Page 45 of Survival Game

“Oh my God.” The petite woman’s face paled and her eyes filled with tears. “How tragic. That poor man.”

The screech of absolute pain and grief from behind him made Eric’s skin crawl, and goose bumps crept over his body. He turned around just in time to see Jeremy Woden run like a scared rabbit toward the entrance to the parking garage. His face was white but determined, and instinct made Eric run after him.

“Jeremy, stop, let’s talk,” he shouted as he followed the man up the winding turns of the driveways. Jeremy seemed intent on getting as high as he could. Eric had a bad feeling about this.

The sudden constriction in his chest had little to do with the fact he was exerting himself—he was fit—and more to do with the onset of something that felt very much like a panic attack.

If Jeremy was going to do what Eric thought he was going to, he wasn’t sure he could deal with it.

I have to stop him.

Jeremy must have been a runner because he sprinted away fast, leaving Eric behind. The next thing Eric knew as he reached the fourth floor level was that he was too late. Jeremy was perched on the ledge, crouched low, muttering words Eric couldn’t hear. He swallowed as he moved toward the determined man. “Jeremy, please calm down. I just need you not to move, ’kay?”

Jeremy stared back at him with dulled eyes. “It’s all right,” he reassured Eric, his face relaxing. “I know what I’m doing.” He shrugged. “I can’t live without her, don’t you see? It’s not something I can do.”

He smiled at Eric and peace had suffused his face. “Thank you for trying to help anyway.”

Eric could see the decision in his eyes. He’d seen it before. Adrenaline, shock, whatever it was, it propelled him forward to grab at Jeremy’s arm. Before Eric could do anything more, the ledge was empty and all he held was the pale blue cardigan Jeremy had been wearing.

“No,” he screamed as he dashed forward and looked over the side. He’d never forget the sight of the broken body lying four floors down, Aaron running toward it. It bore no resemblance to the man who only a few seconds ago had been on the ledge.

Bile rose in his throat as his chest tightened. He retched over and over again. Memories of another time and another man lying broken among rock and dust blinded him and pressed shards of sharp glass into his heart.

“Fuck,” he coughed up as yellow fluid splashed onto the concrete floor. “Why did he jump?”

He dropped to his knees, uncaring of the fact he’d just coated his trousers with his own vomit as he knelt. The light around him grew dimmer; it was harder to breathe. He was dimly aware of a strong arm pulling him to his feet and forcing bottled water down his throat.

He barely registered the walk to the ambulance, supported by Aaron who murmured words of comfort in his ear. It was only when he was in the passenger side of the truck, eyes wet, chest heaving with sobs, that he realised he still held the cardigan in his hands.

Later that night, stretched out on the couch, Eric couldn’t relax. Memories of the day played in his brain in a permanent loop. Aaron had gotten him back to the station and explained to their boss what had happened—panic attack, yes, like PTSD, past loss, needs a bit of time—while Eric looked on, feeling ashamed.

His protests had held no weight with either Aaron or their boss, Jim, and now Eric found he had an unscheduled couple of days off. Taken home like a fucking damsel in distress, he thought grumpily as he tried to get comfortable. What a clusterfuck.

His mobile chirped and he glanced at it and sighed.

Kyle.

He forced a note of normality into his voice. He simply wasn’t ready to talk about the day yet. “Hey,” he said, plumping up a cushion with his free hand and leaning back on it. “Everything all right?”

He and Kyle had only managed to see each other once in the past few days, work pressures being as they were. It had seemed strange being apart so long after their last intimate conversation when Kyle had revealed all.

“Yeah, all good. I was wondering if you were in the mood for company?” Kyle’s tone was hopeful. “For some reason, Ryan seems intent on helping me with my love life and giving me more time off. I’m not complaining. He has someone else starting next week as a trainee manager. Her name’s Kellie. She’s a fun lady. I’m hopeful she’ll do well and we’ll both get some more time off.”

“That sounds so like Ryan. He’s a good man.” Eric picked a thread off the couch. “How can she not be a good fit if you like her?”

I really want to see him, but I’m in no mood for company tonight, not even Kyle. He doesn’t deserve my shit. He’s been through enough.

“Mmm, flattery gets you everywhere.” Kyle sounded as if he was smiling. “So, you up for it? Me popping round? I’ll even bring pizza. You owe me a conversation too. Fair’s fair.”

Eric chose his words carefully. There was no way he was telling Kyle about anything from his past tonight. Maybe not ever, on second thought. “Um, do you mind if I take a rain check? I’ve had a shitty day, and I’m awful company.”

There was silence.

Then Kyle spoke brightly. “Oh, okay. You need some time to yourself. I get it. No worries. Have a good night and let me know when you’re feeling better. See you.”

The phone went dead.

Eric slapped a hand against his forehead. Crap, had he just pissed Kyle off or not?