The next day Kevin was up first and began checking out the area. He had figured out that they were about 5 miles outside of South Carolina. They still had to get through that and North Carolina before even getting to Virginia. They needed to get a hold of a truck. If they didn't they would be sure to be captured. It would take them nearly a week to get to southern N. Carolina. The next town he has to try to weasel a truck some how. He looked over at the 6 still sleeping figures.
'I can't let them be caught again. Especially Nick, they will kill him.' Kevin thought to himself. He then saw Rachel start to stir and slowly wake up. He noticed that once she realized she was sleeping outside her senses became aware and looked around to secure the area. She noticed him and relaxed and waved. He waved back and Rachel went to see how the others were doing. Kevin went back to looking at their surroundings.
Rachel went over to Nick and saw his wounds were almost gone. He still had a scar on his arm and a smaller one on his forehead. She slowly walked around the others to see if everyone was ok. It was a habit she had picked up. To always make sure your troops are fine. Satisfied that they were ok she walked over to Kevin while stretching.
"So where are we?" She asked him yawning.
"We are 5 miles out of South Carolina. We really need to get a truck or we are going to be caught. It is getting risky." Kevin said looking down at his map.
"I think I can get one. I have a friend that is in the town Aiken or should I say the town used to be Aiken. He could probably hook us up with one like the Talaban has." Rachel said looking at Kevin. Kevin smiled a little.
"That would be great. From the map we seem to be 10 miles from there. Lets wake the others and get going. We are going to stay in the woods as much as we can." Kevin said seriously. They then walked over to wake up their friends. As everyone woke up and ate some food before the long hike, Rachel and Kevin put the chains back on Nick, Angel, Brian, and AJ. They then began their long hike.
--That night
They had made it all day with out being caught. They we on the outskirts of the town. Rachel had talked to everyone and decided it would be safer to go in on her own so not to attract attention. Kevin was hesitant but agreed.
Rachel walked into town like she owned the place. She had to fool people into thinking she was a soldier. She made her way through the increasingly darkening streets to a run down building. She walked inside and to the back of the building. She knocked 3 times on the door then paused then knocked twice more. The peephole opened a little.
"Password." The man said behind the door.
"Living free" She whispered and the door opened and she walked in. the door closed quickly behind her. She saw her friend behind the desk and removed her mask.
"Hey Rachel! Long time no see!" he said standing to give her a hug.
"Nice to see you too Mike." She said smiling.
"So whats up?" he asked her.
"I need a favor. I have 4 slaves that I along with Kevin and Jen are trying to get to Long Island. But We need a truck to get us there otherwise we will be caught." She said as Mike looked on.
"Ok. That might take a day or two to get. When the city empties out bring the group here I will hide them in the basement till we get the truck for you." Mike said thoughtfully.
"Thanks a lot! I owe you one!" She said excitedly. He smiled and waved his hand in the air.
"Dont worry about it. You got me out of slavery. I owe you." He said. Rachel put her mask back on and walked back to the woods making sure no one was around. She made it back without a problem.
"Ok guys in a little while we are going to see Mike and he will hide you all in the basement until he can get a truck. It should take a day or two." She said.
"Well at least we can have a roof over our head for the night." Nick said rolling his head to stretch his neck. The others nodded in agreement. Rachel watched the town though the woods and waited until she saw no one left on the streets and motioned for them to follow her. They made it to the building without anyone seeing them.
Mike lead them to the basement and to the guys amazement there were beds and blankets there for them. Rachel and Kevin took the chains off the four and they all sat on the cots.
"Wow beds!" Brian said smiling.
"Yea Long time huh?" Angel agreed with him.
There was only 3 beds but they were full size. 2-3 people can fit on each. Nick, angel and Rachel took one, Brian and Kevin the other and AJ and Jen the other. Mike had some food for them so they ate then went to bed. It had been a long day. To bad tomorrow wouldnt be as smooth.
