Maya
It has nearly been two hours since I arrived at work, and I still haven’t heard from Conrad. I was starting to panic in case something happened to him. I have been on edge all morning. I hate I have put him in danger. I know he said he isn’t scared, but that doesn’t mean I am not worried. I know what Callum can do. I really hoped he wouldn’t have found where Conrad stays, but I should have known he would have. I don’t know how long he has known. The thought of him being right outside last night makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t understand why Conrad still wants to be with me with everything going on. He didn’t ask for any of this. He doesn’t deserve any of us. His place was my last safe place, not that is ruined. Maybe I should just leave and disappear somewhere, not telling anyone where I am going. As tempting as it sounds, I couldn’t do that to Conrad, not after everything he has done for me.
I kept checking my cell to see if I had heard from him. Thankfully, Meredith is too busy in her office to know what is going on out here. The last thing I need is her getting on at me. I think it would be my breaking point, and I would lose it and end up getting fired.
The sound of my cell vibrating pulls me from my thoughts. I glance down and see Conrad is finally calling. I pick it up and rush to the bathroom. I don’t want everyone to know my business.
I answer quickly, “What happened? Are you okay?” I whimper.
“Breathe, sweetheart. I am fine. Nothing much, to be honest. They took a report. I told them what had been going on. I gave them the note and showed them pictures of my car. They have a record of everything and told me I have to go right back in if anything else happens. They said they would send an officer to see Callum if they can find him.” I sigh.
“I didn’t think they could do much. They need more. They won’t find him. He will be going from one place to another. He has been in trouble with the police before.” I reply.
“I know, but at least they know. We just need to keep a note if anything else happens and make sure to give them everything until there is enough to arrest.” He says.
I won’t hold out hope, to be honest. Callum isn’t stupid. He will have a plan of his own to get away with it. He knows all the right people and has all the right places to hide.
“It is all we can do. Are you okay? Has there been any sign of him?”
“I am fine, beautiful. You? No, I haven’t noticed him. I am just heading to take the car to the garage, so it won’t be my car I pick you up in; it will be one of the town cars.” He replies.
“Okay. Please keep in touch with me today through texts and calls, Conrad; if not, I will be worrying all day.” I plead.
I don’t mean to be a pest, but unless I know he is safe, I won’t be able to relax.
“I promise to keep in touch. If you need me, just call, okay?”
“I will. I should get back to work. I am sorry again you have to deal with all of us.” I say sadly.
“Stop saying sorry, Maya. It is okay. I would rather be going through it with you than you having to deal with it alone.”
“You are a good man, handsome. I will talk to you. Please be careful.”
“I will be. You too. Goodbye, sweetheart.”
We hang up and I head back to my desk. I have work to catch up with since I have been so distracted this morning. At least I know he is okay for now. I do not know what Callum will do next, but my gut tells me he is just starting. I dread what else he has planned. I just hope if he does continue, the police will take it seriously and arrest his ass put a restraining order on him. It may not help, but it is better than nothing.
I put my cell down and try to distract myself with work. It won’t be easy, but I need to because I don’t want to fall too far behind. The day started so badly; I didn’t want it to get any worse.
****
Conrad kept his promise and kept in touch with me all day. Mostly texts, but he called, too, at one point. Knowing he was okay, I have managed to relax now. I am just heading out to meet him for our lunch. I gathered my things and left before Meredith found me something to do. I know he is already outside because he texted me to let me know.
I step outside and glance around. I spot him resting against the town car down the street. I know it is risky for him to do, but there is no point in telling him not to because he won’t listen to me; he wants to make sure I arrive at him safely. I quickly make my way to him, and we get into the car.
The second the door is closed, he kisses me softly, “How are you doing beautiful?”
“I am doing a little better. You? Did you get the car into the garage?”
“Good. I am okay, too. Yes. It will be ready in a couple of days. Are you hungry?”
“Not really, but I will try to eat something since I haven’t eaten today.”
“Yes, you need to eat. We can find somewhere for a light lunch close by.”
I nod and rest my head on his shoulder. He slips one arm around me and rests the other on my knee. I snuggle tightly into him, feeling that sense of security I always get when I am with him.
“I have decided I am going to hire some security for you.” He says.
“Conrad, you don’t need to do that. I will be fine.” I sigh.
“Yes, I do. I just need them to be around when I am not. Please accept it.” He pleads.
I would say it is overreacting, but it really isn’t. I would rather not have it, but I am too tired to argue him on it.
“Fine.” I huff.
“Thank you. Knowing someone will be around for you when I am not will make me feel more at ease.” He replies and kisses the top of my head.
“And what about you? Will you get some, too?” I question.
“No, I will be fine. I will be okay if I know you are safe.”
I sigh, wishing he would do the same for himself, but I know he won’t. It would put my mind at ease if he did, but it is his choice, even if he isn’t really giving me one.
“Okay, if you insist.” I groan.
He squeezes my knee, “I do.”
I leave the conversation there, and the rest of the ride is silent. It isn’t an awkward one, though. I am happy just being cuddled into in him and being here with him. It means I don’t need to worry about him if I have him next to me.
“I will try to get off work early today; if not, I will send someone to pick you up.”
“I can always just get a cab,” I suggest.
“No, someone will pick you up.” He states firmly.
I nod. I can’t get mad at him for wanting to take care of me.