I bring the food inside and look around for the cop, I’m pleasantly surprised he’s not here, until I question Linda-Vin’s secretary-about it.
She gives me a look and says, “he left soon after you.”
Is that motherfucker following me?
He fucking messaged me!
I thought I was going to pass the fuck out when I saw his name. I have never felt such hope in my whole fucking life, I’ve never had much to hope for before. I decided to play it cool, not chasing him for answers, and not questioning him about where we stand. This is just the first step.
I’m practically prancing around the fucking house, my spirits soaring, and my heart full when my phone pings again. I nearly trip over my feet getting to it and rushing to open the message.
Officer Asshole: This your boyfriend?
He sends me a picture of Neil picking up food at the deli near my house and then another as he drives by my house.
Me: Nope.
Why the fuck is he following Neil?
Officer Asshole: Seems awfully interested in you. I’ve seen him outside of your house a few times.
I drop my phone to the couch as the blood drains from my face. If he saw him outside of my house, then he himself had to be outside there too, and I would bet he was the one there this past weekend. This is my proof right?
I pick my phone back up.
Me: Sounds like you have us both on surveillance.
Officer Asshole: Try anything and this gun will slip as he’s walking from his car to his house.
My heart drops and my palms become slick, he’s threatening to kill Neil and I know he’s crazy enough to do it.
Officer Asshole: That’s not a bad idea actually.
Out of fear or maybe pure desperation, I call Neil. I know he’s at work but I just need to tell him that Adam is dangerous and to stay out of his way. He doesn’t fucking pick up and I growl in frustration. I need to get a hold of him.
I call Dad’s office and when Linda picks up, I ask her to put me through to Neil.
“Neil Jones,” his voice makes me moan in relief as I fall to the couch.
“Ivy?” His voice drops to a whisper.
“Yes, sorry I…”
“Are you okay?” He cuts me off.
“Yeah, can you tell me if Dad has any officers there at the office?”
“He has one, he’s a fucking douche.” He’s talking about Adam for sure.
“Rugged looking guy with a scar on his face?”
“Yeah.” He sounds hesitant, “I’ve seen him before.” He finally says.
“Listen,” I tell him quickly, “don’t engage in conversation with him and don’t attract his attention, keep your head down and stay away from him.”
“I got to go but you will explain why… can I call you later?”
He always asks my permission and I feel tears run down my cheeks at his words.
“Yes.” I sniff.
“Are you crying?” He sounds amused and I huff.
“I’ll talk to you later.” I hang up the phone.
My insides are a fucking kaleidoscope of emotions and I can feel the nausea setting in. I grab the crackers I usually eat to try and stave it off as I slowly make my way back to my room. I don’t want anyone to catch me puking in this house, it’s a quick assumption to pregnancy.
I close my room door and nearly projectile vomit across the place when I find Saxon sitting on my bed.
“Do you mind?” I snap at him.
“Are you and Neil okay now?”
“What do you mean?” I try to play it off but he scoffs at me.
“I mean you stopped having him around but I just heard you talking to him.” What did he hear?
“Yeah, we’re fine.”
“I like him.” He stands up, “he cares about you, Ives. You need to stop pushing away all the people that do, you’re worth it.”
Then I watch dumbfounded as my brother walks out of my room and shuts the door behind him. He really is way too smart for his own good and I fucking love him so much for it.
The ringing of my phone pulls me out of my sleep and I look down to see Officer Asshole blinking on the screen.
“What?” I pick up, my voice raspy from sleep.
“I’m watching your boyfriend’s house.” He says, “I’ve been appointed to make sure he doesn’t seem suspicious.”
“Funny,” I sneer, “since you’re the suspicious one.”
“Right?” He chuckles, “he sure does have a pretty little sister, Amelia, right?”
Rage, raw and boiling hot rolls through my body. “Watch it, Adam.”
“And Shay has really aged well, even though she’s a little on the older side for my tastes.”
“You’re sick.” I snap.
“I’m telling you to get rid of it, Ivy.” He drops his voice, “or I will get rid of him and then those ladies will be left all alone.”
He hangs up in my ear and I quickly check the time. It’s six o’clock which is about the time he’d be arriving home and that confirms that Adam is telling the truth, he has been put on Neil watch.
I quickly dial Neil’s number.
“Hello?”
“Neil.” I say quickly.
“What?” I can hear the panic in his voice so I try to calm down.
“Can you tell Amelia and Shay to watch their backs?”
“What the fuck is happening Ivy?” He yells. “I need to know if it involves me and my family.”
“I just have some shit happening and I need to make sure everyone I care about is protected, you too.”
“What shit?” He questions.
“I’m going to deal with it,” I promise him. “It’ll all go away soon.”
“Ivy, that’s not enough.” He shouts. “It’s not enough this time, I need the whole truth.”
“I know.” I nod, because he really deserves at least that. “I’m going to tell you everything and about Charlotte, too.”
He’s quiet for a while and I have to check my screen to see if he’s still there.
“When?” He finally asks.
“When I get off lockdown, the end of this
