"You listen up, you fucking bitch, if you didn't have a vest on, both you and that meathead would be dead. As for the gym, that was a friend sending you a message. The guy wasn't supposed to rough you up so much. He just hated losing to a woman. I don't care what my boss wants, I'll kill you if I get the chance. You're more trouble than you're worth. I agree with our friend, you need to be taught a lesson." I look at Duncan to make sure he stays quiet and to see how he reacts to the "boss" revelation. Someone is pulling Jonathon's strings, but my other stalker is a part of this too.
"Well, I'm hearing what you're saying, but again I sent Ana away. If I can keep her from you, I will. You don't scare me. Come and get me, asshole."
"Put my fucking wife on!" he yells. I see Ana flinch from the back seat.
"I can't." I see the tail get off with us. Damn, this is bad. I accelerate back onto the freeway, taking the median in an attempt to lose the tail.
"You cunt! I'll get my wife back. She has something of mine and I want it now."
"Hey, Jonathon, be careful, your American is showing. I know you're not English; I know a little about you. You will leave Ana alone or I'll kill you."
"Fucking bitch, I won't say it again! I'll kill James if I don't get my wife back. Is that clear enough? Ana, do you want to lose another parent? How about that friend of yours, Greg, is it? One phone call from me and a friend who has been trying to teach you a lesson will kill anyone I want." I look over to see Duncan furiously texting and Ana is trying to sit up. I reach between the seats and push her back down. I bite my tongue to bleeding to avoid the groan of pain that could be a sign of weakness coming out.
"Okay, fucktard, you've done pissed me off. Goodbye." I hang up and focus on getting ahead of the tail by some distance.
We're still a good way from my service area. I know I could get assistance from the Baltimore PD. I'm driving at excessive speeds in hopes of attracting some police, but it doesn't work. I get to just outside of District 5 and open the center console and pull my radio off the top of the gun safe.
"Officer needs assistance," I say into the radio.
"Officer, what's your location? Please identify."
"This is Officer Aaron, badge number 365492 of the Metro ERT. I'm in a black Ford Raptor Crew Cab on US50, New York Avenue, and getting ready to cross the Anacostia. Need assistance with an aggressive driver following me, a four-door sedan, dark colored. Appears to be two individuals in it."
"Officer Aaron, a patrol car is diverting from South Dakota en route to your location. Don't engage if you can."
"I'm currently driving eighty-five, I'll be exiting at North Capitol Street Northeast."
"Officer Aaron, this is patrol Three-William-Ten, we've just gotten on the 50."
"Patrol Three-William-Ten, I'm passing you now. The vehicle is about three behind me."
"Officer Aaron, is that you?" Another responder cuts in.
"Ya, man, where are you at?" Thank God he's listening in.
"Waiting at our exit, I'll call." My cell rings and I pick up the call through the Bluetooth.
"Hey, sexy, what's this with you getting your cherry popped without me? You know the rules. Besides, Dad is pissed." He jokes, and Duncan growls. "Whoa, what was that? Did they give you that male hormone shit to heal your wounds?"
"That was her boyfriend, wanker. Who the bloody hell is this?" Duncan growls.
"Ah, Duncan, stop, that's Derek, he's joking."
"I know enough about what popping a cherry means, Maya."
"Ah...he's talking about me being shot."
"Hey, Duncan, do we need to have this talk again?" Derek’s voice comes over the speaker. "I'm not interested in your girl, she can kick my ass. And it's about time you got on a plane to chase her down, she's driving me crazy. I can't keep taking her to bars and keep her from boarding a plane to London. Plus, no one will spar with her anymore, they’re afraid of her kicking their ass."
"Derek, shut up!" I yell. "I'll see you at the condo." I hang up, now I have to explain Derek.
"Duncan, you know Derek is my partner, spotter, my best friend, and my roommate."
"I know, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Why does he always have to pick you up?" Duncan growls, and Ana sighs. She knows about Derek's and my relationship.
"He's like a big brother to me. Duncan, I explained to you inLondon about Derek's and my friendship. He has been anxious about me sinking again. Please, Duncan, don't be jealous of him. I love you! However, he's a crucial part of my life, too! These last few months, I wouldn't have survived without Derek or Greg. Please, Duncan, understand he's the only friend other than Ana I have. I swear that you're the only man I think of that way, but he's a part of my life that I won't give up."
"Okay, baby, I'll put up with him until we move to London."
