All Chapters of Minus: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

CricketHold this pace until you reach that tree, then sprint for one minute before stopping again.I did as I’d instructed myself to do and ran at full speed up the inclined path. My burning lungs gladly took in the cool morning air as I counted backwards from sixty. Once I reached zero, I slowed my pace back down to a jog, once again starting the cycle.This was how I managed my life in all things. I’d set a short-term goal, hold myself to achieving it, no matter the pain. Once I did, I’d set another, even larger goal. This process of ‘progress makes perfect’ made sense to me and I saw no reason to change my methods. Why would I? Everything in my life was going great. Well, most things were going great. Some things more than others, I suppose. But the point was, I had a plan for how my life was going to go and I saw no reason to deviate from that plan. I also had a plan for how I was going to erase whatever last night was, and it included running through Cedarwood Park until my legs

MinusThe MORNING’S ride back to the Sanctuary was shorter than I’d like. The weather was perfect, traffic was light, and as much as I hated to admit it, Cutter’s gift fit me like a glove. As brief as it was, the ride helped center me, to stop my mind from racing. As to what I was going to say to Cutter once we arrived, I had no idea. I wasn’t as angry for being jerked around as I was last night, but my confusion about the situation was growing.The parking lot was populated with the rides of those still sleeping it off inside. Many of the Saints crew were getting up there in years, but still partied like they were young men. This meant longer hangovers and shorter lifespans for many of them. No doubt, last night’s battle of the livers had surely left its share of casualties on the field.The property was littered with beer cans, food wrappers, and red plastic cups. For reasons unknown to me, the chapel had been made up with Christmas decorations, complete with a giant inflatable snow

CricketI told myself over and over that what I was doing wasn’t stalking. I reminded myself that I had legitimate reasons to call Minus. I reasoned with myself that it wasn’t at all creepy or wrong that I’d asked Dani, one of the sweetest women on the planet, to convince her hacker husband to commit a federal crime and keep it secret from my brother, one of his closest friends.“This is Minus.”His voice sent a shock to my center that left me momentarily speechless.“Hello? Who is this?”“Uh… hi, it’s… it’s me… uh, Cricket… Cricket Wallace.”“As opposed to all the other Crickets I know?” he retorted.I could hear him smiling over the phone and my face burned with embarrassment. I was glad he couldn’t see me right now, as I’m sure my cheeks were bright red.“How did you get this number?” he asked.Ohmigod, what could I say? I couldn’t possibly tell him the truth, and yet that’s exactly what I did. “A hacker,” I razzed.“You know a hacker? Holy shit.” He laughed, and my stomach dropped

CricketI walked into my home office and powered up my laptop. I had no idea what I was getting myself into with Minus and I was freaked.And, admittedly, a little turned on.Sighing, I faced the window and watched the boats on the Willamette. My condo was close to my office, but I loved that I had two different views of the river every day. It was cold, but the water was still, so a few brave boaters had ventured out. I kind of wished I was out there with them. Or with Jase.“You ready?” Jase asked, picking me up from Fred Meyer. I’d been working at the supermarket since I was sixteen, and the money was helping to put me through school. I was twenty-one and ready to take on the world.“I don’t know,” I admitted, gripping his jacket. “You haven’t told me what we’re doing.”“It’s gonna involve you naked and me licking every inch of your body.”I shivered, biting my lip. “How exactly is that going to happen?”“Come on. I’ll show you.”He kissed me gently, then led me to his bike, handin

Minus“You can start by telling me what the fuck happened to this place,” I said. “Where are the pool tables?”“You can thank Mister Viper for all this. He’s turned the Nine Ball into his own personal Hooters,” she replied. “Members from some clubs still come here to do a little business, or get shit-faced, but it’s nothing like the old days.”“What’s with the fuckin’ disco lights and the sound system?” Clutch asked.“All this is for the pole posse.”“The what?”“Los Psychos hang out with the strippers who work the clubs they run. The girls love this bubblegum shit. This place is turning into a nightclub piece by piece. Look around fellas. The whole neighborhood has changed. All the old bars have either been revamped to attract a younger crowd or sold to build more condos. It’s all beards, pork pie hats, and fuckin’ micro brews everywhere you go.”“How does the old clientele feel about the hipster invasion?” I asked.“What do you think? There are at least two fights a week in here, an