Two Hundred Words

Andrew walked as fast as he would manage without looking like he was trying to run away. He was, obviously, but people might wonder why someone was booking it through the rather crowded mall, and then they might notice the black clad suits silently stalking after him. People didn’t need to notice stuff like that. It usually upset them. More often, it panicked them. Both things Andrew didn’t need. As inconspicuously as he could manage, he checked behind him, feigning a look at his watch. This didn’t exactly work out, as he had none, but he tried not to think about that. They were still there, and gaining. This did not bode well. Andrew could feel sweat begin to gather on his brow and he knew that he didn’t have much time yet. The exit loomed 200 yards away, and each foot felt like a mile. Another ten steps, another look back. They were closer. Ten steps, look. Closer still. Ten steps, and one of them had begun to reach into his coat. Now or never. Screw the rules. Andrew waited for another ten seconds, as a large couple passed by, and then did it.

Time seemed to stop.