May We Never Part Again (Sequel to Until We Meet Again)

He's Back

Nick's POV 

'Uncle Nick, can KT come out of the basement now?' Eve asked. Evening was setting in and a wild thunderstorm was raging outside, so we'd all set up blankets downstairs and put films on. 

'Unfortunately not yet, Eve, we've taken all the necessary tests, but we can't let her out until we know what's wrong with her.'  I shook my head. 'We know it's obviously not Mary because she's gone this time.' 

'Unless she found another way to cheat death.' Will threw in. 

'No, we all saw her disintegrate in front of us.' Lily piped up. 'She's definitely gone. Personally, I wouldn't put it past Michael.' 

'Why Michael?' I enquired. 

'He's still Lord Hoffman's son, I don't think we should fully trust him.' 

'I wouldn't have given him a job at Calimov if I didn't trust him.' I responded. 

'He's on our side now.' Eve nodded. 

'So Lils, what's the plan for tomorrow when your cousins visit?' Will asked. 

'It's going to be cramped as it is in my room, so I'm going to stay downstairs.' She rolled her eyes. 

'If you like, I can set you up a camp bed in the basement if it get's too cramped in your household.' I offered. 'As long as you and Will don't go sneaking around at night.' 

'Dad!' Will protested, making a face. 

'That'd be nice, thank you Mr Clarke.' Lily smiled gratefully. 

Knock knock!

'That'd be the takeaway man. I'll get it.' I got up and walked over to the door, opening it. 

It wasn't the takeaway. 

It was Katherine. She was soaking wet from the storm and she looked terrified. 

'Katherine? What-?' I stared. 

'Nick, Lord Hoffman's back!' She said hysterically. 'He threatened me, I didn't know what to do-' 

'Whoa, calm down Katherine, come in.' I guided her inside, shutting the door. 

She was trembling. 'Hoffman's alive. He's back.' 

'How? I thought he'd died in the explosion at Calimov.' I frowned, grabbing a blanket from on top of the radiator and wrapped it around her. 

'So did I. He'd faked his death. He's only just gotten back on his feet, that's why we've never seen him until now. Nick, he threatened me.' 

'What do you mean, he threatened you?' 

'I told him he'd go to prison if the police found out he faked his death, and he said I won't be able to do anything while he's around and told me to watch my step.' She looked really distraught. 

I pulled her in for a hug; at first she froze up but then relaxed against me. 'I won't let him hurt you.' 

Will came into the hall. 'Katherine? Dad, what's going on?' 

'Katherine, go straight upstairs to my room, wait there, I'll get you some dry clothes in a minute.' I said quietly. She nodded and went up. I turned to Will. 'I'll explain later, I don't want to cause anything.' 

He looked confused, but nodded and walked back into the living room. I headed upstairs; Katherine was stood in my room. I opened the wardrobe and grabbed some grey joggers and a white t-shirt and handed them to her. 'There are towels in the bathroom, go dry yourself off and get changed. I've ordered food, so it should be here soon and I'll bring some up for us. You can stay here tonight if it'll make you feel safer.' 

'Thank you Nick. Really, I-' She seemed to struggle to find the right words. I knew Katherine wasn't too good at expressing herself, so I nodded in understanding. She headed into the bathroom to sort herself out so I grabbed the remote off my nightstand and switched the TV on. 

'Dad, takeaway!' Will shouted up the stairs. I headed down and let everyone take their orders and I got some food for me and Katherine and went back up. I set the food on the bed and stuck a film on. Me Before You was on so I settled for that and chilled on the bed. 

A few minutes later, Katherine came in, wearing the joggers and t-shirt; they looked big on her which was kind of adorable. She was towelling her hair dry. 

'C'mon. I got pepperoni pizza.' I patted the spot next to me. She looked hesitant but nevertheless joined me on the bed. 'I love this film.' She said, taking a slice of pizza. 

'I've never seen it.' I shook my head. 

'Well be prepared, you'll end up sobbing.' She appeared to be more relaxed, but there was still a worried crease between her eyebrows. 

'Hey. We'll sort this out.' I reassured her. 'I won't let anything happen. Besides, not sure why he's making threats against you, when you haven't done anything wrong to him.'