Tales of the Underground: Velocity - 30. Chapter 30 Elijah's Chapter Part 2

Under Ground Aliases

The Reaper- Jamie Free

Velocity- Elijah Warren

Gears- Jacob Palmer

Gizmo- Matty Sanders

*The boys use these to guarantee no one outside the underground finds their real identities*

~Elijah's Chapter~

I felt Jamie’s eyes on me and immediately knew what he was going to say. “Come on man, you have to be more careful then that” I couldn’t help but laugh at how well I knew him “It’s not funny. You’re a pretty high profile athlete lately, people are gonna start recognizing you if you’re not careful.” High profile athlete? I think he must’ve snuck in some of that alcohol.

Jax sized me up “What sport do you play? Lacrosse?”

“No that sports for babies and douchebags. I play hockey” I said with a proud smile

Jax nodded “So I take it you’re pretty good then.”

“I’m nothing special, I just love the game.” I could feel the familiar sense of pride beam off of me as it always did when I spoke about hockey. I have no idea why, but I love the sport with all my heart, I don’t know who I would be without it.

“Don’t let his modesty fool you” Jamie jumped in “He’s probably the best player in our high school, hell even the varsity captain told me he’s going to get called up soon.”

I felt my face begin to blush and elbowed Jamie in the side. My arm was met by his hard stomach, it always amazed me how in shape he is, I work out so much during the week and yet he’s the one in perfect shape. “He’s making me sound better then I really am”

Jax nodded his head “Maybe I’ll have to come to a game and judge you for myself.”

I looked over to Jamie to see if that’d be okay, I saw a friendly smile cross his face “Yeah, maybe” he said with a laugh.

Suddenly the Reapers name was announced and our nice moment was broken up by the reality of where we were. My heart began to race once more, I watched as Jamie was surrounded by his team for a quick pep talk. I nervously waited next to the car and began to tightly bite my lip.

Jax put his hand on my shoulder “He’ll be okay. Reapers a good driver, and if need be he’s got the killer instinct to keep himself alive.”

Jax’s words were nice but they didn’t make me feel any better. Jamie ran up and tapped me on the side of my arm “I love you” he whispered before jumping into the car and lining up on the starting line.

Matty pulled me back a little and placed me between him and Jax. I hated feeling like I needed to be protected, but I knew it made Jamie feel comfortable and he needs all the peace of mind he can get while he’s racing. I could barely hold myself still as I watched the mustang sit on the starting line. I began to nervously bite my lip once more until finally the countdown began and they were off. I watched as the red blur shot straight out of the tunnel, Vipers car seemed to barely keep up with her opponent’s. I held my breath and waited for his return, this was the worst part of the night. What felt like a million bad thoughts swarmed my brain as all I could do was listen for the worst to happen. Since finding out about the races I’ve gone over all the worst scenarios in my mind about a thousand times and dreamt about them a thousand more. Finally after what felt like an eternity I heard the Jamie’s car roaring back into the tunnel. He sped across the finish line and slammed on the brakes. Panic instantly began to set in as I realized something wasn’t right.

“Something wrong!” I shouted over the noise of the roaring car as I began to run towards it

Jax grabbed the back of my jacket “How do you know?” He yelled back

“I’m not sure, I just do!” I shouted back squirming to break free.

The second the mustang came to a stop Jamie jumped out and threw his helmet into the car “Someone get her help!” He yelled “She collided with a civilian up there!”

Suddenly some of the guards jumped into big black unmarked cars and took off. Jamie ran up to us and briefly wrapped his arms around me, I tightly squeezed him back but had to let go quickly so it wouldn’t be suspicious.

“What the fuck happened out there?” Jacob nervously asked “You didn’t…”

“No!” Jamie interrupted “She tried a maneuver to shoot out in front of me but her car crapped out and she went right into another car”

I could tell whatever had happened was beginning to eat away at him “Last time something like this happened the guy couldn’t walk.” He turned towards Jax “Is she going to be okay?”

Jax’s face turned cold “I don’t know” he said in a somber voice “But last time this happened you also didn’t care” he stated reminding Jamie of the harsh world of the underground

“Last time it was just some wanna be gang banger” Jamie spit back “This time it’s someone our age. Someone who’s here because she saw me race and thought she could do it too.”

“She knew what she was getting herself into, this isn’t your fault” Jax said with no regret

Jamie just stood there in shock, Matty came running back with an unmarked envelope in his hands, I guess in all the chaos he snuck away and cashed in on their winnings. I turned and stared as the boss of the underground was watching our reaction to the crash. For a few minutes it seemed like the real Jamie was shining through the Reaper’s cracks, and the boss did not like it for one second.

Jax must’ve noticed the same thing because he quickly ushered us back towards the car “You guys need to get out of here, shits about the hit the fan”

Jamie stubbornly stayed put “Not until I know she’ll be okay” I saw frustration rise in Jax eyes and fire in Jamie’s.

