A Bond Never Broken

Chapter 20

Unknown POV

July 10, 2015 2:20 am

Cabin on Mayes Creek- outskirts of Franklin, Tennessee

The lamp on the desk beside me illuminated my work space just enough so I make out the wording I had been writing and the sketches I had drawn. I could hear the crickets chirping and could faintly make out the creek rushing a couple hundred feet away from the cabin. We had moved closer to Caroline and Luke.

Feeling every bit of exhaustion grab hold of me, I rubbed my eyes and took another sip of pure black coffee, trying to stay awake. It seemed as if even pure caffeine couldn't jolt my senses to life. I don't even know what cup I'm on, I had lost count about five hours ago. I had been working on the plan since about 5:30 this morning, not stopping except to use the bathroom or refill my mug. I think I nibbled on a sandwich from a local deli earlier, but it's probably still sitting on a price of cellophane on the kitchen counter. The boss wants this all done by the time he gets here tomorrow morning. He had warned me he'd be here at six o'clock sharp. And if there's one thing I've learned, he doesn't lie or bluff. You don't want to reason with him either. Just get it done, neatly and efficiently, and he's a happy camper.

I finished writing and tossed the pencil onto the desk, leaning back in the office chair and stretching my arms behind my head. I yawned and glanced at the digital clock sitting on an empty filing cabinet. 3:16 a.m. I groaned, I have approximately three hours until he gets here. I stood up and felt nausea overcome me. I grabbed the desk for support and steadied myself. Maybe I should eat something before I went to bed.

...................................

"...You better be up and out here in five minutes! I said six and it's six fifteen!" I heard yelling and pounding on the door.

"Sorry, sir. Yes, sir." I yelled backed, jumping out of bed and slipping into jeans.

I was still buttoning them as I picked up the manila file containing the papers in my mouth, running to the door. I hastily opened the door to find him standing there, arms crossed and tapping his foot.

"About time." He growled and stepped aside.

I shut the door behind me and tried to find my composure. "Sorry, sir. I was uh up all night trying to finish these and..."

I trailed off as he took the file from my hands and opened it up. I could hear him mumbling and nodding his head every so often. I writhed my hands together, getting more nervous as the seconds ticked by. I didn't want to do all of this in the first place. I was kind of forced upon it. Being an old family friend and my life threatened upon, I kind of had no choice.

"Uh, sir, how is it?" I asked nervously.

He slowly closed the manila folder and handed it back to me, nodding his head and placing a finger on his lips. "Good, you did good. I like it. But that's only if you succeed with this one."

I nodded my head vigorously. "Oh, yes, yes sir. I will."

"Because, if I remember correctly, the last one you did was a complete failure." He bellowed, then smiled. "So, let's not have that happen again and this'll be perfect."

I gulped. "Yes, sir."