Beg Harder by Artemis Dianne (web based ebook reader TXT) 📕

I didn't dare to make eye contact for no one is to be trusted, but a few pleasant faces attempted to strike up a little chat with me, I felt bad for I kept my responses brief appearing to be a snob and claimed to have a sore throat, demonstrating that I couldn't actually say much. I didn't miss the strange look they gave me when they noticed a number of wine bottles in my basket, leading me to fill up the cart with other food items as I walked to the checkout, avoiding the cashier's glaze so she would have a conversation as well.

I remember why I decided to make my home in this place. It's the welcoming community that I used to like that has now become overbearing. I dashed into the driver's seat after rapidly loading all of the items into the vehicle.

I turned on the car's ignition but the car wouldn't start. I tried a couple of times to start it but nothing. I pounced on the driver's wheel out of frustration. 

I drew in a deep breath for It's official: I'm the town's crazy woman, I'm even dressed like one seeing my reflection and I'm really losing touch with reality, being paranoid.

I'm a programmer who specializes in hacking. I've hacked a billion-dollar formula and can't get this automobile to start. I just sat in the car till I could compose myself. It took me half an hour. I thought about rigging the wires to start it, but it's an old car. It might have a bigger problem than just the ignition.

 

I walked back to the store where the payphone was, I dialed the number for the towing company and the line rang only once before I could hear Astor's familiar voice."We only have 5 seconds to talk, go back to the store and use the first stall in the bathroom, then come back to your car."

I immediately hung up the phone and went in search of the restroom. When I initially entered the first stall, there was a little package waiting for me with a letter that said to smash it and consume it. When I opened the package, there was a massive white pill inside. I shattered it fast and swallowed the liquid within. I took a sip of the horrible bitter drink and nearly puked it up, but I made sure to swallow it all. I bought some more beverages and headed back to my car as quickly as I could.

As I reinserted the key into the ignition and started the automobile, my heart were trembling for my adrenaline is up with the hope Astor is giving me. I was confident that the automobile would work this time. 

Suddenly, I heard Astor's voice in the rear seat. I was taken aback and nearly leaped out of my seat. 

"Astor" I shriek, calling out his name in happiness seeing him alive. 

I peered in my rearview mirror and didn't see him; he must have tucked himself in or worn something to disguise himself in the backseat. I cocked my head to watch how he did it.

"Don't look back Baby, I need your prints here!" Astor handing me a small wireless print scanner. 

"Get on the freeway right now." As I place my face back on the wheel, Astor instructs that I return the scanner equipment to him. Astor is a fascinating character. He's renowned for having the finest camouflage technique, so I was also curious as to how he was captured by Charles''.

"You only have five hours before they can detect you again." Astor says as I hear him typing something on his laptop. 

"Where are we going? I'm so glad you found me. Did you get my message? Did you take out the bomb on your neck? " As I start the car and drive to the highway, my mind was racing with questions.

"Yes, thank you! I got the chip out right away when I got your message. I tracked you down because Charles left crumbs everywhere. He clearly wants me to find you." My mind went numb hearing this. 

"Charles knew!" 

He knew that I sent the binary code and yet he didn't kill me. I'm more frightened now on what he has in store for me once he catches me. I snap back from my thoughts when Astor tugs me "Are you listening Baby?"

"As I was saying the pill you took is camouflage. It can trick Charle's system, but only for few hours. You need to wear this as well."

Astor handed me the bracelet. He went on to say that this gadget will mask any recognition I have in the system, but only for five hours since the liquid I just drank works in tandem with this gadget.

"Can you tell me where we're going?" I asked. 
 

"I'm taking you to your aunt. She's in hiding but we need to hurry up." Astor says. The second I heard my aunt's name, I turned the wheels back to my cabin. 

The Nanogex IV to cure her was back in the house. The ride to the highway's entrance which he ordered has come but I drove pass it.This might be my last chance to save my aunt before I get caught by Charles again.

"No Baby turn around, we're running out of time, we have to get back to your aunt." Astor yells.

"Astor please you have to trust me, there's a cure sitting in my cabin, It's for my her, believe me." I swerved the wheels, scratching the car fender as it hit a sidewalk curve.

"Listen Baby, forget about it, We are running out of time and I don't have a lot of those pills left!" While nudging my shoulder, Astor says.

"I can't leave those Nanogex behind, Astor, just believe me, I'll be fast and keep hidden." 

My discontent is audible in my voice, which frustrates him. He flopped down on the back seat once more. So, on my way back to my cabin, I described what it did to me to make him understand.