Revive (Book Two)

Chapter 35: Unravel

I had turned into the biggest news story across two countries. News that broke out extremely rapidly on who the mastermind was behind all of these horribly committed crimes and the cause of multiple, multiple deaths. Although I wasn't allowed my phone back because they were using it for the investigation, they weren't aware of my burner phone yet, which only meant that they wouldn't see any of my history with these so called horrific crimes.

What a shame.

Vivian was a smart lady. She equipped me with a brand new phone, specially delivered in the mail on my front porch and not a step further, full knowing I couldn't walk to the mailbox. No, I was glued to the floorboards of this rather nice, upscale apartment in the shittiest city I've ever had the privilege of knowing. This was no longer my home and I was growing increasingly uncomfortable from being so far away.

I could only assume that Aria provided her with my essential contacts seeing as they were already programmed into the phone. I hated the thought of them speaking to each other. I could just imagine Aria's thoughts when she figured out my lengthy call history with her.

Surprise, surprise, another fucking secret.

I had access to three numbers. Hers, Arias, and a lawyer she knew very well but I had other plans in mind.

I had memorized Tylers number from years prior but I didn't even have to call him before he called me first.

"Yeah," I answered the ringing phone.

I hadn't even spoken to Vivian yet, throughout this whole situation, but she was working behind the scenes and I trusted that she was doing her job precisely and with her usual elegance. I didn't have to worry about her, it was everyone else that was the issue.

"Fucking fuck," Tylers voice dripped in relief but there was a slight confusion hidden in there. "Holy fuck, Eli, what the fuck?" He panicked.

"How many news stations am I on?" I half joked but internally was yearning to know. I had a TV to distract my mind but I hadn't even bothered to turn it on, nor did I want to consume myself with it.

"All of them Eli, for fuck sakes. What the fuck man," He continued. "There's no fucking way... Your mugshot is everywhere. Fuck-"

I almost wanted to ask him how I looked in the mugshot.

I narrowed my eyes. "I didn't know lawyers spoke that way to their clients," I said simply.

There was a pause. "Aw man, Eli, no... I-I..." He stuttered.

I couldn't help but feel a small smile form on my lips. "You're perfectly educated for the job," I reassured. "That is, if you want it."

I hadn't spoken to him much these days. We'd occasionally speak but it was surface level. Things were a lot different since I woke up in that hospital room. I had fallen off the deep end once and thought I had destroyed my first glimpse of family but in return, Tyler had sent me to a rehabilitation mental hospital to help me with my obvious struggles.

A year afterward, I was welcomed with open arms and a place to stay while I adjusted and got back on my feet. Tyler with his usual golden retriever personality was just naturally generous when it came to those he cared about. I always found it astonishing because in my opinion, everyone was bound to fuck you over, abandon you, or disappoint you somehow.

My opinions on my peers was only a mere reflection in the mirror.

But here I was again, in trouble and fallen into a deep well with my limbs tied together and no way to get out of this one. I was hitting desperation all over again and I fucking hated it.