Chapter 28: Freedom’s Leash
Veronica dangled the tracking anklet with her fingers, watching Nathan’s expression fall.
"Don’t tell me you want to back out now." She said with a smirk.
Nathan studied the device, its blinking light pulsing like a heartbeat. "Do I have a choice?"
"No."
Nathan walked to the sofa and sat down, extending his leg. Veronica adjusted the anklet then tapped a button on the device.
She slipped it around his ankle gently, the cool metal pressed against Nathan’s skin. And with a closing click, the indicator shifted from red to green.
Nathan wiggled his leg, feeling the weight of it. "From one prison to another."
"You agreed to the conditions," Veronica replied, picking up her mug.
She assessed Nathan for a moment"Don’t think about taking it off or tampering with it."
Nathan forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "I wouldn’t dream of it. What’s the range?"
"Anywhere. I’ve set the permitted range to the city." she answered. "Any further, you get a warning then, an alarm and it’s back to Stone River for good."
Nathan nodded in understanding.
He stood up, pacing around the living room. The anklet was light and could be hidden under his pants.
Veronica’s gaze followed his movements then his upper body. His broad shoulders, the way the shirt clung to his abs and biceps.
Then she looked lower, examining the loosely fitted pants. The image of what she saw earlier, burned into her memory.
Nathan stopped walking and turned to her. "Is there a supermarket or electronics store around?"
"Yes." She frowned. "Did you want to get something?"
Nathan touched his hair. "I need some accessories and hair dye."
A look of horror flashed across Veronica’s face for a brief moment. "Why would you want hair dye?" she asked.
Nathan narrowed his eyes as if the answer should be obvious. "I’m kind of dead? So I need to lay low and blend in. dying my hair would help with that."
Veronica stared at him in disbelief. "You don’t have to ruin your hair. You can cut it or wear a hat."
She got up and disappeared into her bedroom. When she came out she had a black baseball cap and a face mask, which she handed over to him.
"Wear these."
Nathan took the cap and put it on, adjusting his hair so everything was almost inside. He paused for a moment to decide.
"Well?" Veronica asked.
"It’s not my style, but..." He made a thumbs-up gesture which made Veronica exhale in relief.
"Give me a moment to freshen up," Veronica said. "I’ll drive you there. I have things to buy too."
"Do you have a favourite food?" she asked.
Nathan furrowed his brows in thought. "Rice? But I’m good with whatever you decide."
Veronica left the living room, locking the door behind her.
Nathan relaxed on the sofa. The escape part was done now it was a matter of proving his innocence.
The images of three familiar faces appeared in his mind. Guys he’d called friends.
Memories surfaced. Leon’s text on a job that required a driver with a good pay. Catherine telling him not to go and him refusing because he knew them.
Or so he thought.
The four of them were flatmates until Nathan left. Part of the reason he moved out was because of rent. The other reason was the questionable lifestyle they led.
Substances, scams and impulsive gambling were among a few. But never murder.
Which is why when the gunshot rang, Nathan realized too late they had already crossed lines.
He willed the memories away.
They’ll pay. Every single one of them. But first, I have to clear my name.
For that, he needed two things. The first was money.
He couldn’t leave digital trails so cash was more efficient. He summoned the system card and examined it.
’Can I use this to withdraw cash from ATMs?’
[Yes.]
Nathan smiled.
’ATMs withdrawals require pins. Does the card have one or does the system sort it?.’
[The system card has a default pin of four zeroes]
Satisfied, Nathan turned the card over once more then let it disappear.
The other thing he needed was someone proficient in law enforcement. The image of a woman with grey eyes came to mind.
If she returned to Stone River, then he’d know she was interested in the information. He had given Veronica instructions on handling her if she came.
But Nathan didn’t want to leave it to chance. And he was already considering other options. He opened Critter and sent a message.
[@ISimpForLadyMight]
—
In the bathroom, Veronica splashed cold water on her face, then looked at her reflection. The memory of Nathan flashing her was still on her mind.
But in his defense, she did ask for it.
She frowned as her lower body fluttered with a familiar sensation as her thoughts shifted to Nathan.
Or more accurately, a hard and stiff part of him.
Heat rose below and she took off her pajamas. She swiped two fingers and brought them up.
Both of them glistened under the bathroom lights. Her eyes narrowed at the sight.
Ridiculous.
With a determined expression, she stepped in the shower, letting the warm water dull the thoughts away.
A moment later, she changed into a green hoodie and dark pants, letting her hair fall down.
When she emerged, Nathan was standing over the aquarium, watching the goldfish swim around with a small satisfied smile.
The echoes of her footsteps turned his attention to her. His eyes settled on her for more than a brief moment.
"What?" Veronica asked, crossing her arms.
"Nothing. It’s just, I haven’t seen you without a lab coat." Nathan replied. "You look great."
Veronica hesitated for a moment, taking her time to process the compliment. "Thank you."
There was a brief moment of silence before a knock on the front door interrupted them.
Veronica opened it to find Celine standing on the doorstep, holding an empty shopping bag.
"Hey V! I was about to head to the supermarket. Need any..." Her words were cut short as her eyes drifted past Veronica and landed on Nathan.
Or more accurately, the outline of his body in the tight black shirt.
"Oh, hello," She called out in a sweet tone.
"Hello," Nathan replied.
Veronica gestured to Nathan. "Celine, this is Nathan." Then she turned to Nathan." Nathan, Celine. My neighbour."
Nathan stepped forward, extending his hand. "Nice to meet you."
Celine shook it, her eyes sweeping over him appreciatively. "The pleasure is all mine." she said, flashing her pearly whites.
Veronica shook her head. "We were going to the supermarket. You can come if you want."
Celine beamed. "I intend to."
Veronica groaned, picked up her keys and locked the door.
The three of them walked to her car, got in and she drove off.