Too Close

Chapter 26

Tyler's P.O.V

"Honey, we're out of eggs and I really want to get these brownies in the oven. Would you mind running to the grocery store?" Mrs. C asked, walking into the room. I watched TV in the living room when O and I came back from playing pool and was rubbing behind Clyde's droopy ears. Clyde, who Mrs. C hadn't approved of, but Mr. C convinced her the dog had been here too long and was already attached to Olivia and I. He said it would be 'sinful' to give him up at this point.

"Sure."

"Here, there's a few more things we need." She handed me a list, her credit card, and Olivia's car keys. I grabbed my jacket which had been draped over a stool in the kitchen and zipped it up over my hoodie.

Instead of taking the car, I decided to walk. The nearest Acme was only five minutes away on foot. It was cold though, so I walked with my hands in my pockets and shoulders up to cover my ears. After a few minutes of walking, the store came into view. I was just crossing the parking lot when a big black SUV rolled up next to me. It screeched to a stop and the driver's door flew open. A big burly man I didn't recognize stepped out and walked toward me.

On instinct, I bolted in the opposite direction. Not entirely sure why I had the feeling that I needed to run, but I had a pretty good idea. I heard footsteps slapping against the wet pavement close behind, then I was grabbed by the hood of my jacket and an arm wrapped around my neck in a headlock.

"Get off me! I didn't do anything!" I started to shout as he dragged me to the car. I struggled against his hold and broke free. I threw a punch that hit him on the bridge of his nose. He merely grunted and kicked me hard in the stomach with a steel boot. My knees buckled and he punched me in the face, knocking me to the ground. He kicked me again and I cried out.

I rolled on my side and coughed. Blood flew out of my mouth and landed on the ground. "Who are you?"

"You're coming with me." He grabbed me by the collar and lifted me to my feet, then shoved me in the backseat of the car before locking the door.

I was attempting to pull the door handle with one arm holding my stomach when the car stopped a minute later in front of a big white house with large windows and a red door. The car door opened and I was dragged out and up the steps leading into the house. He opened the door and pushed me inside. I fell, grunting when my hands and knees collided hard with wooden flooring. In my peripheral I saw a few sets of legs. Some guys my age were lined up against the wall on my left, their eyes glued to the man sitting behind a glass table in the coffee colored chair.

"Tyler, me boy!" His hands shot up in the air. A wave of anger and nausea boiled my blood as soon as I saw him.

"Jason." I clenched my jaw and balled up my fists.

"How've you been, kid?"

"Why did you have him bring me here? You have no right."

"Don't I? Last time I checked, you were still me son."

"I'm not related to any scumbags." Jason laughed. "What do you want?" I never rose, never got to my feet. My head was pounding and my stomach was bruising. I just stayed there, kneeling before him. The man who held my life in his hands.

"Well, I'm home!" He continued when I didn't congratulate him. "And I'm throwin' a party with some very important people." The door behind him opened and out came a woman dressed in a tight mini dress. She leaned over the desk and poured him a glass of some dark drink. "And I'd like for you to come."

"Thanks, but no thanks," I spat on the floor, making a great deal of it and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. "I'm not interested in your welcome home party because frankly, you aren't welcome. And I speak for everyone in this room, aye?" I imitated my father's accent and looked around at the guys standing around like statues.