Bully stepbrother

61. Disagree

MADISON

I returned to the building around five in the evening on that day, hoping Mitch was at home. He was the only one I could think of. He is the only one around here who could help us.

In the denim pants and t-shirt I've been wearing since Monday, I stepped out of the elevator. Then again, I have some visitors standing by my door. Bryan Tatum! And he has his two security men accompanying him.

Not now. I haven't attended school for three days. I haven't talked to Asher or picked up any phone calls that are not related to Caden's issues. All I need right now are solutions alone.

When his eyes found me, a smile began pulling his lips until he surveyed my miserable appearance, he came to be concerned, promptly. "Hey? I've been calling you."

I stop by Mitch's entrance door and let Bryan walk over to me. "I am sorry, I had been busy lately," I responded, trying to sound fine even though I look very beyond it.

"All right..." He suspiciously stares at me before he suggests: "Well, maybe if you are free I can take you to somewhere you might find repose. I know a place you will like." He smiles gently.

If only he knew there was nothing he can offer that could wipe away my distress right now. He shouldn't try in vain. I rub my tired face with my hand while I tell him: "I really appreciate the kindness but right now I have a lot on my plate. I will need you to leave."

His brows pinched together in confusion. I really am sorry, but he was useless to the matter right now. And time is something I don't have. Caden is been charged for an attempted murder that he had confessed to. His trial is on Monday and we have not a lawyer or any older person around.

Sorry, but there's nothing that could bring repose if not Caden's freedom. "Madison? Are you okay?" Bryan worriedly asked.

"Yes..." I nodded. "I-I have some things to round up." I implored. He hesitates for some seconds before he says: "Alright." and walks away with his men, into the elevator.

When I was alone in the hall, I breathe for half a minute, mentally gathering all the logical statements I've shelved for Mitch while on my way back home. Softly praying to God for Mitch to be home, I knocked twice on the wooden door. My heart pounding in my chest.

As the door swings open and Mitch appears in some weird yellow pajamas, I heave a relieved sigh: "Thank God you're home."

He cautiously gapes at me, like I have some weapon behind my pants and I was going to attack him any moment. "Why?"

"I need your help."

"What again?" He exhales loudly, acting already exhausted.

"Caden he...." I started but with the mention of my stepbrother, Mitch quickly cuts me off: "No... no, I am not getting involved in any of your troubles again... I will call your parents." He sternly concluded.

Yes, calling our parents was the right thing, I wanted to do that but Caden had made me promise to not let dad know about this. Which doesn't make sense because when the news goes out, it will be everywhere and dad will be finding it out on tv.

I know they don't have the best father-son relationship but I am sure dad wouldn't let his only son lock up in prison for years. "Please, Mitch. He's in jail and he will probably stay there for years if you don't help us." I desperately begged.

The story didn't seem to surprise him, it kind of annoyed me how he took it neutral like a young man's future wasn't in danger. "Why? Your parents have the right to know about this."

"My parents shouldn't know. They can't. Please... I will pay you if that will do." I rush, hoping he wants anything I can offer, I can give him the money for my car. All he just needs to do is help Caden out of that place.