Player 99

Secrets

*Justin's POV*

After hanging up on Dr. Gale or rather her hanging up on me, I sunk down to the ground, hopelessness flooding through me. Tears sprung into my eyes at the thought of him coming to take away her from me, just now that she is back to herself, after everything we had been through, after I just proposed. I can't lose her, not now, not again. I love her so much. I touched my head to the ground as sobs rushed over me. I can't lose her. Not to him. Not again. More sobs escaped my lips and my body shook.

"Justin?" her soft, groggy voice forced me to squeeze my eyes shut.

"What's wrong?"

I heard the bed creak and her feet touched the ground as she walked over to me. Her arms wrapped around me and her lips touched my head. I instantly felt some sort of peace at her touch and my heart swelled painfully at the thought of losing her again.

"What's wrong baby?" she murmured.  I wiped my eyes and shifted my body so I was leaning into her. I can't tell her. I couldn't. It would destroy her and I won't be the one to do that to her.

"I, um," I stumbled as i thought of a lie quickly. "I stubbed my toe on the way to the bathroom." She chuckled as she pressed her lips to my head again.

"Poor baby," she whispered. "Come back to bed." She tugged my arm. I looked up and nodded, every fiber of my body telling me to let it go and go to sleep with the woman I loved. She wiped my face.

"I will. I have to make a call first," I said. She nodded and kissed me gently before she got back in bed, sighing in pleasure after she settled down. I grabbed my cell phone and slipped out of the room.  I dialed the one person I thought could help.

*ring, ring, ring*

*ring, ring,  ri-*

"Detective Collins here," a voice grumbled. He sounded like he just woke up. He most likely just did.

"Detective Collins,  sorry to wake you. It's Justin Watt," I explained, feeling a pang of guilt about waking him up this late. 

"Oh, how may I help you?" he said, sounding a bit more awake. I heard some rustling. I assumed he was sitting up.

"I've received a phone call and was informed that Robert is coming back," I said, the painful reality of my words slapping me. wow. This was actually happening.

"What? When was this?" he demanded.

"I think it might be best if I explain in person," I suggested.  He sighed.

"You're right. I'll be there in five minutes," he said before hanging up.

I set the phone down before going to my room. I grabbed a pair of jeans and a shirt before I slipped them on. I put my phone on the charger while I waited. Drumming my fingers on the counter,  I waited, growing impatient with each passing second. Finally there was a soft knock on the door. I leapt to my feet and answered the door. The cop was standing there, a cup of coffee in one hand and the other running through his hair. 

"Thank you for coming," I said, moving to the side to let him in. He sat at the kitchen table and I joined him. He looked at me expectantly over the cup of the coffee.

"Paige's therapist, Dr. Gale, called me about ten minutes ago and told me that he was coming for her," I said while he took out his notepad and started taking notes. 

"Just to be clear, by him you mean Robert, correct?"

I nodded. 

"Do you know how she knew that?"

I shook my head.

"No. I don't know," I said. "But if she's right, then I can't let him take her again."

He nodded. "I agree. We have you under servailance and we have several people that have been placed undercover at Paige's work to keep an eye on her and protect her if needed. Josh will be informed of the situation by tomorrow morning. Does Paige know?"

I shook my head, before putting it in my hands. "No, we just got engaged. I didn't want to worry her, especially now that she just got back to work and she's finished her therapy."

He nodded. "Congratulations," he said cheerfully.  I looked up and gave a small, defeated smile.

"And for now, I think it would be best if you didn't tell her. I will inform my partner of what you told me. Before I leave, may I have Dr. Gale's number and adress?"

I nodded and went to get my phone. I unplugged it and pulled up Dr. Gale's contact information. I showed it to him. He copied it down and nodded.

"Thank you," he said, getting up. "I know that this must be tough,  but we will take care of this." We walked to the door. "Take care Mr. Watt and if anything new comes up please let me know and I will return the favor." I nodded and he left.

Suddenly exhausted,  I trudged back to bed and laid down. I pulled Paige to my chest and fell into an uneasy sleep.

*

*Det. Collins POV*

My mind was reeling after what Justin had told me. This was crazy.  Months of searching leads in Houston,  we had nothing. This was a break for me and my partner. Both of us had been tearing out hair out in fustration. He was asleep and I didn't want to wake him as i decided to head over to Dr. Gale's. I'm sure she was still up since she called only 15 minutes ago. I drove to her apartment, my coffee nearly finished. before I got out, I drained the cup and threw it to the ground. I got out and headed to her door. It was on the 5th floor and elevator was out. It was the stairs for me. Great.

By the time, I reached her floor. I was ready to go back to sleep and sweating was being into my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on her door. It opened without a fight, revealing a dark apartment. Instinctively,  I reached for my gun and held it in front of me as I stepped forward, one arm put to push open the door, my eyes darting to and fro, lingering on the darkest parts of the room before moving on.

"Hello?" I called.  The lights were out. I flicked them on.

"Dr. Gale? I'm Detective Collins with Houston PD.  I'm here to talk to you about your patient, Paige Stone regarding her and Robert."

I got no response. The kitchen was right in front of me. I could see the corner of the sink. I paused before I founded the corner, swinging my gun from left to right. Empty.

I turned around and spotted a light from behind a closed door. I slowly made my way there, my senses on hyper alert. you never know with situations like this.  I kicked open the door and wished I hadn't. Dr. Gale wad swinging from her fan. A note on the floor in front of me. I sighed and bent down to read it.

I'm so sorry, Paige. I told him eveything. He's coming now. He's coming for you. He knows everything.  I'm so sorry Paige. you did so well and you really had a chance at happiness, but not anymore....because of me and what I told him. I'm so sorry. I can't take this. This guilt eating me. This is unforgivable and I know I wouldn't recieve it from you. goodbye. 

I sighed,  damn; a suicide.  I holstered my gun and grabbed my phone, exasperated with life and this damn case and my dammed step brother.  I dialed the station. they answered on the 2nd ring.

"Detective Collins,  reporting a suicide," I said, turning away from the swinging body, feeling nauseous.