THE LONG WAIT

Chapter 23: A visit from family

Shelley was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner when she heard the doorbell ring, startling her and almost making her drop the bowl she was holding. With a hint of curiosity and a touch of apprehension, she called out to see who had arrived unexpectedly. "It's me, David," came the familiar voice from the other side of the door, instantly easing her momentary tension.

"Coming!" she called out, her voice echoing softly in the cosy hallway as she hurried to the front door. Swinging it open, she welcomed her cousin into her warm apartment.

"It smells wonderful in here," David remarked, catching a whiff of the savoury aromas wafting from the kitchen.

"How have you been?" he asked, a genuine curiosity in his tone.

Shelley offered a quick smile, trying to mask her true feelings. " I wasn't expecting you, but I made rice and egg stew. Would you like some?"

David's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "I would love some!" he replied, following her into the kitchen where the inviting scent filled the air.

As she spooned the stew into a bowl, David turned to her. "You didn't answer my question," he said, concern creeping into his voice.

There was a moment of silence, the air thick with unspoken words, before she finally replied, "I'm doing great," forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

David couldn't help but notice her hand trembling slightly as he made his way toward her. The palpable anxiety in her posture caught his attention. Gently, he reached out and took her hand in his, feeling the coolness of her skin against his palm. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. "You're shaking all over. What seems to be the problem? Please, talk to me." The sincerity in his gaze encouraged her to open up, as he waited patiently for a response.

Both David and Shelley sat on stools behind the kitchen counter, a quiet understanding passing between them. Shelley took a deep breath before speaking. "I ran into someone I really wished to avoid, and it brought back memories of an accident I'd prefer to forget. I never shared this with you because I wanted it to stay in the past."

David gently squeezed Shelley's hand, his heart aching for her as he listened to her pain. As he listened it was hard for him to believe that everything Ben had told him was true. The realization that Nathan-a person he thought he knew well, his former roommate from university and a colleague-could be capable of harming his own cousin was almost too much to bear. The weight of this secret pressed heavily on him, and he felt a deep sadness knowing he couldn't confide in his cousin about knowing the man who had hurt her, at least not at this moment. Maybe sometime in the future.

-Adam POV-

In the solitude of his office, Ben found himself staring blankly into the distance, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. His mind kept replaying the image of David bolting from the room, panic etched across his face as he rushed to his cousin’s house, desperate to ensure she was safe. Ben couldn’t shake the memory of the fear that had flashed in David's eyes when he recounted the horrific ordeal Shelley had faced at the hands of Nathan. For a brief moment, it seemed like David might unleash fury, but it quickly morphed into something deeper—a profound worry for his cousin’s wellbeing.

One undeniable truth hung between them: both Ben and David would go to great lengths to protect Shelley, no matter the cost.

As these thoughts danced through his mind, Ben recalled the call he had promised to make to the private detective—a connection Mr MarQueen had suggested. He had been instructed to reach out anytime a case arose that needed digging deeper, and right now, he felt an urgent need for answers about Nathan. With determination, he picked up his phone and dialled while walking towards the door, locking it behind him as he awaited the connection.

Suddenly, a deep voice resonated on the line. “Hello, Mr. Adams. I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon, especially after Mr. MarQueen had introduced us only yesterday. What brings you to call?”

-David POV-

In the shadowy depths of a dimly lit alleyway, David stood nervously, glancing around as he waited for Nathan to arrive. The air was crisp and heavy with anticipation, and no one else was in sight. With a quick swipe of his phone, he sent Nathan a text urging him to meet here for a conversation that couldn’t wait.

A few minutes later, David spotted Nathan emerging from his sleek black car, his brow furrowed with confusion as he closed the distance. “David, for God’s sake, why the secrecy? What couldn’t wait until morning? Whatever it is, you could have told me on the phone!” Nathan called out, his voice echoing in the stillness.

As Nathan approached, David could feel the tension crackling between them. Without warning, he surged forward and struck Nathan squarely in the face, sending him reeling back in shock. “What the hell was that for?” Nathan shouted, anger and bewilderment mingling in his tone.

David’s heart raced. His mind was set on ensuring that this crucial conversation would unfold, but the stakes were higher than ever.

"That punch—consider it a lesson for your despicable attempt to assault my cousin, you fool!" David's voice trembled with fury, his eyes blazing with betrayal. "All those years we spent together in school, I stood by you through thick and thin. I defended you against every single accusation, but were they really just accusations? Deep down, they were all true, weren't they? I can’t believe you would dare to target my cousin like this!"

Nathan rubbed his jaw, "What are you talking about men? What cousin?" he asked.

"Shelley Dickson is my cousin, you jackass, and to think you will do such a thing to a woman is truly shocking. You are disgusting. From now on, I don't know you. When we meet at work, we act professionally, but after work, we are strangers." David turns to leave, but Nathan calls after him, "I didn't even know she was related to you men."

David turns to look at him. "So you're saying it's OK to abuse her since you didn't know we were related? Surely Ben warned you not to mess with her. "If you perceive his words as a threat, then you have no idea what I will do to you should you re-approach her." After that, David departs, leaving Nathan to attend to his injury.

A/N: Hello, everyone; I apologize for the overwhelming number of ideas that have been swirling in my mind. I felt the need to put them all down, so please forgive me if this chapter feels a bit too intense. I hope you enjoy it, and if not, I ask for your forgiveness in advance. I promise to do better next time.