"I'm dealing with it. Stay away. Gotta go, Greg is here."
"Take care."
I hang up and realize what the note means more so now.
Oh my God. Who else did he hurt?
Derek runs past the others and right to me, taking me into his arms. I pull away as all the bumps and bruises make themselves known.
"David just called. He said his shooting was about me not him. That's what the note means."
"What do they mean about friend and not too bruised?" Greg demands.
"I was attacked tonight at the gym."
"Officer Aaron, this is getting to be a little unsettling. I just got off the phone regarding the situation at your gym tonight. I'm talking to your captain now about relieving you from duty for a little while," IAD Officer Olsen says as he walks up.
"I don't want to be relieved. Find this asshole so I can get on with my life."
It takes hours for everyone to leave. Finally, it’s just Derek and me. I go take a shower, hoping it will release some of the muscle pain.
After my shower, I'm icing my body while I watch the Food Network when Derek walks into the living room.
"Did you call him?"
"Yes." I groan.
"Well, at least the fight got you some release of all your energy." He laughs at me.
"Sure it did."
"So now you think you really are a danger to them?"
"Actually, I don't know how I feel other than sore. It feels like I'm missing something. By the way, Lawrence called again today. I blocked him again, so keep an eye out. I have to tell you something, but don't be angry."
"What's up, sexy?"
"I left Duncan because the attack at his flat was a message, I had twenty-four hours to leave or a sniper was going to kill him."
"Son of a bitch! I knew it. Did you let Joshua know?"
"Yeah, I texted him earlier."
"As for Lawrence, there were already a dozen red roses in the lobby. I sent them to the hospital."
"Damn it."
"Did you let Joshua know about tonight?"
"Yes. I have a meeting with the chief tomorrow about the attack. They want to make sure it's not someone I put away."
"Do you want a beer? By the way, Dad is on his way back up."
"Yes. Why?"
"He wants to talk to you? He didn't say anything other than he needed to speak to you."
"Guess I'm going to have to make a decision. Even when I'm not with Duncan, he gets threatened."
