Stand by Me

Nine

Jay's POV

Today has been a horrific day. Bad luck is written all over my fate. I am so angry at myself to let this slip out of my hands. My fear that someone would find out has come true, considering the fact that is was false!!

It was a BIG misunderstanding. I was walking towards my Ashton (too bad, as I missed my old car, which has been given for service), when I feel a hand tap against my shoulder.

"Hey, bad boy!"

No! Not again!!! It's him again! I didn't want to look stupid again my being seen with him. So, I moved away, pacing quickly behind the parking lot.

"What do you want?!", my voice is sharp, annoyance dripping at every syllable.

"I had a great time with you today", if he smiled any further, I swear his eyes would pop out.

"Listen up, wuss! Whatever deal we had, it's over. Someone literally caught us red handed and clicked a freaking picture damn it. And all of that narrows down to the question of my sexuality! That is the last thing I want because it is totally false. And if there's any reason behind it, then it's you!", I clench the collars of his shirt, preparing to blow him a punch!

"Oh, what? Now you're trying to blame and threaten me? You, listen up, Rollins!", he tries to push me, but obviously fails. " If I posted that video and those pictures, your whole world will change in the snap of a finger. And your high-reputation-billionaire Daddy wouldn't be proud of that, would he?", he evilly smirks.

Too easy for him to say. Obviously, he doesn't have any problem if that new girl shares the picture. And to add a cherry on top of the cake, his face was barely seen in that picture. Everything's been turning up against me. If Dad, on top of everyone, finds out, I am so dead!

Although, I ensured that the picture was deleted. I will have it checked again through my own sources. But, I don't know why. I feel like I can trust the girl.

"Look, Jay. Threaten me all you want. But at the end of the day, you'll come back to me and I already know it. But, if you wanna say no.." , he takes his phone out," I can hit send and-"

Too slow, slippy fingers. I snatch the phone from his hand, even before he realizes what is happening.

"Oh, you think I'm that stupid! I have made several copies of that. Now give me my phone, or face the consequences!"

"Why, is there something precious in this that you don't want anyone to see?", I mimick a pity tone.

"Give me the damn phone, Rollins!",he iss screaming now. Wow, what a price! There must be something very important to him on this phone and there's no way I'm letting this one slip out of my hands.

Even before he knows it, I blow a punch at his face and he is knocked out. I ensure three times, if I am being watched. The coast is now clear. I put him over my shoulder and throw him to the back seat of my car. I keep his phone inside my pocket and drive away.

~~~

"Tell me all the possibilities, Mark"

Mark is my personal...um... How do I put it?.. Screw it. He is a hacker and one of the very few people I actually trust.

"Well, I deleted the video and picture from all its sources, this phone being it's very source. But, we're too late cuz it's already been copied to two devices; a laptop and a computer. I can can currently get only its links but if I keep trying, I can get the IP address. It would be a lot easier if I got the code", he says , constantly typing on his computer.

"The code?"

"Yup. There's a unique code to every device. Usually, it's on the CPU of a computer or the back of a laptop."

"Okay, leave that to me. I'll somehow figure it out and get it to you by Friday."

"Cool", he just glances at me once and proceeds back to his computer.

I scrutinize the phone and go through the pictures first. He is definitely hiding something from me. He hasn't gained consciousness yet. He's still in my car. It was just like anyone's phone. Pictures with friends and family.

My curious eyes immediately stop and sticks its gaze at one particular picture. The ends of my lips instinctively twitch up to an unexpected smile.

My vision comprehends a beauty, so delusional in its own creative little way. Auburn voluminous hair with the most natural heart melting rebellious smile, complimented by a smoldering hazel gaze. There are other people in the frame as well. I find it hard to recollect the name.

Realization strikes back hitting my conscience, that time is ticking away.

I go through the messages. Nothing much from that either. Although, he is supposed to meet up with someone now, according to the texts. It's almost like I went inside the phone and searched every inch of it.

I hear a car beeping, super loud. The frequency just keeps getting louder. Shit! My car!

The window has been shattered to pieces. I see him trip. I immediately chase him. He is too fast.

"You're going down, Rollins. That video's going viral!!", he yells as he escapes.

It would be a waste of time if I keep chasing him. You have the wrong picture buddy. Jay Rollins does not give up. Ever.I call Dad immediately.

"Hey, Dad. Need a favor"

"Hello to you too, son."

"Dad, can you just ensure that the town's internet connection shuts down for two hours."

"No, Jay. I can't do that! I have a company to run! Do you even realize what economical consequences it can probe?"

"Please, Dad. It's really important. One hour will do too. Please"

I hear him sigh against his breath.

"20 minutes", he hung up.

I go inside when Mark begins complaining about the network connection. I just sign in reply. So I just give him the phone to work on.

It was seconds before he cracks the whole thing open. Why didn't I think of that?

"Whoa. Look what I found", he holds up something in his hand.

I let out an evil smirk.

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