Teaser, Tester or Protector

Part Ten

"Coming for a throw about?" Ryan peeks his head in around the door.

"Definitely, haven't played with you on your pitch in ages man" I smile.

"You mean you haven't tripped me up on this pitch in ages?" He laughs.

I grab my jersey and head out behind Ryan. Mr Hart stops me in the hall and asks for a word.

"Il catch you up in a few Ry" he nods and heads out.

I follow Mr Hart into his office. He takes a seat behind a beautifully carved wooden desk.

"How's things going son?" He asks with a small smile.

"It's fine I'm dealing with it I'll get him out of there soon I just need to figure out how"

"Why don't you let me handle that, I'll have him out in no time"

Mr Hart knows people, very important people. I know he can get rid of Derek but I have to do it myself I can't run around asking for help. Especially when it can lead to Ryan or his family getting hurt.

"Thank you for the offer sir but you know I can't accept it, I'll get it done" I nod reassuringly at him.

"Why don't you tell me why you were in hospital recently then?" He questions.

I stare at him. How did he know that.

"You know I've people everywhere boy" he folds his arms waiting for my answer.

"Just a football injury sir nothing major" I lie.

"We both know that isn't the answer. I know the answer I just want you to put it right for me"

I scratch the back of my neck nervously.

"It was nothing sir it was half a football injury and then I got into a little argument with eh..Derek" I cough at his name.

"Your letting him beat you? What else has he done to you? Why haven't you told me?" He seems angry.

"Look it's either me or mom and no way in hell will I let him lay a finger on her so yes I'll take everything he throws at me, he just picked the wrong time after my football injury is all" I stand up and walk towards the door.

"We've been friends with your mother for too long to let you and her go through this, I'm sorting this once and for all" I put my hand on the door knob and turn it.

"I guess I'll just have to sort it before you then" I reply.

As soon as the door opens I look up to find Ryan standing there. He looks horrified. I go to open my mouth to try explain but he beats me to it.

"You let him do that shit to you? Why didn't you tell me? Made me believe he was a good man. Made me leave you there with him. How could you keep that shit from me?!" He shouts.

Before I can reply he walks away. It was about time he heard about everything I just wants to be the one to tell him. He's bound to be angry. He's my best mate and I've lied to him for years. A hand clasps around my shoulder.

"It's alright he'll understand soon just give him some time" Mr Hart assures.

After an hour or so I make my way out to the pitch to see if I can speak with Ryan. He's nowhere to be seen. I go to the garage and check if his car is here. Nope that's gone too.

I ring up John and ask him to collect me. I guess I need to explain everything to the boys pretty soon but first I need to find Ry.

John arrives within 5 minutes they all live pretty close. I jump into the car and we take off into town to the burger joint we always hang out at.

"What's happened with Ry?" John questions.

"He found out some shit that I kept from him and all of you's and he wasn't happy, believe me I understand why he's annoyed and I promise to tell you's all very soon I just need to find him first" I say as I keep my eyes focused on the road.

John is very understanding he has his troubling past too but only difference is he told everyone and we all helped him, but it wasn't like mine. When John was 16 he got mixed up in the wrong crowd and he got into drugs and drink and we got him out of it.

I'm just not able to ask for help. All my life I've done everything myself I've taken care of mom and me. I've worked constantly to get us some money along with what mom earns, along with juggling school and football.

"We're here mate let's check it out" John pipes up.

We get out and walk inside the burger shop. I head to the counter and ask the staff if they've seen him. We come here so often they know us all really well.

After speaking to the staff none of them have seen him. I take out my phone and try calling him which I should of done firstly but I didn't think he'd answer to me.

It rings out.

"It ring out for you too?" John asks.

I nod. He isn't answering either of us. A terrifying thought enters my head and god I wish it didn't but it's too late now. I think I know where he is.

John and I head out to the car and he follows my directions. After 20minutes Of driving we finally arrive.

"Stay here will you? I don't want you getting hurt if the old mans in here" I don't look him in the eye.

He pats my shoulder.

"Course give me a shout if I'm needed" I always thought John new everything about my life in some way. He never questioned anything.

I get out and walk up to the door slowly. I press my hand on the handle and push it down. The door slides in and in I step. I walk through the kitchen and into the sitting room quietly calling Ryan's name.

I enter the sitting room and there he is sitting in the corner of the room holding a base ball bat. As I get closer I notice Derek's body begins the couch.

"Ry what have you done..?" I ask as I slowly edge towards him.

"What you should of done along time ago"

I put out my hand and place it on top of the bat, and take it away throwing it behind me. I kneel down in front of him.

"Ryan why" I question.

"He hurt you. All them times I watch you limping into school telling me it was practicing football or playing outside with your dad or you got into a little fight on the street. All them times I believed you. When you could of told me. I could of helped you. I could of sorted out that piece of shit out" he shouts.

I put my hands on his shoulder to calm him.

"I know. I should of told you. I should of been honest but I wasn't and I'm so sorry for that. You don't understand how badly I wanted to tell you and the boys but I know my boys too well. I know you's would of wanted to sort it and I couldn't stop you's. But this doesn't end well Ry" I tell him. He bows his head.

"I know Jay but I can't let him hurt you. I can't let anyone hurt you. All my life you've been the brother I've never had and I can't loose you, one day he's going to go too far and he'll kill you" I smile knowing he just wanted to protect me.

I stand up and he follows. We head towards the door.

"Johns in the car head out and I'll be there right after you" he nods.

I head back and check Derek for a pulse. He's still alive. I grab the bat and wipe any prints from it. I break the sitting room window to look like a break in. After I've completed the set up I head out.

I jump into the car and just as we go to leave a SUV blocks our way. Three very large men get out and surround the car. A fourth man gets out and swipes his jacket up slightly for us to noticed his gun.

This should be fun.