The Secret Between Us//Gallavich

7| Realisation

LIP
In all honesty, when Mandy and Mickey were calling me about Ian, they worried me. Considering Mandy is Ian's girlfriend and she was worried, something must have been wrong.

———
(2 Months Later)

2 months is a long time, especially when it comes to missing family members. Frank being missing for 2 months isn't concerning, but Ian, that's a problem. Fiona had been asking for Ian's whereabouts since Mandy and Mickey called me asking where he was. I kept making excuses. At first I lied and said that he was spending some time with Mandy. Then, I lied and said that he had a month long ROTC camp.

When I heard a car park outside the house, I raced over to the window, panicking when I saw a Military car pull up and park. Was I glad that Fiona wasn't home? Yes, yes I was.

"Phillip Gallagher?" One of the two MPs asked as I shut my front door, hoping that no other Gallagher family member would show up.

"Yeah, who's asking?" I asked, knowing what a Military car looked like.

"Fort Dearborn Military Police." My heart dropped.

"You're Phillip Gallagher?" The taller MP asked, holding up what looked to be an ID.

"Is that your social security number?" He showed me the ID, wanting confirmation.

"Yeah. Fuck." I was starting to panic. How the fuck did the MPs have my ID and social security number?

"Do you know this man?" The shorter MP held up an image of Ian in a Military uniform. Not gonna lie, the uniform suited him.

"No, I've never seen him before in my life." I lied. They couldn't know that I knew him, or else they'd start to question me. Maybe they'd assume that I helped him illegally enlist in the Army.

"Any idea how he got a hold of your name and social security number?" The taller MP asked as he put the ID back in his pocket.

"No, but it's pretty scary, you know? I'm feeling pretty fucking violated over here. What's he, uh, what's he wanted for?" I asked, genuinely curious as to what Ian did that would result in the MPs being on the lookout for him.

"For impersonating you, apparently. Also for attempted theft of government property and being away without leave." My eyes widened. Ian must have experienced some shit in order to do something so crazy.

"Wow, no shit. What did he try and steal?" I asked, not expecting my question to be answered.

"Helicopter. Surface-to-air missile. Army issued boxer bri-" The shorter MP spoke up, being shut down by the other MP when he reached the last item.

"Mr. Gallagher, we may need you to testify. We'll be in touch." The taller MP handed me a card, turning around.

"Well, at ease, gentlemen." I watched as the turned to look at me, clearly annoyed.

"I've always wanted to say that." I chucked, hoping they wouldn't try to hurt me for saying that.

Watching as the MPs drove off, I made my way to the Milkovich house. When I got to the house, I walked inside, seeing Mickey and Mandy in the kitchen, both of them clearly worried.

"You two heard anything from Ian?" I asked.

"Nope. You?" Mandy asked, standing up.

"MPs came to my house earlier. They were looking for Ian." I spoke, Mickey's eyes widening.

"The fuck? Why?" Mandy asked, confused.

"For impersonating me, apparently. Also for attempted theft of government property and being away without leave." I rolled my eyes.

"What did he try to steal?" Mickey asked, looking like he was about to pass out.

"Helicopter. Surface-to-air missile. Army issued boxer briefs." I exhaled.

"Shit." Mandy rolled her eyes.

"Are you and Ian fucking behind closed doors? And are you the middle woman?" I asked, watching and Mickey and Mandy looked at each other worriedly.

"Excuse me?" Mandy laughed.

"You heard me. When Ian asked me for advice, he described the situation with the ROTC dude, his homophobic father and already being caught by someone. Then when I gave the advice, he took that advice and joined the fuckin' Army! That leads me to believe that you and Ian are in a secret relationship. Frank must have caught you and Terry must have been close to catching you. That leaves Mandy to be the one being paid to pretend to date Ian." I scoffed.

"Well done, Sherlock Holmes. You better not say a word." Mickey threatened me.

"Telling someone would mean that I have to explain why Ian ran off and joined the Army illegally. I'm hoping that Fiona doesn't find out. So no, asshole, I'm not gonna say a word to anyone!" I hissed.