Chapter 2 - Unveiling the Secrets

The dimly lit 24/7 fast-food restaurant provided a temporary refuge for Mike and me after our harrowing escape from our apartment. My anger had reached its boiling point, and I couldn't hold back any longer. I grabbed Mike by the collar of his jacket, my fingers gripping tightly as I glared into his eyes, searching for answers.

"I swear to whatever you believe in, Mike, if you don't tell me what is actually going on, I'll be the one cutting you to pieces," I growled, my voice filled with frustration.

Mike's eyes widened in surprise, caught off guard by my sudden aggression. It was infuriating how he had been evading my questions ever since this nightmare began. I couldn't fathom how our lives had spiraled into this chaos.

I could see fear flicker in his eyes as he stammered, "You...re...cho...king...m.."

His much larger hand clumsily wrapped around my wrist in a feeble attempt to free himself from my grip. I rolled my eyes at his lack of strength and pushed him away from me, causing him to fall to the ground with a theatrical gasp for air.

"Stop being a drama queen. I didn't even get to wring your neck properly," I scoffed, my irritation still simmering beneath the surface.

A hoarse, throaty chuckle escaped from Mike as he tried to steady himself on his feet. His sharp yet playful eyes locked onto mine, and he couldn't hide the smirk that tugged at his lips.

"For someone like you, you're pretty strong," he remarked with a smile, his demeanor shifting from fear to something closer to his usual self.

My instincts told me not to trust him completely, despite his charismatic facade. I narrowed my eyes, determined to get to the bottom of the mess we found ourselves in.

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"Someone like me? For someone who looks big and strong, you're practically a good-for-nothing."

"Well, that hurts," Mike pouted, his hand raised in mock surrender.

"It was intended," I shot back, my glare softening as I let out a sigh of frustration.

Mike, sensing an opportunity, ventured to open up a bit. "No need to bite my head off," he said, his tone more serious now.

Sighing, I leaned against the brick wall at the back of the café shop. The sun had almost set, casting long shadows across the empty streets.

"I used to sit outside on my balcony," I began, my voice softer. "Watching the sun set further and further, until the stars started to twinkle brighter. Life is such an amazing thing... I couldn't say much because I didn't really enjoy life like how others my age are supposed to."

I paused, my thoughts drifting back to my family. "Despite our ups and downs as a family, we still had our fair share of good memories. Even before Danny..."

A sudden pang of sadness overcame me, and I trailed off, unable to continue.

"Casey? Hey," Mike's voice brought me back to the present.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "Huh? What?" I looked up at him with confusion.

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I've been asking you if you were hungry. Do you want to grab something to eat?"

"As long as you're paying," I replied, pushing my way from him and making my way to the inside of the café. He followed, the little box he had been so secretive about still tucked away by his side.

As we settled into a booth and ordered our food, the tension between us resurfaced. It was clear that the danger was far from over, and I couldn't help but voice my concerns.

"What now? Because obviously they are after you," I whispered, my voice trembling with fear. "Can't you just tell them the truth and say that I do not have any part of whatever this may be that you're in?"

Mike tugged on his hair in frustration. "You don't understand. We lived together, they probably know everything about you. And believe me, they wouldn't hesitate to kill, even if I wasn't there. I basically saved your life."

"Saved my life? Are you kidding me?" I slammed my hands furiously on the table, getting stares from other customers around us.

I couldn't help but think that maybe I should be glad that Mike wasn't a complete asshole who had left me to die. Taking a deep, calming breath, I composed myself. "Give them what they want," I suggested, my gaze shifting to the case.

"I wish it worked like that. I can't give them what they want that easily. And now, since you're involved, they won't stop until they catch us. Me." Mike glanced away for a second.

Our waiter returned, setting our food down on the table. He told us to enjoy our meal and left us to our heated discussion.

"Whatever the hell is in that, Mike, I do not want any part of it," I stated firmly, my resolve unwavering.