4 Riders: Conquest

—You sure about this?

The engine was so damn loud I could barely hear Robbie’s voice through the speakerphone.

—Yeah, mom —I shot back, sarcastic, jaw clenched—. You see ’em yet or what?

Despite joking around, the truth is I was locked in, tense as hell. I was sure about what I was doing, just not sure the Volvo, older than me and twice as stubborn, could actually handle the plan.

I knew there was no way this car could keep up on speed, but it had rear-wheel drive and was basically like some cranky old bastard: slow compared to the others, but with a mean streak. If I could catch them right as they went into the curve, at the entrance of the industrial park, maybe I had a chance to make it shine, even if only for a minute.

—No —Robbie answered—, but I think I hear them.

I’d told Robbie to wait on the shoulder of the highway so he could give me a heads-up when they showed up. Meanwhile, I driving on the service road running alongside it.

I turned on the lights because it was getting dark and cranked up the music, though it only half-covered the constant rattling of the old chassis. At this point, the Volvo was pretty much a fossil with over half a million miles on it, and it wasn’t even my mother’s, it was a second-hand junk.

—Yo, I see ’em now —I heard his voice, interrupted by the noise of cars flying—. They just passed me. Five of them.

Five? That was one more than usual. Maybe some other dude from the meet had tagged along.

—What cars were they? —I asked, gripping the wheel tighter.

—Man, how the hell do you expect me to know when they’re doing, like, two hundred and it’s nighttime? —he snapped—. I think I saw a yellow BMW, and maybe a Mazda, same color. The rest... gray or black, and one white one in front.

—Oh, yeah, the color really helps, thanks —I said sarcastically.

I killed the music and settled back in my seat, bracing myself for what was coming, and kinda saying goodbye to the old thing at the same time. This was gonna be rough, and odds were high the engine was about to give out halfway through.

I slowed down, timing it just right so I could catch them at the highway exit, where I’d have the upper hand against their faster cars. I didn’t take my eyes off the rearview, but before I even saw them in the mirror, I heard them.

—Don’t hang up —Robbie said—. At least this way I’ll know if I gotta walk my ass home.

—What you really wanna hear is me screaming when the guardrail cuts me in half.

Robbie laughed.

—No, but for real, if your car dies, I gotta figure out how the hell I’m-

I completely ignored Robbie the second I caught their headlights flaring in my mirror. My chest locked up, breath stuck in my throat, and just like that I slipped into what I call hunt effect.

I wish I could explain exactly what that feeling is, but it’s tough. It’s like... a straight shot of adrenaline, the second another car’s right on my ass, lighting me up from behind, or when I’m about to overtake somebody. That’s why I call it hunt, both for the prey and the predator. It makes me focus and tense up, like I’m running for my life even though I could really just tap the brakes.

But braking tonight wasn’t part of my plan today.

I slammed the gas, pushing the pedal all the way down, revving the engine so hard that it felt like the hood was going to fly off.

I thought I had plenty of time to get to the highway exit first, heading into the industrial park, but with the speed they were coming up on me... yeah, not so sure anymore. I pushed the Volvo 940 harder, the whole thing shaking like a goddamn washing machine.

I made it to the ramp just as the white Subaru STI was breathing down my neck, entering the ramp with me. Bet at first the guy behind the wheel sighed, probably thought I was just some old man or rookie to overtake. But I’m pretty sure I caught him off guard when I started to slid clean through, even though inside I was praying the tires didn’t explode mid-drift.

The Subaru, whether from shock or just ’cause it couldn’t slide that easy, got overtaken by the Mazda RX-7 and the BMW E46 on that wide downhill curve, built for big trucks.

By the time I reached the first warehouses, I stopped checking the rearview. Too many people out here waiting for us, well, waiting forthem, let’s be real. II had to keep an eye out in case some dumbass jumped in the middle with his phone out. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve seen somebody get hurt at one of these meetups.

I let out a long breath. My goal was now clear and right in front of me: get to the first roundabout, spin a couple donuts flashy enough to look perfect, then vanish before they crushed me for being a pain in the ass.

I don’t know how these things are in your countries, but here they are at their peak. What started off casual and spontaneous had become a competitive event. And not just any event, real money flowed here. Enough that people organized the spots, and cops didn’t dare to get involved.

So me, showing up in a stock Volvo 940 that was probably older than the average age of the people there, coming to steal their precious time and limelight was not the most common thing. Technically, if I wanted in, I should’ve gone to the later roundabouts, the newbie and “funny” ones.

So why didn’t I? Well, I could say this car didn’t have the life left in it to waste spinning around against busted old vans from the junkyard. At least, that’s what I told myself. Truth was, it was just plain impatience.

I entered that roundabout, which was really a large intersection, with the five cars right on my tail. I shifted into second gear and accelerated again, feeling the rear wheels peel off the asphalt as the Volvo begin to slide. I adjusted the wheel, guiding it into a clean, perfect turn. Everything according to plan.

