Kind Regards

17. Gold Digger

My mind raced with endless possibilities, the fear of my little brother being in danger.

Me: Nate? Please just send a text. I'm worried about you.

I watched the text remain on delivered for a few seconds before making walking toward the keys to most of Nico's cars. There was no time to ask for permission.

Once I heard the car unlock, I quickly got inside and started it up. Where the hell would Nate go?

Driving around aimlessly, trying to rack my brain with ideas. The truth is, I don't know him well enough to know where he would go or where he could be. Part of me knew he was safe, but the other part was preparing to walk into gunfire to get to him.

"Because I swear to God Nate, I would go to hell and back a thousand times over before he could ever get his hands on you"

My old house. He wouldn't go there would he? What is there for him? I turned onto the familiar street, keeping an eye on cars along the way before spotting his new R8.

I parked in the driveway, locking the car before heading inside. The front door was unlocked, does this kid know basic safety?

There was a thud in my father's office. God, I wish I brought a gun or something to defend myself.

I pushed the office door opened, relieved to see my brother sitting on the chair staring at the desk.

"Nate" I spoke up, startling him. "Seriously? I- what are you doing here?"

Now was not the time to scold him... maybe soon once he tells me what the hell is up.

He looked up at me with tear stained cheeks, breathing shakily.

"I- I just wanted to see the house you grew up in and" he paused, looking down at his hands. "Do you know how many marks there are? Marks from you struggling?"

I furrowed my brows, wondering how the hell he pieced it together or why the hell he did to begin with. I sighed, walking toward the desk and leaning against it.

"I know and I'm sorry you had to see it. But look at me, I'm alive and happy, something just a year ago, I couldn't imagine being" I attempted to lighten the mood.

He chewed on his inner cheek, shaking his head nonchalantly.

"How did you even spot them anyway? Weirdo" I joked, nudging my knee against his.

A soft laugh escaped his lips, making me laugh as well. He was opening up to me and most importantly, he was safe.

"I'm interested in forensics, leave me alone" he muttered, leaning back against the chair.

I nodded, looking around the room to see that he didn't move anything or go snooping. Not that he would find anything of importance, just pure curiosity.

"Alex"

"Nate?"

He hesitated for a moment, tapping his fingers against the desk. "How did you do it? Deal with him for so long?"

A question I often asked myself every day, how or why did I push through? Why didn't I just give up or let myself go?

"The sun, the moon and the truth"

He hummed confused, glancing up at me with curiosity. I looked down at the ring on my finger, holding it up in front of him.

"Look into it. Besides that, I did want to give up and I honestly never knew why I didn't. But now that he's gone, and you came into my life; I understand"