33. Ian
33
IAN
Sweat trickles down my body and my bones are screaming at me in protest, but I keep going, knowing this is a pain that's worth it.
I feel like shit on the outside.
Staying fit used to be something I didn't play with, until I lost Justin. And then my life went down the rabbit hole so deep it feels like I’ll never get out. But I decided enough was enough last week after Sarah left without telling me.
I told myself it was time to get my life together, and I did.
I called Richard and told him I was coming back to New Jersey. I met with Christopher and assured him I would not be far from Glazer Ville even though it's going to kill me to be there knowing that Sarah will never come back. Then I left town.
The thought of stopping at Sheila's to say goodbye crossed my mind, but I was still pissed at her for not at least hinting that Sarah was leaving.
Eventually, the countdown finishes, and I turn off the treadmill with my legs practically spasming.
I only started getting on the mill three days ago, and my body is adjusting pretty well. I know it's because it's been a while. I don't care what it takes, though. If I'm getting my life back on the right track, my health is the most important thing.
The shrill sound of my phone ringing fills the air, and I pick it up even though the number is an unknown one. It could be any of the new guys on the crew.
It isn't.
“Hello?”
“Ian.” Sarah's voice comes from the phone, and I'm momentarily out of breath. “I need your help,” she says next, helping me regulate my breathing back.“It's Peter, he uh… found me.”
That asshole.
I don't even ask how because I know how dirty that bastard is. It's a pity she didn't take my word for it when I told her to be careful of him. I actually thought she would be safe where she is, but there's no hiding from a desperate shady man.
Peter will go to any lengths to get whatever he wants.
“What do you need me to do?” I ask.
“Protect me?” she says questioningly.
I huff. It's not even a question. I would drop and do anything to keep her safe.
“I'm on my way,” I say, already thinking of how fast I can get there before morning. I'll have to call Richard to inform him I'll be away for a while.
“No, Ian. You don't need to come to where I am. I don't… um… feel too safe here. Can I… Can you help me get anywhere safe? So I can come and hide out for a while?”
I immediately remember the mansion, and I nod.
“Sure. Can you get to Glazer Ville on your own?”
“I don't want to go to my old house, Ian, or my aunt's. He can easily find me in either of those places,” she says frantically.
“Yeah, I know. This is somewhere different and safe. Trust me.”
“If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have called.”
Hearing her say those words makes my heart swell. Then I remember the only reason she's in trouble right now is because she's hiding something from not only the world, but me too. She claims she trusts me but clearly not enough to tell me what her secret is.
That doesn't mean I won't help her, though.
“Alright then. See you soon,” I say.
“Yeah, I'll be there before morning. Thank you for doing this.”
I shrug and then remember she can't see me. “It's fine. I have to go, get things set.”
“Alright. Bye.”
“Yeah, bye.” I end the call and let my head hang for a few minutes.
Exactly what is she hiding?
When I've finally had the time to wrap my head around what's going on, I shower, pack a bag with some of the new clothes I've bought, and head to my truck.
My phone starts to ring again as soon as I get inside.
Good, I planned to call him anyway.
“Richard, I was just about to call you.”
“Whatever you have to say, it'll have to wait. I need you to come by the station right now. There's an emergency, and Shine just got ill. I need you to cover for him.”
Shit.
I can't.
“Richard, I'm leaving town. That was why I wanted to call you,” I say gently. He's not going to like this. I don't either, but I hope he understands. I've never had to turn down a job until now.
Sarah needs me more, and I'm sure the guys will manage without me. It'll be tough, but they'll manage. Richard just called because I'm always the one available for cover and extra time.
“Fuck. How many days?” he asks.
“I don't know, a few days, maybe a week or more. I'm not sure, but this is important.”
“I know. You wouldn't be leaving if it wasn't. Call me when you get there. Right now, I have lives to save.”
“Good luck, Chief.”
“Yeah, thanks. Have a safe trip.”
He ends the call, and I'm back to being alone in the truck.
Tossing my phone on the other seat, I crank the truck alive and pull away, hoping to God that I'm not subjecting innocent people to death because of my decision.