Fear - 43

Shawn flew forward, his head hitting the windshield. Not hard enough to do more than raise a bump, he thought distractedly, while trying to get the truck door open so he could escape Jared's wrath. He succeeded, falling out, landing on his hands and knees. He clambered to his feet, still half dazed from the near accident and its aftermath. He saw Jared sliding across the seat after him and began running, ignoring the pain in his shoulder from hitting the door.

I can't get away from him. Fear coursed through him when he heard Jared's footsteps behind him. He'll catch me and then—

The sound of a siren echoed down the highway then a state patrol car screeched to a stop just ahead of him. The officer jumped out, beckoning for Shawn to join him while he shouted for Jared to remain where he was.

Jared took one look at the officer, spun around, and raced back to the truck. He might have made a clean getaway if a second patrol car hadn't pulled up at an angle in front of the truck, blocking it. The officer got out, pointed his gun at Jared, and ordered him to raise his hands.

From where he stood, Shawn could see the emotions crossing Jared's face—anger, cunning as he looked for a way to escape, and finally resignation when he realized he couldn't—and he lifted his hands.

"Are you all right?" the officer with Shawn asked him, his voice kindly when he put a hand on Shawn's shoulder.

Shawn nodded, shook his head, and nodded again. "I-I think so," he replied in a trembling voice while he watched the other officer cuff Jared and begin to read him his rights. "Where will they…you take him?"

"Since there's an outstanding warrant on him for first degree aggravated assault and battery we'll have him booked in at the county jail and then he'll be transported back to face the charges against him."

Shawn sighed in relief. "So he's not going to be…to be able to get out for a while."

"Nope." The officer glanced behind Shawn. "Looks like someone's here to get you. But before I can let you go, I'll need a statement from you about what occurred."

Turning quickly, Shawn saw Max and Gene jump out of Max's car. Gene was beside him seconds later, wrapping an arm around him as he asked, "Are you okay?"

"I am now," Shawn replied shakily. "I have to tell the officer what happened and then—then take me home. Please." He felt tears welling and wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

"No, I thought we'd let you hitchhike back," Gene said, a relieved smile countering his joking words. "Of course we're taking you home. So go give the officer the information he needs and then we can get out of here."