The distant voice reached in and pulled me from my dreamless sleep. Thick and heavy my eyes stayed closed. My head started pounding moments later, it had been waiting for me to wake up enough to start. I smiled despite it, listening for that voice again. I wasn't home. The thin mattress below me shifted and I felt his warm breath on my neck, his lips graze across my cheek. My smile grew.
`Good morning again.' He breathed in my ear.
I turned my head, his lips lightly trailing across my cheek as I did so until they found mine. He tasted faintly of coffee. Morning.' I mumbled into his mouth. Finally opening my eyes as his lips left me; blinking until I could see his deep blue eyes clearly. They seemed darker against the black shirt he wore. The fresh scent of aftershave filled my nostrils as he kissed me again. It reminded me of earlier in the shower. You let me go back to sleep.' My mind was so groggy through lack of sleep it was talking me awhile to catch up. I was meant to be getting dressed not falling back asleep.
`I didn't want to stop you, do you know how sweet you look sleeping.'
I cleared my dry throat. `Not really, I hardly slept at all, I look like crap.'
It was a rhetorical question.' He kissed me again, his hand exploring my bare chest as he leaned over me. And you don't look too bad when you're awake either.'
My fingers brushed through his thick dark hair, holding the back of his head and pulling him down closer. Seeking the warmth of his tongue and taking it into my mouth, feeling his fingers exciting me as they lightly traced around my nipple. My skin felt so sensitive under his touch, alive.
`Can we stay here all day?' My fingers still played through his short hair, feeling his hot breath on my face.
I wish we could.' He smiled, unable to keep his lips apart from mine for more then a few breaths at a time. But nothing has changed from an hour ago, we still have to leave by ten.'
I recall the time being around eight when I'd attempted to get up for the first time. All I'd been able to taste and smell was stale alcohol and the shower had at least helped with that, even if it hadn't helped me stay awake. `Is it going to be ten soon?'
`In about half-an-hour.'
Far too early. Luckily I had something worth staying awake for. The shower had been more awkward then satisfying, even with Alex naked and wet with me. He'd been more interested in actually showering, more concerned over my numerous scraps and bruises then in what I was interested in. And I couldn't help it even feeling as bad as I did, and it was like I'd aged fifty years over night with the way all my bones ached in protest at every movement, but I still couldn't ignore the sexual tension I felt with him. How he could control himself was a mystery I couldn't even begin to fathom. But it was hard to keep those thoughts that would only serve to frustrate me away. He looked so good, even with clothes on. `We're going back to your house.' I smiled up at him.
He nodded slowly, as if that had been far from his thoughts. With a few stops along the way.' His hand paused its exploration of my chest. I don't want you to worry, but we have to call into the police station on our way out.'
`Johnathan?'
He kissed me hard to reassure me. He's reported you as missing.' He kissed me again. Don't worry, it shouldn't take too long to clear up and then we will be on our way. We will be in the next city by lunch time.'
I closed my eyes for a moment as his hand rested against the side of my face. I don't want to go to the police station.' I looked up into his eyes. He didn't seem worried at all, it was comforting. He knows I'm not missing, he knows I'm with you.'
`It doesn't matter.'
`You're not worried about him at all?'
`No.'
And I could see that he wasn't. He was almost always calm and in control, nothing seemed to faze that, especially not Johnathan. I still don't want to go to the police station.' I stayed where I was as he sat up. I could just imagine what it would be like at the police station, a drawn out experience of probing questions and tactful persuasion. Far too many of the cops were close personal friends of my family, there was no way I'd be able to simply walk in and out. Do you think I could just ring them?'
He smiled.
`Most of the cops know me, it would be easier.'
No harm in trying.' He rubbed my arm. Just try not to worry, there's nothing Johnathan can do.'
I know.' He could see straight through my smile. Can I have your phone?'
He stood to pull the phone from the pocket of his pants. `I'll go and make you something to eat.' He reached down, pressing the phone into my hand and kissing my cheek.
I watched him leave before dialling the number.
