Frayed Rope Read Online Free PDF Page B

the lot and another to enter your unit.
     
    8675309.
     
    Clever, I know.
     
    When you’re leaving an old life and trying to start a new one, from scratch I might add, your memory tends to get a little bogged down with all the new info you’re supposed to retain. 8675309 is easy and so annoying it’s unforgettable.
     
    The locks disengage and I slide the door open. I’m greeted by one big empty shell that contains an old military issue ruck sack I picked up at a flea market and a lone box sitting on the back wall.
     
    Not just any box mind you, it’s the box that holds my past life, the box that contains flash drives of my family memories, as well as numerous notes and information from my attack (much of which went unheard of by the authorities). Not because I didn't tell them, more like they didn't believe me. I know I’ll prove them wrong, but today’s not that day.
     
    Today I need to get back to Blacktop and hook up with Tiny so I can pick up my new wheels before the dealer closes.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    Tiny is standing on the front stoop of the bar when I roll in. He’s not one to waste time, much like I’m not one to waste his, seeing as he probably doesn’t have much of it left. I roll down the passenger window when I come to a stop.
     
    “I’m ready when you are old man.”
     
    Tiny ambles down the steps and into my truck. Well, his truck I suppose. Last time I was here I paid him cash for a year’s advance on the insurance and use of the vehicle. I got wheels without needing to use my name, and he got a significant tip that I’m sure has funded his upcoming funeral.
     
    “Have a look at these before we head out girl. Danny does good work and I think they look plenty fine. But we’re not leavin’ here until you’re happy with ‘em.”
     
    He hands me an envelope containing my new I.D. First up is my new social security card.
     
    Elle Davidson.
     
    I’ve been preparing for this; we’d chosen my name months ago. I suppose it’s just going to take some getting used to on paper. The driver’s license shows me from yesterday. Grey long sleeve top and hair pin straight around my face. I wore little makeup and put in my fake colored contacts to mute the bright green in my eyes. My birth year is the same but I’d chosen a different month and day.
     
    “These turned out great old man.”
     
    I can’t say much more than that because my mouth is dry. This is it; I can finish the move and start my new life.
     
    “Like I said before girl, I ain’t got a passport for ya. So long as you don’t plan on leavin’ the country, the stuff in that envelope should get you by. Social security check would show you worked as a waitress and bartender most of your life. It ain’t much but it covers your ass if you need it.”
     
    He knows as well as I do that I’ve no intentions of working any day soon. I have enough to get me by for quite a while. A good chunk is in my rucksack waiting to be handed over for the smell of leather and shiny new paint.
     
    Tiny knows the owner of the dealership where I’m picking up my new BMW, a sleek black SUV with plenty of room and a great safety rating. After a few hushed words and a stack of cash later, it’s time to part ways.
     
    I’ve loaded up the truck with my gear and folded the seats down to make room for Norm. It’ll take us a few days to get to North Carolina at the pace we’ve been travelling. I give one last look to the old man. Without him a lot of this wouldn’t be possible; I’d still be struggling with fake names and no identification to get around with.
     
    “You take care of yourself out there sweetheart. Don’t forget, you ever need anything, anything at all, you know where to find me.”
     
    I reach my hand out and rest it on his chest on top of his worn leather vest. Other than a handshake, it’s the first time I’ve really touched anyone since the attack. I reach up on my toes to plant a chaste kiss on the old man’s cheek.