Patience

Chapter 5 - Pick Up Lines for Days

The last few days have been long, the weekend flying by with little to no sleep. Thomas and I have been staying in Manny's guest room for the last three days while his boys have been scouting out our street to ensure there's no sign of someone watching it. As far as we can tell the only information this mystery stalker is aware of is that I work at the Sports Bar and what car I have, Manny has insisted on swapping cars until we know for sure who was following me.

Tom has been loving being around other people though, Manny being the closest thing to a father figure he's ever had. Me on the other hand, I'm going a little bit crazy not having my own space and being in my own house. Don't get me wrong, I am beyond grateful for the help and I know their only looking out for us, taking extra precautions because of Adam but I'm getting a bit exhausted by it all.

Manny already took Tom to school this morning and we'll be making our way into the office shortly to provide an update to the rest of the team. I've had to email Professor Morgan to let her know I won't be in today and to advise Hunter of the same on my behalf, I can already picture the unimpressed crease to his brow but I'm not sure there's much more I can do about it. To be completely honest, he's already kind of growing on me and I can't help but feel bad that I won't be there today to continue on with our assessment.

"Morning Guys, sorry to pull you all in first thing on a Monday but we'll call it even by cancelling tomorrow's meeting. Now, I'm sure Manny has provided a brief explanation of my situation. On Thursday night I was followed from work by two guys in a Silver 1997 Toyota Camry who continued tailing me until I made my way to Manny's place. He has sent you all the number plate to distributed to your other runners, now I know we are all aware of our surroundings when completing our handovers but just be a little more cautious over the next few weeks." I stand, making my way around the table, handing out envelopes to each of them. "I've also changed up everyone's schedules just to add that extra layer of protection and have spoken to our buyers personally to assure them they won't be missed. I have taken into account your personal commitments; I don't want to be that person that uplifts your whole life so let me know if something doesn't work and I'll see what I can do."

They all nod, taking out their paperwork and diaries. "Do we think this was Adam?" One of the women at the end of the table speaks.

Looking over to Manny as I take my seat, giving him the go ahead, he nods. Taking over the discussion going forward. "At this point in time we are unsure if Adam is behind the incident on Thursday, Sage proceeded with her regular routine on Friday without issue, but we don't want to take any unnecessary risks. We have confirmed over the last few days that no one is watching Sage's house, Thomas' school, or the office, they are aware of where she's working and what car she's driving but so far that seems like all they know. We have swapped cars so if she is being followed, they will ultimately be following me. I will have a junior runner with me at all times for further protection should something happen. This may seem like a lot of changes but it's better safe than sorry." He stops, taking a breather and a sip of the water in front of him. "I think that's all we have today so if you've got any questions give me a call or send through an email." Manny finishes.

With no questions and the instruction to change things up clear, they file out.

"I'm going to head home later today and clean up your guest room, thanks for letting us stay. I know Tommy is a bit much to handle sometimes." Cleaning off the table and locking away some paperwork, I make my way to the door, Manny not far behind.

"I don't know how you've been doing it all by yourself Sage, he eats more than I do." He chuckles, leading me out to the car, a hand on my back as he survey's the street before we take off.

"Tell me about it, he's like some kind of stray animal. He's loved being around everyone the last few days, he'll want to come visit more often now though."

"Don't stress about it kid, we're here anytime. I know it's not exactly the life you want for him, and we'll try keep it all separate but sometimes you have to face that you can't do it all yourself. It takes a village and all that." This whole living two lives thing is becoming a serious problem; it's like a ticking time bomb and is getting to the point where I feel like I have to either be all in or all out for one of them. Running this business keeps us going, gives us money and will set Thomas up for a better life than the one I had growing up, but my degree will allow me to hand the business over to someone else, it will allow me to actually live a normal life and earn a living the normal way. The right way.

"Thanks again Manny, I'll see you when I finish work tomorrow night." With a salute, I jump in his car and make my way home.

About two hours later as I'm getting ready to pick Tom up from school, my phone rings from the front room. Mia's name flashing on the screen as I pick it up, "Heyy, sorry I didn't let you know where I was at. I've had a bit going on."

"No worries, Love. These things happen." Hunter's voice comes through from the end of the line, a smile in his voice.

"What the hell? Where's Mia?" I guess that's one way to get my number, steal my best friend's phone...

"She's right here, she gave me her phone, not willingly I might add but here we are. Are you good? Need some chicken soup?" I can hear the wind thrashing against him in the background and Mia telling him to hurry up, knowing this has certainly crossed a line.

"No, I don't need chicken soup. I'm not sick, I just had some family stuff to deal with. I'll see you tomorrow at the bar like normal though. Can you put Mia on?"

"Alright, sounds good. Glad you're alright, I didn't have any soup anyway. 4pm tomorrow? No don't answer that actually, I'll text you when I get there." Jesus Christ. "I missed you today Sage."

"Oh, alright." Is the only thing I can think to say.

After a bit of shuffling around, a chuckle from Hunter and a few words exchanged between him and Mia, she finally seems to have wrestled the phone back from him. Sighing heavily, she finally speaks. "Hey... I'm so sorry about that. He pretty much ambushed me, is this going to be alright?"

"I mean it's not exactly ideal, but I guess so. He seems harmless enough and it'll make getting our paper done easier I guess" I say shrugging.

"I'm sorry, I was worried as well so when he strong armed me I kinda made it too easy for him. Is everything alright?" She asks.

Taking a deep breath, I run through the events of the last few days as I head out the door to pick up Thomas. Recounting our plan going forward and the fact that I shouldn't need her to watch Tom very often now, given the assistance of Manny and his boys. Making sure Tom is either always with myself or Manny will make sure I don't put her in the way of any unnecessary danger should someone link her to me.

"Shit Sage, I didn't realise all this would happen. I mean, your dads a bit of a loose cannon but we didn't really think he'd find you so quick."

"Honestly Mia, I kind of expected worse sooner. I've been going for years this way and considering the shit I work with, I've been lucky. I'm sure it'll all sort itself out in the next few weeks anyway. I've gotta go though, I'm picking Tom up as we speak." Pulling up to the curb, I can see him running full pelt toward the car. His bag swinging from side to side on his back, a massive smile on his face, my mood instantly lifting.

"No worries, I'll come see you tomorrow anyway." She says, hanging up.

As Tom gets in the car, my phone buzzes with a new text message.

Unknown Number: Baby, if you were words on a page, you'd be fine print. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, Love. Save my number.

Rolling my eyes, a small smile creeping onto my face, I lock my phone and turn my attention to Tom.

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