"Mariyah this is serious, you need to do something to protect yourself."
"Brent I know this already, I don't know if he was just reminding me he has the control or if he was serious, I mean he never made empty threats but it's been so long I don't get why he is calling now."
"Whatever the reason you need to watch your back.Maybe have your number changed and privatize it.That way he will have no contact with you."Mariyah agreed with Brent, it seemed like the best idea.
"Do you think I should go visit him, not a private visit, just see what he wants?"Brent shook his head.
"Don't be stupid, if you go to see him, you are giving him and opportunity to threaten you again.Just ignore him for now and see how it goes?"Mariyah nodded, maybe she would actually listen to some good advice.
***
The next week was pretty much uneventful, Mariyah had changed her number and now it was unattainable to anybody unless she gave it out.It was the only way.Now when the phone rang Mariyah wasn't worried.
As Mariyah was about to get ready for her morning jog Bent called her."Mariyah, I need to cancel training for the week, I'm sorry."
"No it's okay, are you okay?You sound sick."
"Got mugged last night, he did a number on me.My knee cap has moved out of place and I have broken ribs.Its fine, I should've known better then to walk alone at night."Mariyah’s heart dropped, it was Zak's doing.Of course it was fucking Zak’s doing.
"Where are you now Brent?"
"I'm at the hospital, its okay don't worry, I will be fine.I'll catch up with you next week okay?"Mariyah was certain it was Zak, it couldn't be coincidence Mariyah knew Zak too well.Let it go Mariyah, it could just be your paranoia, it could have happened to anybody.
She literally jumped when her phone rang, Mariyah was hoping it was Caleb and she would be able to ask him if he thought it was a coincidence or not."Hello."
"Stupid move Mariyah, you think I can't get your number?I'm no amateur kid."How the hell did he get her number?
"How did you get my number?"Her heart was thumping
"Let's try this again, I want you to come and see me.Its simple enough."
"And I already told you no, I'm not coming."
"Mariyah, it's up to you, if you think Brent wasn't warning enough, I could always make sure he never walks again.Then I can start on Caleb who I hear is doing great in his new job.Balls in your court."Mariyah closed her eyes and held her breath.
"Zak why are you doing this?Why are you trying to hurt me?"She heard him exhale a breath.
"Mariyah, I want to see you.Just come for a visit and we can talk then.Nobody else needs to be hurt."
"I will come to the prison Zak, but I will not meet you in the room, I will visit you in the normal visitation room, that's my condition.If they try and take me to the room I will turn back."Zak paused obviously trying to see if it will work for him.
"Fine, as you wish Mariyah, tomorrow at noon."
"That’s the last time Zak, I'm telling you now, I will not be visiting you ever again."She hung up the phone, then she pulled the phone out and smashed it.What could he possibly want?
CHAPTER 8
Mariyah could not sleep, the entire night she tossed and turned, Zak Michaels was out of control, he hurt Brent, she believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would hurt Caleb as well.How he knew so much about her life terrified her.What was she to do, she was so afraid of succumbing to his advances again and allowing him to manipulate her to want him again.She was already aware how traitorous her body was when it came to Zak.
Next morning Mariyah left her bed at six giving up on sleep.She was exhausted, her mind wouldn't shut down allowing her to sleep.Mariyah was too apprehensive about the day ahead.Forcing herself to drink a coffee and have some toast, knowing she needed to keep her strength up.Anything could happen when it came to Zak, she needed to be prepared for the worst."Morning sunshine, why you up?"Caleb kissed her on the cheek
"Hey, couldn't sleep, it's too hot."
"Is everything okay Mari?"Caleb knew her well.She nodded her head as she took a bite from her toast.
"Everything is fine."She replied with a full mouth.Should she tell Caleb about her upcoming meeting with Zak?No she would wait to see what Zak wanted before she opened her mouth to her brother.At least that way they could work something out knowing exactly what Zak was after.
***
