A single bullet // M.C ✔️

10

Rain pelted on the glass of the office window as I stared at my open phone. Movement was outside the door, but it seemed so far away, so far away. My thoughts were running miles, and none were staying for even a few seconds for me to even comprehend what they were.

I pushed against my desk and tried to stand up, my legs feeling like jelly as they carried my body over to my small sofa before letting my body collapse and sink into the plush black cushions.

Hair fell forward over my face as I bent over, putting my head in my hands. I couldn't believe what I had seen on my phone, what I had been given.

A loud sob snaked through my throat and out my mouth, making me slap my hand over my lips and squeeze my eyes shut, shaking my head. This can't be happening to me. It can't. Over two articles. Got to be quiet. I'm in the office. Remember that.

Uncontrollably, my body started shaking as I tried to keep the train of sobs in, not wanting to be a waterfall in my office. Someone can walk in.

Three loud raps sounded on my wooden door, making another sob leave my mouth.

"Nicky? I'm coming in." Luke.

"Go away. I'm busy." I wiped at my eyes hastily, black mascara covering my fingers. "shit." I grabbed a tissue and tried to wipe the black tar off my hands, only spreading it around.

"We both know that's not true." He pushed open the door and stood there, his blue ocean eyes scanning my body up and down. "What happened?" Concerned was actually present in his voice as he quickly walked over, making sure to shut the door behind him so no one else could hear or see us.

"Nothing," my voice broke.

"Again, bullshit." He rolled his eyes, crouching in front of me and placing his hands on my knees.

"I got a message," I breathed out, glancing at where I left my phone unlocked on my desk. He shot up and walked over.

"Can I look?" His hands moved and picked up the device before a yes or no left my lips, making me shrug.

"Not like you're going to anyway."

Iris's flicked from left to right as he read the words present on my skin, colour seemingly draining from his skin and cheeks leaving him a sickly pale grey colour.

"It's not that bad," I lied, still physically unable to stand up and walk over to him, pins and needles all over my legs restricting me.

"Not that bad? This is awful." He argued, looking at me, anger clear on his face. "God, he pisses me off."

"Whoa, that's my uncle you're talking about." I finally stood up, snatching my phone out of his hand and pocketing it deep in my jeans, crossing my arms.

"Of course, you're related; it makes a whole lot of sense." He scoffed, "and to think I was worried about that message."

"It was information about my dad's funeral!" I couldn't believe my ears. I knew he was an ass, but this is unbelievable.

"You can't have the day off work."

"Bullshit," I snapped, uncrossing my arms and stepping closer to him. "Are you serious! You're really that much of an asshole and douche that you won't let me go to my dad's funeral!"

"We have too many people off that day already. I'll make you a deal-,"

"Deal with the fucking devil,"

"Shut it, darling. Do two articles before the end of the week, and you can have the day off. Fuck, you can even have the whole week off if your highness needs." My eyes filled with angry tears as I groaned, clenching my fists.

"You're fucking with me, aren't you? You better be."

"Nope, 100% truth. Two articles, you get the day off or the week if you need time to recover and deal with the grief."

"This isn't something you bargain-,"

"It is now, I'm boss. New rules."

"Shut the fuck up," I went to throw a slap at him, not to harm him but to let my anger out, being stopped in my spot as he grabbed my wrist, squeezing way too hard.

"Let go!" I yelled, pulling at my arm, making him let me go.

"Don't swing for me again, or you're fired and won't ever work again for a newspaper. I have connections, Nicky, and I'm not afraid to use them. Two articles by the end of the week, and that's final." And with that, he left, slamming my door behind me.

A single scream left my lips as I put my hands in my hair. He's even worse than Dave, and I didn't think that was possible. He's only not an ass when Calum's nearby, and that won't be till the end of next week. I threw myself back down onto my office chair, resting my head over the back before lifting it back up, pulling my phone out, and reading the message about my dad's funeral from Mom.

Next Wednesday. It's so soon. Am I ready to say goodbye? A little bit. Kensie was at the bottom just after the time, and I hope you can get off work. It doesn't seem like I'll be there.

Relief filled me when I saw that was the message he thought I was on about and not the other message that was on my screen moments before. Words that sent chills down my spine and sent my legs into jelly mode.

Unknown number
Two down, plenty more to go, darling. No more leaving dirty notes on the floor for you to find now. You can message directly to the source. You're not safe anymore. We are always around. Always watching. Soon, we'll meet in person, and I can't wait for that day. Say hi to my mates for me. You love them, but they are just as dangerous as me.

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