The urge to text this monster was right there at my fingertips. It’d be so easy to press the little lettered buttons, creating words to tell this man just how much of a disgrace to this world he was. And where he could go if he ever thought about Noah again.
Instead, knowing it wouldn’t help the situation at all because Noah got away, he got out, and I would do anything to keep him safe.
I’d have to let someone else do the warnings.
Tossing the phone as it began to ring in the nearest trash can, I gave it one last glare before walking away.
Pulling out my own phone as I walked away, I tucked away my own thoughts as I headed toward my first place. Noah needed clothes. And then, he needed a new phone.
“Hey, kiddo. How are you?” Collin’s greeting, the same as it almost always was, came through my phone.
“I need your help.” I kept my voice low enough to not draw attention to myself on the sidewalk. There weren't too many people out and about at this time of day, but I didn’t want to risk it.
“Would this be a subject to discuss over the phone, or better to meet in person?” His tone switched, from friendly to calculating, just like I expected.
“I don’t know. It’s Noah.”
“Tell me what you can.”
“He showed up last night at my place,” I began, lowering my voice as I entered Target and grabbed a cart. I explained how beat up my friend was, and how terrified he still was before I left.
“You got rid of the phone? I’m assuming it’s been tracked.”
“Yeah. He mentioned his ex had a way to find him on it. I dropped it off somewhere not long ago.”
“OK, good. Now, does he need medical attention?”
“He’s sore, but I don’t think anything is broken. Noah won’t be happy if I dragged him anywhere.” Plus, not to mention I didn’t want to take the risk of him leaving. What if Matthew was watching the apartment building, waiting for Noah to leave?
“I can head that way. It’ll be a few hours.”
“You don’t-“
“I will. You’re worried, Asher. And for good reasons. It won’t hurt me to come look at Noah. Plus, Silas could get out of the house for a bit.”
“Okay.” I sighed. I should have known Collin, part-time doctor, part-time hacker, would drive out of his way for anything, no matter how big or small.
After ending the call, I slipped my phone back into my pocket, keeping my eyes peeled in case someone happened to be following me. It was second nature to always be on alert anyway. But since I didn’t exactly know what Noah’s ex looked like, as I had never met him, it was easy to assume he’d be trailing me. Or at least looking for the tossed phone.
It didn’t take me long to pick out some clothes for Noah, along with some extra food and a few other things for Silas, if he did happen to tag along with Collin.
By the time I got back to the apartment, bags in hand, my stomach so kindly reminded me that I had yet to eat anything today.
After making sure that no one followed me into my apartment building, I unlocked my door and slipped inside.
Noah sat on the couch, blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He looked so small, sitting there.
“Hey.” I shut and locked the door behind me. “Got you some clothes. And a new phone.”
“I don’t need that.” Noah’s voice was soft.
“You do,” I stated, setting down the bags on the floor so I could dig the phone out. “I hate the idea of leaving you here while I go to work. Just. Please don’t call Matthew. That’s all I ask.”
I handed the phone to him. Noah was slow to take it, looking between me and the device like it was a test.
“Please.”
Finally, Noah took the device, holding it in his lap like it was about to snap at him.