My voice was instantly recognised by the policeman who answered, which avoided any explanation of why I was ringing. I knew the policeman, Scott Branigan, quite well. As a friend of Johnathan's he was a familiar face around home and so, as expected, he had a barrage of questions for me. I tried to make the call as short as possible, still feeling half asleep and entirely not in the mood to talk to anyone, besides Alex of course. So I offered Scott only short and sharp responses, not letting him drag me into further conversation on the why's and what I should and shouldn't do. I just wanted him and Johnathan to leave me alone, leave me to concentrate solely on Alex and being here with him. In the end the whole call took little over ten minutes, although it felt like ages.
The thin walls and open door let the sound flow freely in and out of the bedroom. The pop of a toaster and the scrape of a knife, it sounded like Alex was making toast. He could hear I was off the phone. The dark brown curtains were closed, holding most of the morning light back. The open door was less efficient. It looked to be a sunny day.
Alex walked in smiling. `You look more awake.'
Sitting up I took the plate of toast from him. Thanks.' He lifted my chin with his fingers, staring into my eyes. I'm okay, really. We don't have to go down to the police station.' I smiled and leaned forward to kiss him. `I'm okay.'
He nodded, finally believing me. Hopefully that will make you feel better.' He said, referring to the toast. I have your clothes, Mikai was up early laundering our things.' He walked back towards the door. `We will stop somewhere on the way and pick you up some more clothes.' He trailed off as he left the room, coming back with my clothes and the dark grey shirt of his that I'd worn the day before.
Don't worry about getting me stuff,' I said between mouthfuls. I have my own T-shirts.' I patted the bed beside me just to make sure that he was going to sit down and not wander off again. Wiping the crumbs from my mouth I leant forward to kiss him. My face lingered against his even after the kiss. Taking in his alluring scent, feeling his smooth skin, and then just watching him with a smile as he did the same. Not even a hint of darkness under his eyes. Nothing to blemish his beautiful face. `Do you think we have time for another shower?'
He laughed at the abrupt change of topic, affectionately brushing my messy blond hair back from my forehead. Later, when we get home.' He kissed me again. And, just to end the confusion, I am getting you new stuff' and you don't have a choice.' He smiled. You don't need to go back to your old home for anything.'
I do.' I laughed as he tickled me, playfully pushing his hands back. I like my old stuff', especially my t-shirts, they're of my favourite bands and they're all signed so I can't just replace them. And I have to go back home sometime soon anyway to get my other things, like my computer and games and personal stuff I need.' His hands retreated, leaving it safe for me to resume eating. And how'd you find out that Johnathan reported me as missing so quickly anyway? He only did it late last night, probably after he saw me.'
I had a phone call from a friend earlier.' He said vaguely while watching me eat. He told me that you had been reported as missing.'
A friend called?' I smiled despite trying to sound serious, shaking my head and swallowing another mouthful before saying anymore. That doesn't explain anything.'
Sorry, I'm not trying to be secretive.' He pushed the empty plate away and with his arm looped around my shoulders he pulled me against him. It's a habit I have.' He grinned. `It was Jacob Fantony who called me, he is well connected, I think I've mentioned him already.'
`Yeah you have, but, who is he? And how did he find out that I was reported as missing?' I stared into his eyes as he smiled, softly rubbing his hand against my cheek.
Jacob's the one person, except for you now, who always knows where I am and what I'm doing. Including where I've been this weekend, so of course he knows all about you.' His smile grew. He didn't want the police bothering me if they saw you.'
`What does he do?'
`Professionally? Well Jacob is most notably known for being the owner of a large pharmaceutical company, among other things, that is still where the bulk of his wealth comes from.'
`So you work for him, for Jacob?'
`Not really, we work together. I've known him all my life. He was once like a mentor to me, but now he's more of a close friend and business partner.'
`So he worked with your dad, I mean Zane, too?' I thought I saw Alex's eyes narrow a little, after his reaction when talking about Zane before I knew that he wouldn't like me referring to Zane as his dad. Instinctively I rubbed his leg, but Alex seemed just as calm as always, he didn't even seem to be in a rush to get out of here even though I knew that he was. He seemed happy to just sit and talk.
Yes he did, and he inherited everything after Zane died, so technically I don't even own the place I live in.' He looked down at his hand as it fitted snugly over mine on his leg. I work with him as a private investigator in a small firm that specialises in finding missing people.' He chuckled slightly, his eyes sparkling into mine. `Kind of ironic since I'm sitting here with a missing person.'