I grabbed Jamie by the hand “We need to get out of here… Now!” I insisted

Finally Jamie caved. We quickly got into the car and peeled out without even saying goodbye. I watched as he cursed under his breath. When he pulled onto the highway we got a firsthand look at the accident he was talking about. We watched from across the highway as the guards began to pull Viper out of her car, the front of her vehicle had been pushed in as a result of the collision into the side of the civilian’s. The civilian seemed fine. He was standing there holding his breathe and watching in horror as she was slowly dragged out. Jamie’s frustration only grew more. It seemed the more upset he got the faster we started going.

“Slow down Jamie” Matty yelled “Going fast isn’t going to help anyone. It’s only going to draw unwanted attention.” Jamie didn’t acknowledge him and kept up his fast pace.

“Babe, cut it out” I pleaded trying to get him to listen “We get it your upset, but killing all of us in some stupid accident isn’t going to help her at all.” Jamie grunted and slowed down a little.

“You’re gonna have to slow down even more then that” Jacob added “Eli’s in the car you hard headed ass.” Jacob screamed hoping that would finally break Jamie into driving normal again. Jamie looked into his rearview mirror and their eyes locked for a few seconds.

“I’m driving fast because Eli is in the car you dipshit” he said finally speaking “He can’t afford to get connected to this.”

I felt my heart begin to beat faster “Don’t worry about me Jamie, just get us home safe” Jamie ignored my words and went back to driving like a maniac “Driving this fast is only going to…” before I could even finish my sentence we saw red and blue lights begin to flash behind us “attract police”

“Fuck Fuck FUCK FUCK” Jacob began to yell from the back seat “Why can’t you ever just fucking listen to us?”

Jamie didn’t pay any attention to Jacob’s yells and I watched as the fire reignited in his eyes, he slammed his foot on the gas and began to shift into higher gears. I couldn’t believe how fast we were going, it felt like everything around us was a blur, I watched as Jamie weaved in and out of the lanes in an attempt to lose the pursuing officer. For the first time ever we all got to experience firsthand his racing skills. It seemed like he was constantly one step ahead, whether it was speeding up, slowing down or merging his timing was perfect. It was as though racing was a chess match and Jamie was running every single possible option and result through his mind. Most amazing of all was how calm he kept himself, it was as though his body was a robot to the brain inside.

Suddenly two more officers appeared behind us “Pull over New Jersey state police.” One of the officers announced over the cars loud speaker.

Jamie laughed at their attempts to talk him into slowing down “If I can’t outrun you maybe I’ll just have to out maneuver you” I heard him say to himself.

“This is fucking insane” Matty screamed from the backseat

“What other choice do we have?” I asked holding on tightly for dear life. Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t disapprove more of what Jamie was doing right now, but we couldn’t handle getting caught now. The charges would be insane! My dad’s reaction would be insane! I felt anxiety begin to run my brain and instantly felt like I was going to throw up. I looked over at Jamie and took a deep breath, it sounds insane but I trust him. He got us into this mess and I know he’ll get us out.

Suddenly Jamie went from weaving through lanes to peeling off the highway. I heard Jacob whine at his decision “Are you nuts!” he yelped, now they’re gonna corner us in. Once more Jamie didn’t respond. He just kept his focus on the road. 2 of the cops from the highway followed us into the rickety old town. Jamie instantly began entwining in and out of old side streets before finally gaining a sizable distance. Suddenly he shut off the headlights , slowed down and quickly sped into a driveway. I watched in shock as he ripped the keys out of the ignition then placed them back in. Okay, he’s officially insane.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Jacob screamed “This isn’t an action movie! This shit doesn’t work in real life!”

Jamie kept his hand on the key and waited. I saw his now stone cold face stare behind us waiting for the right moment. The first cop sped by not realizing we were in the quiet driveway, the second noticed us a second too late, slammed on his brakes and skidded past the driveway. Jamie turned the key and reversed out of the highway almost hitting right into the back of the cop. The second he could he put the gear into drive and peeled out. He quickly accelerated as fast as the car would let him and began weaving through the side streets once more. Finally he found exactly what he was looking for and raced right into a huge parking garage, he carefully scaled the building’s levels before pulling into a spot on the 2^nd highest floor. He slowly pulled out the key and stepped out of the car. The 3 of us watched in shock as he calmly walked to the front of the car and leaned against the hood.

“He’s lost his goddamn mind” Matty said, voice still shaking from the pursuit.

Jacob pushed my shoulder forward “Well what are you waiting for? Go talk to him.”

I nervously reached for the door handle and slowly made my way out of the car. I turned around for support but neither Matty nor Jacob was willing to move. It seemed like they were genuinely afraid of the man leaning against the hood. “Pussies” I mumbled slamming my door. I took a deep breath before walking to the front of the car.

Jamie looked over and put his arm around me. He slowly pulled me in and held me tightly. “So that got a little out of control” he said in his normal joking tone. It was always like him to downplay a serious situation. It didn’t matter what was happening in his life, he always had some type of wisecrack or joke ready.

