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 so far away. My thoughts were running miles and none were staying for even a few seconds for me 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, 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," voice break.

"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' 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 his hand and pocketing it deep in my Jean pockets crossing my arms.

"Of course you're related, 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 car 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 bring Kensie was at the bottom just after the time and a hope you can get off work. Don'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 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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