I'll Help You Hide From Them

Paranoia

After the morning appointment I head to a nearby café that I know will be open at this time. After ordering some tea and breakfast, I take out my phone to see pictures of the man who was following me. I zoom the image in to see his face, looking up to see the man sitting a few tables away from me.

He notices that I've noticed him and walks over to me putting his PI badge on the table next to where my food is.

Damn, a fucking private investigator who thinks he's Sherlock Holmes. I don't need this.

"I heard you might be needing my assistance." He tells me confidently, although all I can hear in his voice is his sickening arrogance. "I'm a private investigator. I can investigate your partner's shooting and your abduction on your behalf since you've been dropped off the case." He tells me.

I glare at him, not even making an effort to show any interest since I certainly don't want his help.

"You're wondering how I know about your abduction, well it's made it to the news." He tosses a paper to land next to me showing just a small article on what happened without any details for anyone to tie it personally to me or even Shane for that matter.

If he knows that I was the victim he was probably involved.

No, I'm just being paranoid. Would he really try to help me if he had anything to do with it?

Like Dr. Illingworth said, criminals will do anything to get inside my head.

"I'm not interested." I tell him bluntly.

"See, I thought you would say that but it should help you sleep at night knowing that there's an extra set of eyes looking into it-" He settles down in the seat next to me.

"-JUST PISS OFF!" I snap at him.

"You haven't been sleeping well and I can understand that you're touchy over it. Being cut up and eaten by a cannibal must be-" He continues.

"-Did you not hear me? Get the hell out of my face!" I growl at him.

He looks a little confused to be getting this reaction. "Wouldn't the person responsible being arrested make you able to finally relax? I'm only trying to help you."

"How many times do I have to repeat myself? Leave now before I have you arrested for harassment." I warn.

"You can't do that-" He almost whimpers.

"-Do you know what? I don't care! I certainly don't want some wannabe big shot screwing around in the case and contaminating evidence all to make his career! I don't know you and I definitely don't trust you anywhere near enough to let you get even close to the case so stay out of it!" I snap at him.

He looks a little annoyed at the sound of this. "I already have a thriving career. So much for offering the police a favour." He mutters, putting his business card on the table. "Here's my details for when you change your mind."

I don't even wait for him to turn around before ripping the thing into small pieces. He looks deeply offended and angry at me.

"You know, there are a lot of journalists who are just waiting for the chance to publish your name first. The whole city is going to know what you went through and what an unpleasant person you really are." He turns up his nose at me, collecting his badge and heading towards the door.

A frustrated yell escapes me once he's gone and I bury my head in my arms, gripping at the back of my hair.

"Sir?" A nervous voice asks while reluctant fingers tap me on the shoulder.

I'm ashamed at how much I flinch. "Sorry, what is it?" I force myself to calm down to ask.

"I'm really sorry but after that display, we're going to have to ask you to leave for our other customers comfort." He seems to be really scared to tell me this news but I nod understandingly and get up to leave the café.

The second I step out into the street, Kier appears.

"Hey Drew, what happened this morning? Did you just have breakfast here?" He checks.

"Kinda, let's go somewhere else." I suggest.

"I don't know, Ralph told me that it's really good food in there." Kier murmurs.

"They just kicked me out so I won't be able to make up for leaving early if you choose to eat there." I point out.

"Why did they kick you out?" He asks.

"Some jackass was harassing me and I snapped." I bluntly reply. "I also think my plastic finger was making them uncomfortable." I mutter.

"I can go in and talk to them if you want." He suggests.

"No need, give it a day for everyone to calm down." I sigh.

He gives me a cautious look for a moment before starting another conversation. "You look tired. Did you sleep at all last night?"

"Maybe for about an hour peacefully." I shrug. "What about you? I didn't wake you, did I?"

"Nah, I slept really well." He replies cheerfully.

"That's good, I'm really glad you have." I genuinely tell him.

We get to another café and settle down. I offer to pay for everything since Kier is still living as a part time student. Having him nearby makes me feel calm at last. He's all I have left to remind me of Ralph.

I suddenly feel guilty about what happened in my dream last night.

Kier would be disappointed in me if he knew what I dreamt of doing with his brother. I don't know how to cope.

Kier, help me cope.