“Just a tad bit” I said playing along “Why didn’t you just slow down when we asked. It could’ve saved us a ton of trouble.”

Jamie shrugged his shoulders “I lost control of myself” He leaned his head against mine “I just needed to get out of there, you know?”

“Welp, getting out of their in handcuffs wouldn’t have helped anyone” I replied

He nodded “I know. Just seeing someone our age getting that hurt… it’s scary.”

“We’re young, not invincible Jamie” I replied beginning to play with his shaggy hair

He nodded once more “It was just a little too close to home for comfort” he finally admitted

“Good, maybe now you’ll realize that that could be you next time” I nervously pushed out.

“If it is..” he started

“It won’t be” I insisted immediately regretting my previous statement

“If it is, just know I love you more than anything else.”

I felt the gravity of the situation begin to press down on me more. It felt as though I was able to feel the pain he was bearing. He held me even tighter realizing the bond between us growing as we sat against the car and stared out into the dark horizon. We couldn’t help but laugh as we saw a police helicopter fly out in the distance.

“I take it we’re going to be stuck here for a while.” I said realizing how late it was getting

“Yup” Jamie replied ready for a long night out.

We spent the new few minutes in peaceful silence, just letting the sights and sounds speak for themselves. Eventually Matty made his way out of the car and joined us.

“You two love birds enjoying the thrilling escape?” he teased

“Yup, what did you and Jacob give the back seat a test drive?” Jamie shot back

Matty fake gagged “No, he fell asleep. I was just giving you guys some alone time.” Matty let out a short laugh “I never thought I’d be with goody two shoes Elijah Warren in a time like this.”

“I never thought I’d be stupid enough to let myself get dragged into a situation like this.” I mocked “How have you guys not been caught yet? Maybe I should start calling the shots”

“You’ll never call the shots around here” Jamie replied “You’re lucky you’re even allowed to tag along”

“You would be single again if I wasn’t” I reminded him

Matty laughed at our little fight “You’re so whipped dude”

“Mind your own business Matty, you’ll understand once you have a girlfriend.” I shot back

“Yeah, last time I checked you don’t even have a girl you’re interested in.” Jamie said jumping in

“Viper was pretty cute” Matty admitted “but I doubt I’ll be seeing her again anytime soon.”

“Nope, I don’t think any of us will.” Jamie sighed

We spent the next hour sitting and bullshitting around. We spoke about drama at school, or random memories. I could tell it meant a lot to Jamie that we could all just chill even if it was a less than ideal situation. Finally when we decided it was safe enough we all got back into the car and headed home. Jamie dropped off Matty and Jacob first before heading to my house.

“So what do you do about the license plates?” I asked realizing how big of a problem they would pose

“The ones on this car are fake anyway. I have a stack of others sitting in my garage. I was given them when I started racing, just in case.”

I nodded “You know this whole situation still scares the shit out of me right?”

“I know” he sighed “I don’t think I would still be doing it if I didn’t have to.” He confessed

“Why’s that?” I said shocked that he had considered putting an end to his racing days.

“I guess I just realized I have a lot more to live for now a days and winning just isn’t worth the risk. Even if I am one of the best.” His stunning admission left me speechless. I wish I could find a way to get him the money he needed to stop, there has to be some safe way for him to make the money. I was so lost in thought I didn’t realize we had pulled up to my house.

“I love having you with me but I think you need to get out now” Jamie teased

I giggled “Fine kick me out then” I leaned in for a kiss and noticed Jamie held it a little longer and deeper than normal. “Babe it’s almost 4 am, I think it’s a little too late for any of that” I teased

He blushed a little “I guess I just can’t get enough” he said reaching out for a hug.

I wrapped around him before getting out of the car “see you tomorrow” I reminded him

“I love you” he said as I started to shut the door

“Love you too” I said quietly shutting the door and sneaking into the house. I silently opened the front door and locked it behind me, as I began to head towards the steps I noticed my dad’s equipment laying on the couch. I snickered at the sight of them but slowly headed towards the messy pile. I quickly snatched the radio out of it and stared at it. If Jamie had one of these maybe we could’ve avoided tonight’s chase all together. I smiled at the thought but as I went to put it back down I remembered his cruel words and actions from this morning. My smile faded and I stared at the small black square in my hands. I took it with me upstairs and threw it into my bag. He won’t miss it I thought to myself. I jumped into my bed and began to reflect on the night.

I still can’t believe everything that happened today. I looked around the room and saw the shirt Jamie gave me laying on the floor from when I took it off last night. I still can’t believe those two kids who used to do everything together have made it this far. I glanced at the pride flag that was hanging over my bed and giggled. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to him. The little bit he shut me out of his life were among the toughest I’ve ever had. It was like I was going around without my other piece, even back then I could feel what he meant to me. I laid back and stared at the ceiling. His soul may be dirty while mine is clean but they were meant for each other, and that’s all that matters.