Former missing person.' I corrected with a laugh. I'm not missing anymore.'
He grinned, squeezing me against him. `Well I wouldn't be very good at my job if you were.'
I had to laugh again. `It's not like a normal job though, it sounds interesting, finding people.'
He nodded slowly. He seemed happy with my reaction. `It does keep me busy.'
`How busy?'
He caught the glint in my eye and kissed me, ignoring my travelling hand. I was interested, I wanted to know everything about him, everything that was important to him. But at the same time I just couldn't keep my hands off him.
`You're meant to be getting dressed, not undressing me.'
`I know, but what about tomorrow?' I left his zip undone, my hand inside feeling him through his underwear.
`What about tomorrow?' He rubbed my hand.
`Will you be busy tomorrow?'
`Somewhat.' He teased.
`Do you have to be? What if I keep you awake all night?'
Then I will probably have to stay in bed tomorrow instead.' He kissed me, hard, moving my hand away and holding it. But for now, we still have to leave.'
I know.' I said, sounding as disappointed as possible. But I like sitting here and talking.'
`You weren't even listening.' He smiled.
I was!' I jabbed him playfully in the ribs. You know I was. I just don't want to be annoying and ask too many questions. I'm not asking too many am I?'
Now that depends.' He said in mock contemplation. If you're interested in a career as a professional interrogator then you really do need the practise.' He laughed, easily blocking my renewed attempt to jab him in the ribs.
`I was being serious.'
I know, and I know you only ask because you care.' His arms again wrapped around me, hugging me tightly. And I don't just find missing people.' He said in a softer tone. `Sometimes it's the other way around. Some people have reasons not to be found.'
I relaxed into his arms resting my head against him. `Is that what you were doing last night?'
Sort of.' He paused, I stayed quiet and after a moment he continued. I've been working on the case of Margaret Glassy for the past few months. It started as a simple missing person, but the discovery of her body a week after her disappearance changed things. She was a prostitute downtown and although one of her clients was highly suspected the case went cold due to lack of information. The only reason I'm involved is because she had a high profile boyfriend. He wants her murderer brought to justice, one way or another, but at the same time he doesn't want it publicly known that he had anything to do with her.'
Despite my sleep addled brain I easily recalled him speaking about seeing a witness last night. `And you found a witness?'
He nodded. `A friend of Margaret's who was with her when she died. A trial date has already been set and as long as the witness feels protected he will testify.'
`And so you're protecting the witness?'
`With help, yes.' He smiled.
I looked to the doorway as Mikai made his presence known, rapping his fist against the doorframe so loud that it sounded like he'd punched it. `We still going right?' He asked, his deep voice sounded annoyed and by the way he swayed slightly I guessed that he was still partially drunk from last night.
We will be out in a minute.' Alex replied, barely glancing at Mikai. Is everything in the car?'
`Yep.' Mikai turned and left.
I kept watching the doorway for a moment longer, listening to his heavy footsteps cross the carpeted lounge area beyond. I untangled the warm blankets from my legs. I needed to get up, but all I really wanted was to stay right here with Alex. And it was no longer just because I wanted to explore his body more fully. It was fascinating finding out more about what he did, something he was obviously passionate about. I could tell that in the absorbing way he spoke. `So Mikai is working with you on the same case?'
Take your time, don't let Mikai make you rush.' He laughed, handing me my boxers. And yes Mikai is working with me, we are both meant to be based out of the next city for the best part of the next few months.'
`Meant to be?' I slowly moved my sore leg off the bed and slipped my boxers on, then my jeans, before slumping back down on the bed beside him.
I might have to delegate some of my work load off onto others.' He leant in to kiss me. Something else has come up, or should I say, someone else.' He whispered with his lips still so close to mine that they were almost touching. He kissed me again before finally pulling back. `But for now we have to resume that important discussion we were having.'
`What was that?'
The discussion about how you weren't going back home to get your stuff' because you realise that it isn't important and doesn't matter.' He replied quickly, running his hands across my chest and lower torso, hindering my attempts to button up the shirt, obviously in no real rush to leave.
