Mostro

"Come on," I shake her awake. Her eyes are squinting with sleep but we have to go. We can't stay here.

"I'm originally from Chicago. Did you know that? I think it's about time we head back," I'm rambling. I don't care. This can't be happening. "I know a little place up there. The rent won't be as much as this house is," I drag her to her feet and throw some clothes into my luggage.

"What?" she yawns.

A cop was waiting for me outside of Rosa's. I'm on file from drug possession three years ago, and my prints matched something they found when you were reported missing. I shake my head. I can't tell her that. "It's best to leave at night to beat the traffic," I kneel down to untie the cable that keeps her to the bed. Even with my pulse reaching my ears, I can appreciate how adorable she looks with bed head. But she can't leave me. "I don't want to hurt you, Inez, but I will if I have to," I hold her gaze to make sure she understands. She nods slowly. "Good. Let's go, doll."