Chapter 28
Summer
I’m awake before my alarm in the morning. I don’t remember dreaming, but I’m tired. Having Nick close by is comforting and hard, with Zander down the hall. I take some time to review my notes for the environmental science test today before getting up to dress for school, then head to the kitchen for tea. We collectively decided to act as if things are normal until we get a call from the FBI. Well, except for packing our stuff to bring with us to school today. Nick’s door is open when I walk by, so he must be up, and Zander is sitting at the island with coffee already. “You’re up early today,” I smile, but he doesn’t smile back. Uh oh. “What’s wrong?”
“Have a seat, darling.” I sit beside him at the island as he slides an envelope over to me. Nerves spike instantly like lightning, causing my limbs to twitch from the force. Shakily, I open it up to find a letter.
Shortie,
Patrick contacted me last night. He knows about witness protection and said he would leave you alone if I go back to him. By the time you read this I’ll be in Tennessee. You should be safe now. I’m sorry I had to go, but I’ll do whatever I have to, to keep you safe. Don’t try to contact me. I’ll find you after it’s over.
Nick
“Oh, my…” Instant panic floods me as the letter slips from my shaking fingers, falling onto the wooden floor. I run into Nick’s room. Pulling open the drawers and closet, I see his clothes are missing, the empty spaces gaping like missing teeth. His phone and laptop sit untouched on the rumpled bedspread. “No!” The wail tears from my throat as I crumple onto the soft bed, the weight of despair crushing me. I didn’t want him to go back there. He’s not safe. My life isn’t more important than his! I can’t lose another person I care about. I just…can’t.
Zander comes in, sitting on the bed beside me as I sob. He tries to pull me into a hug, but I scoot backwards away from him. “How could you let him go? He’s not safe now. Why would you let him?” I yell.
“I had to, darling.” Zander’s face is etched in pain, but his eyes show no remorse.
“No, you didn’t. You could have stopped him,” I sob. This cannot be happening. We were ready to go away together, not alone. Never alone. Things could go badly for him now. He fought hard to escape his father’s shadow and create a better life. He shouldn’t have to see that man again. What if he doesn’t survive this?
The doorbell rings, so Zander leaves the room, mouth drawn down into a frown and his brows furrowed. I crawl under the covers of Nick’s bed, enveloping myself in his scent. I hear someone enter the room, but I don’t care. The covers lift, and I look up to see Seb standing there, red-rimmed eyes looking me over. He kicks off his shoes, moves the electronics, and crawls under the covers with me, wrapping me in his arms. “He’s gone, Hurry.”
“I know. Troy told me when I got up. I texted the rest of the guys while we drove over here.”
I cry my heart out in Seb’s arms until the well runs dry. What are we going to do? We can’t just leave him with his father up there.They’ll hurt him, or worse. Who’s going to help him sleep? What about school? It feels like a hole has torn through my heart. I feel a few tears hit my hair as Seb holds me and cries, too. This must be hard for him as well. He’s lived with Nick for years and shared his space. I need to pull myself together to support him and the others. Giving myself a mental head shake, I pull back and wipe my face with the sheet, taking in a shuddering breath. “Zander let him leave, Hurry.”
“No one lets Nick do anything, Sunshine. He would've left no matter what Z did. You know how protective he is.”
“Yeah, I guess. I’m scared for him. What if he gets hurt or worse?”
“Remember how badass he is, Sunshine. He can beat anyone in a fight. I bet he has weapons with him, too. He’ll be careful.”
I hear a knock on the door, so Seb pulls down the covers. Gabby is standing in the doorway, pale-faced, with hair everywhere and tears dripping down her cheeks. I scoot up and lean against the headboard, patting the bed beside me. She comes in and sits on the comforter, leaning her head on my shoulder. “I can’t believe he’s gone,” she whispers.
“Me neither.”
Seb sits up and swings an arm behind me and touches Gabby’s shoulder. We sit in silence for a while, supporting each other quietly.
Zander and Troy come in after a while. Troy looks like he hasn’t slept at all, but hands a letter to Seb that I lean over to read. It’s another letter from Nick explaining why he left and to keep us safe. He addresses Seb and Gabby at the end. Seb hands the letter to Gabby and blows out a breath. “I have to contact the FBI at 8am and let them know what’s going on. Are you guys skipping school today?” Troy asks.
All three of us nod. I can’t even think about school right now. School feels utterly insignificant, like a speck of dust in a vast universe.
“I’m heading out. I’ll check in at lunchtime,” Troy says before leaving the room.
“I need to contact Ceres about you staying home today. Nick suggested we keep vigilant for a few more weeks,” Zander tells us, before walking out too.
“Why don’t we get set up on the couch for the day? We can grab blankets and pillows and junk food,” Seb suggests.
“Okay, Hurry.” Gabby and Seb get up so I can get off the bed. When Seb goes to grab Nick’s bedding, I stop him. “No. Leave his bed alone. We can get stuff from my room and the laundry room.”
He gives me a curious look, but nods.
I follow them out, grabbing blankets and pillows from my room. After handing them to Gabby and Seb, I go back to Nick’s room and pull the covers up over his bed to keep his scent encased, then grab one of his t-shirts and pull it on. Crazy? Maybe, but I don’t care. I need a part of him close. I help Gabby make up the couch as Seb puts cartoons on the tv. He sits near my corner as Gabby settles her head on his lap. Crawling into my spot, I pull the blanket off the back and snuggle down.
Zander comes out of his office and tells us he’s making pancakes for everyone. As he’s cooking, there’s a knock at the door. Zander answers as Bay, Alex, and E come in. I tell them to grab my mattress, but to leave Nick’s room alone. Bay and Alex walk down the hall to grab it as E squeezes Gabby’s shoulder, then goes into the kitchen to help Zander with breakfast.
Alex and Bay drop the mattress in front of the couch and settle in. No one speaks while we mindlessly watch tv.