`Hey, I am going to get my things.' I laughed as his light touch tickled me.
`Does this hurt?' He asked, lightly tracing around one of the larger bruises colouring my left side.
It's getting better.' I replied honestly. The pills he'd fed me earlier were starting to work. So don't worry.' I gave up on buttoning the shirt. The concern he showed made me smile. It was really so sweet how he cared so much, I couldn't help but kiss his forehead as he finally began to button my shirt for me. He raised his head to kiss me back on the lips, his fingers continuing on blindly.
`Come on!' Mikai called from outside.
Mikai's words made no visible difference to how fast either of us moved. I leaned in against Alex, nuzzling his neck and enjoying the comfort of being in his arms.
We'll talk more in the car.' He smiled as we parted, his hand moving down to grasp mine as we stood. Mikai will probably fall asleep.'
`Yeah I think I might too.'
What about next weekend? Do you think you can live without your stuff' for another week?'
`I suppose.' I replied, staring across at him as he drove. It was easier then I thought to ignore Mikai's presence with him out of view behind me in the back seat. I didn't look back to be sure but I guessed he was asleep as he hadn't spoken since we'd left.
It isn't that long to wait.' Alex reached over to rub my knee. You make it sound as if I'm asking you to leave your arms behind.'
I like my stuff.' I smiled, giving his hand a squeeze. Everyone has things they like; you wouldn't move out and not take anything with you.'
Mikai chuckled loudly behind me, abruptly dispelling my thoughts of him being asleep.
`I don't really care for material possessions.' Alex smiled, his eyes flicking to the rear view mirror.
`Alex has nothin in his room but a bed.' Mikai spoke up, staying sprawled across the backseat.
That's true.' Alex nodded. But it isn't that bad.' His hand left mine for a moment to reach down and take a sip from one of the two coffee cups he'd brought himself at the previous gas station.
I reached for the packet of cigarettes he'd brought me and moved to light one. A move that sparked a growl from behind.
`Don't light that up in here.'
Alex's hand returned to mine. Go ahead.' He smiled. Ignore Mikai, he just needs more sleep.' His eyes again glanced up into the rear-view mirror. `He didn't exactly have a great day yesterday.'
I lit the cigarette as Mikai fell silent, but did lower the window. The wind blowing in on my face marginally helped to wake me up more as we travelled toward the next city. Alex spoke about the apartment we were going to, a place that was like his second home where he was and had been staying for awhile. I was left confused though when we made a stop that clearly wasn't near his or anyone's house. `What are we doing?'
`Didn't you see the signs along the way?' Alex grinned as we got out of the car.
Really I should have seen the brightly coloured signs along the way, maybe if I had spent more time looking out the window instead of staring at Alex I would have.
`They sell clothes in here, and I'm buying you something to wear whether you want me to or not.' Alex said as he joined me, taking my hand. Mikai stayed where he was lying across the back seat.
Medieval fair?' I read the bold and colourful signs. I've been to fairs before, but not one like this. Don't you have to dress up?'
`No, but a lot of people do.' He said, still grinning as he led me forward to the gates.
Inside I didn't know where to begin. There were so many people it was impossible to move without coming into contact with several others. I held Alex's hand tightly to avoid being separated from him and slowly we made our way around the stalls. They really did seem to sell everything here.
`You were planning on bringing me here all along weren't you?' I had to speak loudly just to hear my own voice as I picked up a heavy pewter dragon from the array of dragon ornaments displayed in the stall before me.
Alex smiled. `I remember you saying that you liked this kind of thing. Do you want that dragon?'
I do like this stuff, but I have enough dragons at home. Do you think we'll be able to see real sword fighting?' I put the dragon down and picked up a knife, the handle adorned with a spindly green dragon that curled down the handles length.
`Of course, it's happening soon, do you want the knife? You have to get something.'