The smoke from the tires started wrapping around me.

For a second I stopped listening to the engine and could only focus on how my headlights cut through the thick cloud of smoke, lighting up the silhouettes of people crowding around the roundabout. Couldn’t help but grin. This was exactly what I wanted, the moment I had come for.

But the peace didn’t last. Outta nowhere, the Mazda got so close I swore it was about to tap me. Its bumper seemed to be inches from mine.

Alright, I knew my place. I eased off the gas just enough to regain traction and pointed the car toward one of the exits, flashing my brights so people would clear out.

I left the roundabout with a smile that didn’t fit on my face. Against all odds, the tires were still in one piece, the car was still breathing, and for a second, I actually thought, shit, maybe I’ll even make it home tonight. But then, a pair of lights came on behind me, burning in my rearview.

Looked like the RX-7 had taken it personal. And that was bad news, ’cause he could eat me alive easy.

Tight as a rock, I pressed the gas again and started drifting between the intersections of the industrial park. Idea was to make it messy for him, but no matter what I did, I couldn’t shake him off. But I had a plan B. I knew this could happen, and the thing about these shiny cars is that they’ve got a weak spot.

I made sure I was planted deep in the seat, getting ready for the move I had in mind. Spotting a gap in the crowd, I yanked the wheel and did a 180. The tires probably screamed across the whole area as my car crossed paths in front of the Subaru. Couldn’t see his face in the dark, but I’m pretty sure we made eye contact.

I accelerated, heading toward the back of the industrial park at full speed. When I reached the edge of the zone, I didn’t even hesitate. I drove onto the sidewalk and turned onto the unpaved, beat-up country road.

Now it was a gamble. Let’s see if he had the balls to take his pristine RX-7, with that stupidly low suspension, down this path to chase me.

As I expected, the lights chasing me began to fade little by little until they went out completely. The RX-7 had stopped at the entrance, too scared to come in.

My heart was still racing and my skin was completely goose-bumped, but as my breathing slowed, I realized how unreal the whole thing had been. The chase was like something out of a movie, even though it probably didn’t even last a minute.

I rolled the windows down to let the cool air in. Had to cool the car and myself off. I could still smell the tires burning and feel the heat from the engine.

Suddenly, Robbie’s voice popped back up through the phone.

—Heeey...?

In fact, I had heard him talking throughout the whole thing, but I had completely ignored him.

—National police, full name, if you don’t cooperate now you’ll be considered an accomplice and will be arrested —I lied in the roughest voice I had.

Silence. I imagined Robbie hesitating.

—It’s you. You’re joking, right?

—Heh —I laugh. I was too happy to take anything seriously.

—Asshole, come here, I’m freezing —Robbie complained through the phone—. How’d it go? You sound hyped.

—Good, good. I’ll tell you later.

—Well, glad all your limbs are still in one piece.

Then, buzzing, another call cut Robbie off.

—Eh, Sergio’s calling, but I’m on my way. I’ll be right there.

—Don’t crash on the way back —he warned.

I hung up on Robbie and accepted the call.

—Daaamn, you did it. You’re CRAZZZY, man!

—Did I pull it off or what?

—You went insane. You came in so fast it looked like you were about to kill someone, and when the Mazda chased you? Fucking nuts. Everyone rushed over trying to get a look. You kicked off the meet with a hell of a surprise. Night’s looking good.

—Aw, you’re making me blush —I replied jokingly, though, not gonna lie, the praise pumped up my ego even more.

—So, you coming back later or what?

—Don’t think so. Gotta drop Robbie off at his place, then head home to leave the car. Or you gonna come pick me up?

—If you want to park around there, I’ll pick you up.

—Uh, I’ll text you once I’m at Robbie’s.

—k, see you later.

When the call ended, the car fell into a quiet silence. I was back on paved roads, and all that was left was avoiding the busier areas.

Then, a second wave of pure happiness hit me. I gripped the wheel with numb hands, nodding over and over while grinning. If anyone had seen me right then, they probably would’ve thought I belonged in one of those padded white rooms.

I got back on the highway, which was almost empty, no more surprises. Soon enough, I reached the spot where I’d left Robbie.

I stopped on the shoulder with the hazards blinking and jumped out almost as fast as I’d arrived.

—Thanks, seriously —I said to Robbie—. I owe you one.

I saw him hunched over, hands buried deep in his hoodie pockets, shoulders shrugged up from the cold that I didn’t even feel.

—One more in the list —he replied, getting into the car, unlike me—. Wo, this thing’s hot.

I sat on the slope between the road and the woods, trying to cool down while watching him settle into the passenger seat as if he were at home.

Robbie had been my friend since elementary school, someone I’d shared a lot with. To me, he was unmistakable and irreplaceable, even if sometimes it annoyed me how easily he outshined everyone else.

He was tanned, though not darker than me, with brown hair that curled at the ends. But it was so light that, depending on the sun, he could pass for blond. His gray eyes made him look like some perfect-featured foreigner, if it weren’t for his short stature and slightly crooked nose, earned from a smack he took riding bikes with me.

