Don't Let Him Get You

Chapter 25

Ronan and Lillian were drinking their coffee before Ronan had to leave for work. Kiara was still sleeping after waking up throughout the night from her nightmares. Ronan kissed Lillian's cheek before rushing off. He wanted to get this case over with. The families needed peace, as did the victims.

Lillian sat in the living room trying to distract herself with some papers discussing a new surgical method being used in Korea. She was thinking of asking the director of the hospital to invite the surgeon here and hold a seminar. She was entirely focused on her work that she only realized Kiara was awake when the cushion sank down beside her.

"Good morning," Kiara whispered as she leaned her head against Lillian's shoulder.

Lillian tilted her head down. "Good morning. Did you manage to get some sleep?"

Kiara just shrugged. "Do I still have to stay at home?"

Lillian put down her papers and leaned back into the couch, gathering Kiara into her arms. "We thought it would be best if you stayed home from school until this case is solved. I know it's not what you want and finals are coming up, but I really think it's for the best. We just want to make sure we can keep you safe at all times."

Kiara sighed heavily. "I understand. Can I still talk to my friends and can they still come over?"

"Of course, sweetheart. Why don't you tell them that you'll be staying home from school and they can come by to see you?" As Kiara stood up to grab her phone, Lillian quickly grabbed hold of her hand. "But no going out, alright? Even though you're a big group, something can still happen."

Kiara couldn't pretend that she wasn't relieved. She was terrified of being outside, and even though her first experience at public school was ruined, she would still miss being around her peers.

She sent the group a message, letting them know what the plan was for her from now on. The replies quickly came in, all of them promising to visit after school and bring her the homework.

Kiara talked with them until they had to get to class. She knew he would be in class too, but she decided to message Matt. He was the only one she really wanted to talk to right now.

His reply didn't come until an hour later. Matt was relieved to hear from her after what had happened a few days ago, but he was also concerned that she was texting him during school hours. She was too much of a nerd to text during class.

"Hey, what's going on?"

Kiara tried to hold back her tears, but at the sound of his concerned voice, she lost her resolve. "Matt."

"Kiara? What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Matt walked to a quiet spot on the school grounds, isolated from anyone.

"I wanna come home. I don't wanna be here anymore." Kiara collapsed onto the floor, trying to hold herself upright against her desk. "I can't take it anymore."

"Kiara, what's going on right now? Talk to me." Matt paced as he thought up the worst-case scenarios but nothing prepared him for what she said.

Kiara babbled through her tears about the recent message. "He's coming for me and he's going to kill me. I don't know what to do."

"No one else is getting killed. Listen to me, Kiara, you are safe with Ronan and Lillian. They'll protect you, same with your friends. Don't let him get into your head."

"I really wish I was there with you."

"Me too. God, I wish you were here so I could keep you safe." He paced until an idea popped into his head. "I'm gonna book a flight and come to you."