I smiled and let him buy me the knife. He brought me a few t-shirts as well as a pair of cargo pants and a few other things. We watched the sword fighting sitting on bales of hay and then moved on to watch the horses doing tricks, bowing and rolling over much like dogs. With so much going on it was impossible to be bored, and although I usually hated crowds it actually helped to be in such a huge mass of people. No one took a second glance at me or Alex, and so I felt nothing but comfortable holding his hand. The only thing that stopped me from relaxing completely was the few people I saw that I thought I recognised. They were just flashes in the crowd and probably only a result of my vivid imagination. More then once I caught someone staring at me, total strangers that were probably looking at someone near me, but still it was unnerving. I knew there was no way Johnathan could find me here, but I couldn't quite shake the idea that he would.
Hours later we sat on a free hay bale in line with many others to take a break, eat, and watch the belly dancers.
`I'm so tired.' I moaned as I leaned against him. We'd been here for hours by now and all I really wanted to do was sleep.
`Do you always complain so much?' Alex smiled, kissing me on the top of my head, which was rested heavily against his chest.
`When I'm tired, yeah.' I had been complaining a lot for the past hour or so, mainly about people who didn't look where they were going.
Alex just laughed, hugging me. `We'll go soon.'
Cool, I've had fun here though. I'm just starting to get a headache and this music isn't helping.' I rubbed my eyes as I pulled away from him, sitting up. I knew I could fall asleep easily if I continued to lie on him. I'm going to go see how big the lines are outside the toilets before we go.' I went to kiss him quickly before standing up but he wrapped his arms around me, trapping me in for a longer kiss.
`Don't move from here, okay?' I smiled as he finally let me stand up.
`I'll wait right here.'
We'd barely gotten around half the fair but I remembered where the closest toilets were and slowly made my way through the people. The lines weren't too bad but still I was impatient. I wanted to get back to Alex. I wasn't really looking forward to the drive to Alex's place, I didn't really like Mikai, but I was looking forward to seeing where Alex lived and finally being able to relax in a place where I knew Johnathan wouldn't be able to find me. And where it would just be Alex and I. As I came back out of the crowded toilet block I couldn't help but smile to myself as I thought of finally being alone with Alex again. I didn't exactly walk back toward Alex through the crowd, more I was pushed. It was like riding a wave. I couldn't change direction if I tried. I felt someone grab hold of my arm and shoved my way forward. I didn't take that long did I?' I asked, and then I saw the man who was tightly holding onto my arm. It wasn't Alex. Instantly I tried to stop but was dragged forward. Who are you?' I yelled, my voice becoming lost with the hundreds of others around me.
The man said something that I didn't hear, not relaxing his hold or his quick pace. I tried to yank my arm away from him and then felt someone else grab my other arm.
`Relax Logan, we are just going to talk okay.'
I spun my head around to the left to stare at the man now walking briskly on the other side of me. His voice was familiar. Scott? What are you doing? I'm not going back to Johnathan.' It was Scott Branigan, but he wasn't wearing his uniform. Let me go!' I tried to struggle but both of them were holding me too tightly. It was happening so fast. I looked up to see that we were passing through the gates, leaving the fair. Leaving Alex behind to wonder where I was. `I'm not going back to Johnathan.'
`Relax.' Scott said without slowing his pace.
`How can I! Where are you taking me? Did Johnathan ask you to find me? He can't make me go back, you can't make me go back!'
We just want to talk, that's all.' Scott replied, relaxing his grip on my arm only slightly. We were on the street now, heading toward the sea of parked cars. Johnathan's worried about you.'
`He doesn't need to be, I told you on the phone this morning, I'm fine, I just don't want to go back there.' There weren't as many people out here and I could see a few of them looking my way, wondering what the commotion was about.
And I was hoping that you were right, I was hoping that you were fine Logan.' Scott said more firmly. But just one look at you told me you weren't.'
I searched the surrounding vehicles but the glare from the sun reflecting off the many windshields blinded me. I couldn't see Alex's car or Mikai from this direction. `I am fine, let me go!'
They finally stopped, leaning me back against one of the cars, retaining their solid grip on me. I glared at Scott as he spoke.
`Who hit you?' He asked
I couldn't see his eyes properly through the dark glasses he wore. `No one.' I growled. Why wasn't anyone coming over to help? Why did people just stare and then keep on walking?
`You're limping as well.'
`That's your fault! I wouldn't be if you didn't drag me out of there like that!'
`Johnathan said that you were in trouble, and it only takes one look at you to see that his concerns were well-founded.'
