat, at the end of her rope.
    “What the fuck you expect me to do?” said Erin. “I didn’t ask for this shit. Y’all put my life in danger. Bullets flying over my head, you punch me in my throat, this chick threatening to blow my brains out.” The girl huffed, “I got just as much to lose as y’all if the po-po catches up with us. They are going to shoot first and ask questions later because I saw y’all cut down a couple of their own. You think they really gonna give a fuck about my black, felony ass if I caught a bullet, trying to get at y’all?”
    This silence d both of them as they knew she had a valid point. Autumn couldn’t resist and mocked.
    “Well, shit happens. Deal with it!”
    Rain offered her relief and said, “Don’t worry. As soon as we get straight, we’ll get the handcuffs off, and you can walk away with twenty thousand dollars for your troubles.”
    Erin eyes widen ed and her head snapped to attention. She couldn’t believe her ears and repeated. “Twenty thousand dollars….you serious?”
    “I think you witnessed how serious I am and you still want to question me?” Rain asked calmly.
    “Bet!” Erin said with glee.
    Autumn sucked her teeth and threatened. “That’s if I don’t murk your ass first, so keep running your fat mouth.”
    “Autumn, chill out. She’s been through enough.”  Rain assured.
    “Nah, don’t worry, sis.” She grinn ed, talking to Rain. “I’ve been treated a hell of a lot worse, then what this chick could dish out.”
    *               *              *
    When Rain finally settled on the right motel to stay the night, she parked as far away in the motel’s parking lot from foot traffic.
    “Aiight y’all. We’re here. Y’all lay tight and let me check into a room. I’m gonna come back out with some bed sheets and blankets to cover those orange prison jumpers y’all have on.” Both girls nodded.
    When Rain emerged from the car and walked towards the office, Autumn could not resist taunting her big sister and whistled . “Work it bitch.”
    Rain tossed up her middle finger. Autumn grinned with all her teeth, as Rain strutted toward the office. Fifteen minutes later they were all cooped up in the motel room. Back and forth, Rain paced. Every few minutes, she peaked from the curtains to make sure they had not been followed.
    *               *              *
    For the better part of the