Actually, Robbie wasn’t his real name. It was Fernando, but that didn’t sound as dumb and foreigner as Robbie.

Generally, he stood out wherever he went, but he didn’t seem to care much about being the center of attention. He always did his own thing and, apparently, didn’t give a damn about anything. He just didn’t care too much.

—Spill it, come on— he said, giving me that mix of curiosity and boredom.

—Nothing, did three laps on the first roundabout and then the Mazda chased me.

—You’re confusing —he replied—. Don’t you want to get in there? Why are you running?

—Cause I wasn’t sure if he was gonna compliment my drift or punch me in the face.

—Who’s gonna wanna punch you just for doing a couple laps? —Robbie looked at me like I was exaggerating.

—Told you, now there’s an organization with its own gangs and ranks. Ever since the money and the government got involved, this whole thing went to shit.

—So they can-

Robbie’s eyes widened as he looked in the rearview and turned abruptly to look behind us.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the blue lights illuminating the darkness of the highway. Police. I jumped up from the ground.

They were way too close. We wouldn’t have time to screw on the license plates before they saw us, and with the car stopped, I wouldn’t have a chance to start it and leave them behind either. Situation was serious, if they realized we were two minors, even just by a few months, no license, no plates, we could be in serious shit.

Robbie looked at me panicked, the same panic I was trying to hide while thinking up some crazy line to get them to let us go.

—Shit, what do we do? Run into the woods? —he suggested, eyes flicking toward the trees.

—Shut up and wait.

Robbie didn’t look reassured, and honestly, I couldn’t blame him.

The police car, two officers inside, pulled up right behind the Volvo, and both got out immediately. One, tall and bulky, adjusted his cap as he walked toward us with firm but calm steps. The other, shorter and looking pissed as hell, already had his notebook in hand.

—Evening —the taller one said, neutral but slightly surprised—. What’s going on here? Why isn’t your plate on the car?

I swallowed hard and looked at the ground, overplaying my nerves, exaggerating my nervousness. Honestly, it wasn’t hard, the situation did half the work for me.

—C-can’t... can’t say— I finally muttered, looking at the asphalt

The shorter guard raised an eyebrow, clearly irritated, and took a step forward.

—Look, we can do this quick or slow —he said impatiently—. Documentation.

—My big brother’s gonna kill me if I tell —I whispered, putting so much drama into my voice that even I would have believed it.

—Your brother? —repeated the taller one.

—Yeah... He went up the woods with her and left us here —I pointed toward the trees—. Please, don’t tell him it was us.

The officers looked at each other for a moment, exchanging words mentally.

—Your brother armed? —the short one asked.

For a moment, I considered saying yes, to add more drama to the story. But I knew that would only make things worse, so I shook my head.

Without saying another word, they split up. The “good cop” stayed with us, while the “bad cop” pulled out a flashlight and started walking down the dirt road, disappearing into the trees.

—We gotta get outta here before my brother sees us with you guys —I pressed.

—Relax. What are your names?

—Gonzalo —I lied.

—Juan— Robbie replied, his voice so deadpan I almost pissed myself laughing.

I had to bite my tongue to keep from cracking up, pressing my lips together to fake discomfort.

I took the chance to mess with him, improvising about my fictional unhinged older brother, all while subtly moving my hands toward Robbie, signaling him to be ready for the right moment.

—Wait, I think my brother left his wallet on the car door —I said suddenly, pointing at the Volvo—. Can you grab it, Juan?

—Sure, sure— he said, quickly catching the hint.

I stayed behind the cop, while he followed Robbie with his eyes suspicious. I could feel the adrenaline building up in my fingertips again. Do it now, or you’re screwed.

When Robbie reached his position, we exchanged a quick glance.

Without giving him time to react, I lunged at him with everything I had, trying to shove him into the deep triangular ditch beside the road. But the guy was taller and stronger than I expected, and I only managed to make him stagger as we wrestled.

Luckily, Robbie caught on fast. He hooked the cop’s legs in a way that bent them, and together we started pushing, fighting to toss him over. Although it wasn’t deep, the sound of his body falling into the ditch was like hearing an overweight skyscraper collapse. It wouldn’t be hard for him to get out, but it gave us time to start running toward the car before he could catch up with us.

Robbie jumped into the passenger seat just as I slid into the driver’s seat. I didn’t even close the door before turning the key. Automatically, when it started, I put my foot on the accelerator and we sped off.

For ten seconds, as we sped away, neither of us said a word, I just heard Robbie panting. He turned around to look back, just as I started to hear the siren. His expression said it all, but he decided to say it anyway.

—They’re gonna catch us.

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First chapter! Did you like it? This is my first time publishing in Inkitt, so constructive criticism is welcome.

Seriously, thanks so much for reading, this honestly makes me more excited than I’m willing to admit.

In the next chapter, you’ll get to see a very different side of the protagonist’s life, the daytime stuff.

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