Finally. That single word was quiet, though. Cautious. Rowan never answered like that. Not to me.
I tried to keep my voice even. "Hey. Got your message. Just wanted to check up on you."
A pause. "Yeah. Sorry about that. I've been ... busy."
The hesitation stuck with me. He was measuring every word before he said it. I'd known Rowan long enough to recognise when he wasn't being fully honest with me. Not outright lying, but holding back.
I leaned forward to rest my elbow on the table. "You've been busy a lot lately. That's not like you, Ro."
The sharp exhale on the other end gave the impression he was already tired of this conversation. "Elias, I told you. Work's been – "
"Yeah, I know. Busy. It always is this time of year. But that's never stopped you before."
Another pause. Longer this time.
"Rowan, I know something's up. Just talk to me."
Silence.
It stretched on just a little too long, and that sinking feeling in my chest deepened. I could almost see the look on his face as he debated about what to say and how to say it. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter. "I'll... I'll make more time soon, okay? We'll talk properly."
It didn't sound like a promise. It sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than me.
My grip on the phone tightened. I wanted to push, to tell him he wasn't acting normal. But before I could say a word, the line went dead.
No goodbye. Not even an excuse. Just a dial tone.
I pulled the phone away from my ear and stared at the screen. Thatdefinitelywasn't like him. He'd never hung up on me before.
I didn't know exactly what was happening, but it was clear that Marcus had too much power over Rowan's life. And whatever grip he had on him was tightening. But I had no clue how to reach Rowan without going through him first. And that scared me more than anything.
I stayed in my seat long after the call ended, staring atthe phone like the screen might change or maybe I'd misheard something. But the longer I sat there, the more the conversation looped in my head – and the more that uneasy feeling took over.
Rowan wasn't okay. He was trying to pretend everything was fine, but he wasn't talking, and I couldn't make him. If I pushed too hard and he pulled away, I'd lose my only real chance to get through to him.
And as for Marcus...
I hadn't spent much time around him, but every instinct in me bristled at the mere thought of him. The way he carried himself, the way he spoke... There was something off about him. But I couldn't figure out exactly what it was. And I certainly couldn't bring it up without sounding paranoid.
I glanced at my coffee. It wasn't worth drinking now. I pushed the chair back and grabbed the cup, tossing it into the bin as I made my way outside.
The air had cooled a little now that the warmest part of the afternoon had passed. I stood under the awning for a while to listen to what little street activity existed. But I still couldn't shove down the frustration that was creeping up the back of my throat.
Rowan wasn't listening. Marcus was in the way. And I hadn't the slightest idea what the hell to do about any of it.
But I couldn't just sit back and watch it happen, either. I wasn't going to let Rowan slip away without a fight.
I shoved my hands into my pockets as I started off down the road. I didn't really pay attention to where I was going, other than I was headed in the general direction of my hotel. I just needed to move, and hopefully the walk would calm me down.
"Elias?"
I turned and spotted Tom, another teacher at Rowan's school, headed my way. He looked surprised to see me, but he lifted a hand in a casual wave.
He smiled as he caught up and fell into step beside me. "Didn't think I'd run into you out here."
I forced myself to smile back. "Yeah. Just taking a walk."
"Good day for it. Been trying to enjoy the quiet before term starts."
