I got pretty good at making up excuses or avoiding him. I still heard nothing from Jesse. Nothing! I could almost talk myself into truly disliking him, but my lips singed from his touch and I could still see the warmth in his eyes as he said he'd protect me. My dad made me promise to train inside until they knew where Muscle Man and Greasy Beanpole were and he was certain I was safe. The little bit of time I’d been able to spend with my dad was so wonderful, I didn’t put up much of a fight. On Saturday, I was scheduled to for my third twenty miler. I’d run my last twenty miles on the treadmill and I really couldn’t take anymore. I think I would’ve preferred fleeing from Muscle Man. When my dad called, I thought it was worth asking, “Please, can you have somebody follow me so I can run outside?” “Sick of the treadmill?” “More than you know.” “I just want to guarantee you’re safe.” “But Muscle Man hasn’t shown up for two weeks. He probably got fired or gave up.”
