Suspected Terrorists

《51》

Katie

Travis was sat watching his favourite show while I did the dishes which were leftover from lunch. The familiar title sequence had begun to play when a phone started to vibrate on the kitchen counter. Obviously thinking it was mine, Travis ignored it in favour of watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

However, I knew that mine was charging in the bedroom. "Travis honey," I called, "are you going to answer that?"

He shook his head, eyes glued to the TV. I sighed and went to answer the phone myself. After drying my hands, I reached across the counter to grab the small device.

The caller ID read: Admiral Bluefood. I studied it again with a puzzled look just to be sure. But it was still Percy. Now Percy wasn't the kind of guy to ring up for friendly chats. He was more likely to swing by unannounced then even send a text.

I answered the call and put the phone to my ear. "Hey Percy, what's up?"

"Hey, Katie," Percy greeted, though not in his usual upbeat manner.

"Everything okay?"

I heard Percy take a deep breath. "Is...Travis there?" Percy's voice cracked, as if he were on the verge of breaking down into tears.

"Uhhh...yeah. What's going on?"

"I...I should talk to Travis," he insisted.

"One sec," I told him. I put the call on hold and Travis swivelled round to look at me.

"What's up with Percy?" He wondered as he stuffed a Cheeto in his mouth.

"I don't know. He seems distressed," I admitted. "He wants to talk to you."

Travis frowned in confusion but leapt over the back of the sofa. He cleaned his fingers on his shirt, leaving bright orange stains, then took the phone from me.

"Hey Perc, how's it going?"

I heard the faint sound of Percy's voice as I watched Travis' expression change from cheerful to shocked.

"Oh gods! Is-is everyone okay?"

There was a brief moment of silence, I didn't hear Percy speak. Anxiety and worry raced through my body.

"Seriously Percy! Is everyone okay?" He demanded.

Travis' expression moulded from shock to horror. His lip trembled and his eyes welled with tears.

"No," he gasped. He squeezed his face with his hand as he continued to mutter,  "No, no, no, no, no...no."

I felt frozen in place. I wasn't sure what was going on but as Travis began to unravel, I started to put the pieces together.

"You're not...y-you can't be serious. You're lying! This is a f*cking prank, right?"

Travis sank to his knees, crying as he pleaded and begged Percy to be lying.

"He can't...he can't be dead."

The final piece fell into place. Connor...no. My hand flew to my mouth to stifle any scream that might escape. I entire body shook as I held back my sobs. I couldn't break down. Travis needed me. I looked at my boyfriend who was screaming into the phone at Percy Jackson.