I shook my head. I'm not in trouble.' It didn't seem that they were going to listen to a word I said. I could understand in a way, with the bruised lump on my forehead I did look like I'd been in a fight. You're not going to try and take me anywhere are you?' I think Scott could see the panic in my eyes because he lowered his tone, trying to sound friendlier.
`I'm not going to force you to do anything, as I said, we just want to talk. But in saying that, I do think I should take you to the hospital, have you checked over.'
I've been to a doctor.' It was only a small lie. I need to get back in there, I have someone waiting for me.'
I looked past him and then suddenly realised why they were holding me against the car instead of forcing me into it. I saw that they had no intention of letting me go, were only holding me, waiting for Johnathan to come. I closed my eyes in a feeble attempt to pretend that Johnathan wasn't walking over towards us. I began to regret going to the fair, walking around in a place teeming with cops, some of which must have recognised me. I looked up; saw the familiar black coat, its collar reaching up high on Johnathan's neck. I didn't look up high enough to see his short brown hair or equally brown eyes. I stared down at the ground. I didn't want to look at him at all. I wanted to talk to him even less.
`I'm leaving.' Only Scott still held my left arm, but with Johnathan now right in front of me I knew I couldn't just walk away.
Johnathan turned to thank Scott and the other man I didn't know, and who immediately left, before looking back to me. Looking from my bandaged hand to the lump on my forehead. I just knew what he was thinking.
Alex didn't hurt me.' I growled. You can't make me go back home.'
Johnathan didn't even seem to hear me. `I know you don't want to see me Logan, but I don't have a choice. You're hurt, and I know you wouldn't have gone to a doctor. Do you really think I'm going to walk away and leave you here?'
Finally I met his eyes. I'm fine, I'm here with Alex and I'm not leaving.' I could see in his dark eyes that my words were indeed provoking a reaction. I'm going back to find him.' There was no room to take even a step forward and Johnathan pressed his hand against my chest to keep me still. I swatted it away.
He nodded at Scott who finally let me go and left us alone. I'm not going to fight with you.' He raised his arm and pointed off to the right. Angela is waiting in the car. We both need to talk to you about Alex.'
`I'm going to move in with him.'
He swallowed hard. `We will talk about that too. Just come back home with us Logan, we can talk and after that, if you still want to leave, I won't stop you.'
I shook my head. `If I went back home you'd never let me leave.'
I could almost feel the effort he was putting in to keeping his tone low and steady. `I won't stop you.'
I stared back at him in silence for a moment; trying to read him, see what he was really thinking. But I couldn't. I knew he had to be angry at me, but I couldn't see it. It was strange but his eyes seemed genuine in their concern. `I can't just leave without telling Alex.'
He seemed to sense my waning resistance. `Just come and talk to Angela.'
I inhaled deeply. Next weekend.' I finally said. I'll come and get my stuff next weekend, we can talk then.'
`You need to know now.' He replied immediately, shaking his head.
`I already know everything I need to, Alex has already told me why you don't like him.'
`He hasn't.'
`How would you know?'
`You wouldn't be anywhere near Alex if you knew.'
That left me more then a little bewildered. What could possibly be bad enough to make me not want to be near Alex?
Come back with us. Come back to pack your things, we will talk and decide what to do from there. If you still want to leave you can take the car.' He paused to glance over to the right. Come and talk to Angela, she's been worried.'
My eyes followed his, scanning the cars for familiarity. I couldn't see any sign of Scott or anyone else I knew among the steady flow of people dotted around us. I wanted to see Angela, tell her that I was happy and okay first hand so that she wouldn't have to worry. I also wanted to know what Johnathan knew about Alex. My eyes were drawn back toward the muffled music emitting from the fair. I'd already been gone for too long, Alex would soon be wondering where I was.
`Where is she?'
He turned pointing, taking a step to the right. I followed him walking between two rows of cars before I saw her standing beside Johnathan's car.
Some of my caution left me when I saw her. I left Johnathan behind as I ran up to her, hugging her as tightly as she hugged me.
`What happened to you?' She gasped as she held my head in her hands, immediately examining my forehead.
