13

2 0 0
                                    

Adrian felt tears in his eyes, he was crying. Of all the things he could cry about for the first time in years it was heartbreak. He put the phone on the night stand and looked out the window letting the tears fall. He looked at the yard in front of him. The house was huge he had to be on the second floor, no balcony but he was sure looking at the house's built that a pipe was near his window. He will leave at night using the cover of darkness.

He wiped his tears. And sat on the bed. He waited patiently for nightfall. He had refused to eat any food he was given, not that they cared if he ate or not .

Adrian’s heart pounded as he squeezed through the narrow gap of the second-floor window. The night air hit his face like a cool splash of water, invigorating and harsh. He had managed to pry open the window just enough to slip through, his athletic frame moving with surprising agility despite the exhaustion and pain from the past week.

Outside, the moonlight cast long shadows across the grounds of Trent’s estate. Adrian dropped silently onto the grass below, the impact softened by the careful roll he executed. He glanced around, scanning for any signs of security. The grounds were eerily quiet, but he knew better than to assume he was safe. The faint hum of motion sensors and distant patrols told him that escaping undetected would be a challenge.

Adrian moved swiftly, his steps light and calculated as he dodged the occasional beam of light from security cameras. He used the shadows and the dense foliage to his advantage, weaving through the garden and avoiding the main pathways. Every sound, every rustle of the leaves, heightened his sense of alertness.

Finally reaching the perimeter, Adrian found a low fence and scrambled over it with practiced ease. On the other side, the night air felt less oppressive, and he took a moment to catch his breath. He had successfully evaded immediate detection, but there was no time to waste.He made his way to the bustling  city and stayed hidden from cameras or and people.

Finding a nearby payphone was a stroke of luck. Adrian’s hands were trembling as he fumbled with the coins, inserting them one by one. The dial tone felt like a small victory, a sign that he was one step closer to finding out what had happened.

When his best friend Kim answered the phone, Adrian’s relief was palpable. He quickly explained the situation, the rush of words barely containing his anxiety.

“Kim, it’s Adrian. I escaped from Trent’s place. I need to know what’s going on—how’s my dad? And where are you?”

Kim's voice came through, calm but with an edge of urgency. “Adrian, we left the country. We had to—things got too risky. But there’s some good news. Your dad woke up. He has been awake for a month, he's okay.”

Adrian’s breath hitched, a mixture of relief and concern flooding over him. “Thank God. I—what do I do now?”

“Lay low,” Kim advised. “Find somewhere safe. We’ll be in touch, but right now, you need to stay out of sight. We’ll figure out the next steps together.”

We're exactly are you Adrian asked.

London, Kim said.

Liam knows doesn't he, Adrian said.

I was scared, I couldn't...

It's okay brother...I have a place to go to.... don't tell them I'll contact you once I make it to the UK Adrian said.

With that, Adrian hung up, his mind racing. He needed a place to hide, somewhere away from the immediate reach of Trent’s men. The only person he trusted with his safety right now was Big Dee.

Navigating through the dark streets, Adrian finally reached Big Dee’s place. It was a modest house, surrounded by high fences and nestled in a quiet neighborhood. He approached cautiously, glancing around to make sure he wasn’t being followed. The familiarity of Big Dee’s home brought a glimmer of comfort amid the chaos.

Big Dee opened the door with a concerned look, immediately pulling Adrian inside. “Adrian! What happened? You look like hell.”

Adrian collapsed onto the nearest chair, his body still tense with adrenaline. “I escaped from Trent’s place. It’s a long story. I need to lay low for a while. Can I stay here?”

Big Dee nodded, his expression softening with empathy. “You can stay as long as you need. Let’s get you cleaned up and settled. We’ll figure things out from here.”

As Adrian took a moment to rest, the weight of his recent escape began to settle in. He was safe for now, but the road ahead was uncertain. He had escaped Trent’s clutches, but his fight was far from over.

-----------

So that's what happened, I thought boss killed you Big Dee said.

Nah ....

So this Trent guy used you as a stand in for his lover...

It's not like we were together, are you going to turn me in to your boss or Trent...

Hell nah I am not risking your safety to a bunch of sadists... And Trent doesn't deserve you... I helped your family out of the country, paid your loan you owe me Big Dee said.

Just kill me already Adrian said.

No, after this shit dies down, you are going to go back to school and get a degree , get a job ,make a lot of money and I'm going to mooch off you for the rest of my life Big Dee said.

Just like that Adrian asked.

Just like that....Brick said entering the house.

You called him Adrian said.

Relax kid, you are safer with me around. Snake said he will come by later to prepare a goodbye meal for you  Brick said.

Thank you guys and I'm sorry my choices put you on a tight spot Adrian said.

It's alright, we gotta look out for each other Big Dee said.

Yeah... you are leaving in five hours so better have a long relaxing bath Brick said.

Adrian went to bath. He understood now why the client chose him. He had the same face as Leo making him the perfect candidate for getting Intel on Trent. He sighed, he was going to put Trent behind him once he left the country. He needed someone who could love him for him not because he has the same face with someone.

BREAK BEFORE DAWN (Book 2 of the Floyrince)Where stories live. Discover now