“I’m going to head home.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, secretly glad. Oliver had been grouchy since we’d gone to the police station.
“Yes, I’m sure. I just need to be alone for a while. I need a nap.”
“Okay.”
“Yeah.” Oliver still sounded distracted. It would be nice to have a break from him. Even though I had finally made a friend, I found the idea of being at my apartment alone relaxing.
“Are you going now?” I asked trying not to sound pushy.
“I think so. Sorry I’ve been in a odd mood. It’s just that the company announcing their rockets and the police not telling us anything has made me really worried.”
“It’s fine,” I said quietly and falsely. “I can’t say the past two days have been dull. I probably would have just been at my apartment doing nothing, at least it’s been interesting hanging out with you.” Well that part was true.
Oliver stopped walking down the sidewalk. “I’ll be in touch.”
I stopped too, facing the park behind him. There were people walking around bundled up in winter clothing. They probably didn’t have a care in the world. They weren’t part of some kind of conspiracy with a dangerous company and a man they’d only just met.
Dragging my self up from the depths of my thoughts I responded. “How?”
“I’ll just stop by your apartment.”
“Alright,” I agreed. My mind was a cloudy mass of thoughts. I was exhausted, overwhelmed and confused. I had just spent a good portion of my day trying to help Oliver make sense of everything.
“Bye then,” Oliver said.
“Bye,” I replied softly. He turned and walked down the street. I remained where I was as relief washed over me. I was alone, I was going to have a break from the craziness.
I gazed into the park and saw a bench. Walking over to it and I sat down sighing. My legs were glad to have a rest. Leaning against the back of the bench, I placed my hands in my lap, closed my eyes and took a deep, cleansing breath. I needed to rest. I needed to think. I needed to figure out what was going on.
As I sat on the bench absorbed in my thoughts, I began to feel for Oliver. He had told me a little of what the company of capable of. I had learned what they had tried to force him to do before he had left. It was no wonder he was so worked up about all of this. He was kind to me; he had explained the best he could. He’d been a friend. And yes, I know that he kind of dragged me into all of this, but he’d warned me. Besides, I had agreed to help him.
I took another deep breath, trying to clear all thoughts of the company from my mind. My heart told me I couldn’t stop helping Oliver, I had come to care about him. However, I wasn’t sure how I would be able to help. Stop it! I told myself. My thoughts had started to wander again. Just breathe and clear your mind.
A few seconds and a deep breath later, I opened my eyes. I had just enough time to register that a short man in a suit was standing before me.
The next thing I knew something was flung over my head. I couldn’t see or speak the fabric was stretched so tightly against my face. I tried to wriggle away, but someone grabbed my right arm. I felt someone’s firm grip on my left shoulder. Before I knew it I was being forced forward at a quick pace. I was shoved down onto something hard. I heard a door slam shut.
Something hit my head. My world ceased to exist.
I hope I won’t be in suspense too long.
Don’t worry. It won’t be long.
I hope I won’t be in suspense too long.
Don’t worry. It won’t be long.