Not to be found

Chapter 45 - Landsdowne

-2 days later-
*Lacey's POV*

I watch as the last few boxes are put into the boot of the car and the door is closed, every last little thing was packed into a box ready to start our new lives.

I'm standing outside in the driveway of HQ, it's heavily guarded by armoured guards. Tall concrete walls surround the skyscraper and the entrance is covered by one large metal gate. I stand alone as the wind whips my hair around my face, as I look up into the clear blue sky.

"Well this is it then," Soph says making me jump as she places a hand on my shoulder, "make sure you let me visit."

"Of course," I smile, "I'll text you the address."

Ever since I had the tracker removed I was given my phone back, after various checks for devices and a wipe of memory I was allowed to use it again.

"I can't believe you're for real moving bro," Ed says, "like how is this real?"

"I am nearly 21, it's very normal," he rolls his eyes at his best friend.

I try not to laugh as I cover my mouth, hiding my growing smile. The two of them are just comical, like brothers.

"Are you guys ready?" Mike asks as he steps out of the double glass doors wearing casual clothes. Guess he's trying to fit in, "we need to make a move."

I smile and nod as Julie joins us at her husbands side, I notice a tear in Soph's eye as she pulls me in for a hug.
"I'll miss you," she gulps trying to swallow her emotions.

"I'll miss you too," I honestly say, "you can always visit, I'm always here."

She pulls me back and holds me by my shoulders, her next words being a tear to my eye, "go and live your life Lace, you truly do deserve it."

I smile and back away as I watch Ed clap Noah on the back in some sort of a hug, he then pulls me in and tells me to look after his 'best bro' and I try to stifle my giggle.

After one last wave goodbye from the car window we're off to Landsdowne, Noah moves his hand to hold mine over the backseat arm rest.

This is it. This is our new start, together.

*************************************
An hour later we stop at a service station, I can feel my anxiety bubble in the pit of my stomach as I realise this is the first proper time that I've been outside since the attack that my father set on me.

I wait in line for the queue to the toilets with Julie whilst Mike and Noah go and her coffee, although I can still feel Noah's watchful gaze on me from across the room. On a number of occasions I also see them both surveying the room and then looking over at me, obviously still on high alert in case anything happens.

It's just precautionary, nothing is going to happen. Remain calm.

After the 15 minute wait we eventually make it into the toilets, where I quickly sort out my hair and make up.

"You look lovely darling," Julie smiles as she joins me looking at my reflections in the mirror, "an absolute gem."

I smile at her as I apply a quick cost of lip gloss and we exit the toilets together. Once outside we make it back to the car and Noah places my coffee in the centre cupholder,
"Just an hour to go," he grins taking a sip of his coffee and raising his eyebrows.

I smile feeling more excited by the minute.

As we drive Mike turns on the radio and it hits me as to how long it's been since I've actually listened to music. I mean I've heard a few songs here and there, but I've never properly had the chance to listen and enjoy the message behind the song. I close my eyes and listen to every song that comes on, making sure that I take in all the words.