Nothing, I just fell over.' I smiled, pretending it was nothing as I pulled back from her hands. She smiled again but I could see her eyes were still heavy with concern. I'm alright, really.'
She hugged me again, for longer this time, letting me go only reluctantly. She didn't believe me.
`Is Alex here too?'
I followed her gaze, turning around to spot Johnathan standing in front of a car in the next row watching, his arms crossed. Another man was leaning back on the hood of the same car beside him, watching me also. It appeared that they were talking. `Yeah, he's waiting for me.' I said slowly. I was too far away to hear what Johnathan was saying, but nowhere near far enough away to not recognise the stocky figure of the man he was talking too.
`Do you know that man?' She asked, gesturing over toward them.
`Yeah, he's Mikai, Alex's friend.' Despite my impression of Mikai I was glad to see him. Confused though, as although they didn't seem particularly friendly with each other I did get the impression that they knew one another.
`I almost didn't recognise him.' She said.
`You know him?'
`I did, a long time ago.'
The sadness in her tone brought my eyes back to her. `I'm okay, really, I'm happy with Alex. I don't want you worrying about me.'
She nodded unconvincingly, her eyes gazing past me to Johnathan. `It would have been better if I could have contacted you. Your phone's still at home.'
It was no longer my home. `I'm going to move in with him.'
Her eyes connected back with mine. Her pale hand guided her long hair, so light it was almost white, back behind her ears. Still she didn't seem shocked. Maybe sad though.
I really like him.' I said more quietly. I have to come back to get my stuff sometime though, I was thinking about coming back next weekend. Johnathan wanted me to go now...' I was warming a little to the idea. If I went now I wouldn't have to spend the next week worrying about what they were going to say to me.
`You can come back now. I've discussed it with Mikai, he has gone to inform Alex.'
I turned to Johnathan. I hadn't even heard him walk up behind me. `What?' My eyes zoomed past him and found Mikai making his way slowly toward the fair.
`Logan!'
`Just wait.' I yelled back, making my way towards Mikai as quickly as my sore leg would allow.
`Hey,'
He stopped and turned back to me. I couldn't tell if he was annoyed or not but with my limited experience with him I could only guess that he was. `What?'
I faltered for a moment. There was so many things to ask. How do you know Johnathan? Have you really been friends with Alex for that long? Do you really think Johnathan will just let me get my stuff and leave? But I didn't know him well enough to question him so much. Do you know if Alex had any other plans?' I asked instead, just before my silence became more then an awkward pause. I don't want to go off if-'
Go with them.' He interrupted. Alex's plans have changed.'
Changed?' His eyes, small tired and dark were focused on something past me, Johnathan I guessed, but he didn't respond. Is it work?' I pried. Alex told me about the case he's working on...' He finally looked at me, his small eyes narrowing even more. He told me about the witness...' I continued more quietly.
Finally he responded, his tone low like mine. `We're moving the witness to Ganstein. It's best you're not in the way.'
`Ganstein?' I'd never heard of it.
His eyes seemed to study me harder as if trying to find out exactly what I knew, they almost looked accusing. Home.' He said. And we're not planin on leavin it for awhile so you better get your stuff now. Ganstein is a near four hour drive north, no ones gonna wanna bring you all the way back later. Get your things now.'
I let my breath out slowly. `I guess I should go with them then.'
Mikai took a step back signalling that, at least for his part, the conversation was near over.
How will I find you guys?' I took a step forward. I've never heard of Ganstein, and I doubt Johnathan will actually let me take the car. My licence is still suspended for another month yet, he wouldn't have forgotten. Is there a bus or a train that goes there?'
No.' Mikai said bluntly while patting down the pockets of his dark grey pants, searching for something that he finally found in the front pocket of his black vest. Another step back. I know who to call, you'll get picked up from your house in two hours.' He turned away, his shaved head lowered to the black phone he'd pulled from his pocket. He slowly made his way toward the main gates with it held to his ear.
`Thanks.' I called after him, probably too late to be heard.
Staring down at the gravel beneath my feet I slowly made my way back to Johnathan and Angela not entirely convinced I was doing the right thing. The drive home would take over an hour, which left little time to pack and talk. Good, I didn't need long.