The Urgent Call

The Urgent Call
ROMAN

I wake up and panic when I don't see Nikki around, but it doesn't take me long to see the note she's written for me, claiming she's going shopping for something and she'll be back soon. 

Why didn't she wake me? I would've loved to go with her. Our day yesterday was ruined, and it'd be great to spend time with her and assure myself that she's not mad about the phone call I ignored right in her face. 

And yes, it was Esmeralda. 

Well, it was my lawyer, but I figured he was calling me about her. I didn't want to handle any of that when Nikki needed me. 

That damned stalker...it's affecting her a lot. I know it. I can feel it. Right now, my priority is taking care of my family, and Nikki's the only family I have. 

So, fuck Esmeralda and her needs for now. I'm sorry, I just can't take it anymore. 

I take a shower and head into the kitchen. Nikki didn't even make coffee. This makes me a tiny bit suspicious. Why didn't she eat something before leaving? She usually does. 

I dismiss my concern right away. Maybe she wanted to grab something to eat at the mall or something. 

I reach for my phone to call her and find another missed call from my lawyer. I could ignore it, but maybe I should take the call since Nikki isn't here and try to resolve this shit while she's out. 

He answers on the first ring. "Roman. I've been trying to call you since yesterday."

"I was preoccupied with something else. What is it now?"

"Good news, at least. Sebastian Crowe has dropped the lawsuit."

Ah. This is what he was calling about? I already knew it would happen. Well, at least this is a confirmation. "Great. I'm glad about that."

"You're one lucky guy, Mr. Hayes. I'll tell you that."

"Is everything alright with...?"

"Yes. My office hasn't received any calls from her."

"Good."

We exchange a few more words, and then I hang up, feeling relieved. Fuck. At least it wasn't Esmeralda. Let's hope things stay this way until it's time for her to give birth. 

I'm tired. Sick and tired. 

I call Nikki next but she doesn't pick up. No matter. I'll try again in a few minutes. As I put water on to boil to make some coffee, my phone rings again, and this time, I turn to stone as I stare at the screen of my phone. 

Sebastian?

I forgot all about having his number registered. Before all this shit happened, we actually got along. Why the hell is he calling me? I don't know how to feel about this. 

He dropped the lawsuit. What else does he want?

I let the phone ring and turn my attention away from it. At last, it stops vibrating, but I don't feel better about it. Seconds later, it's ringing again, and sure enough, it's Sebastian. 

I should block this puny bitch even though I've never done that to anyone. I just don't bother. What the hell does he want from me?

Impatience eats away at my brain. He knows better than to be calling me to tell me about the lawsuit. I'll hang up in his face. 

What does he want?

This question is enough to make me reach for my phone. I press it to my ear and wait for him to speak. 

"Roman," he begins. "I know this might be a bad time, and so many fucked up things happened between us, but I wouldn't be calling if it wasn't important."

I think about Nikki right away, panic clawing at my throat. "What happened to her? Where is she!?"

"It's not about what happened to her. It's about what will happen." He pauses after this and I hear him sniffling. Is he snorting or what? 

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"I fucked up. Big time."

"Are you wasting my time?"

"I wish."

"What's this about?"

"Nicole. And it's urgent, Roman. I tried to fix this situation but I don't know how to anymore. I'll need your help. If you care about her safety, then you'll come to my office right now. It's a public place. No harm will come to you?"

Harm? Nikki's safety? There are two deep lines between my eyebrows as I listen to him. Only God knows how much I wish I could punch him right now for speaking in riddles like this. 

"What the hell are you talking about!?"

"I can't discuss it with you on the phone. My office. As quickly as you can. Please, Roman. I need to fix this. I have to."

He hangs up before I can say anything else. The urge I have to ignore him is great, but not greater than the need to figure out why my wife's name is still in his mouth. 

What's he talking about? What could be a breath to Nikki's safety?

This phone call has unsettled me more than the one involving Esmeralda. At least he wants to meet in his office. Technically, I shouldn't be anywhere near him because he got a restraining order against me too along with the lawsuit, but maybe he dropped that, too. 

I check the time. I want to call Nikki again, but what if she tells me she'll be home soon? Then I won't have a chance to figure out what Sebastian wants. 

I get dressed and rush out of the apartment. I'm so distracted that I don't even check to see if the guards are where they should be. I'm nervous as hell as I drive to the place where Sebastian works. 

I don't know what to expect from any of this. Genuinely. 

What does he want to talk about? Why did he sound like it was a life and death situation?

When I get there, a whole bunch of people are leaving, so I have to wait for them to pass. Then, I tell the security guard that I'm expected on his floor and have to wait for the call to be placed. 

At least Nikki hasn't called yet. It has to mean she's still busy. 

"I'll walk you to the elevator, sir."

I go with the security guard, who lets me in. As I walk into his lobby, I'm a little stunned to notice that there's no secretary seated behind the front desk. The whole place looks empty, too. 

Why is it so silent?

I grab a seat and fold my arms, waiting. I can see the doors that lead to the officer, and they're all open except one. The one with his name on it. I stare at it and wait for him to come out. He knows I'm here. The guard called him.

Well. Here goes nothing.