The Ties that Binds Us

Chapter 15 "Confessions"

The ride back home was quiet and tense. I can sense that there’s something wrong and Adam and Alex knows something about it. I decided not to ask more questions until we get home, knowing that they won’t tell me anything until we do. They kept looking at each other worried like something has already happened. Alex answered his phone; I guess it was on vibrate since I didn’t hear anything. He was speaking softly on his phone trying to keep me from hearing his conversation. I tried to lean forward discretely, hiding my agenda. When I managed to lean close enough to hear him speaking, the phone was cut off.

Adam smiled at me after taking a gaze at his brother. That’s it. I can’t take it anymore. I have to ask.

“Who was it?”

“Uhm..” Alex looked at his brother, I think asking for permission to tell me who it was. Adam shrugged his shoulders and nodded his head.

“Ma’am it was Mr. Graham.” Oh good he was still in contact with them. At least I still have some form of contact with him, but I won’t initiate anything.

“What did he tell you?”

“It has something to do with your mother. We’ll tell you once we get you home ma’am. It’s not safe.” What? Not safe? How is it not safe?

The rain started to fall once more, this time it was pouring harder. When we were already driving along the road near my apartment, Adam answered his phone again, this time not bothering to hide his conversation.

“Yes sir- no sir- we are already driving past it sir. Copy that.” I leaned forward listening to his conversation. I think that was Luke on the other line.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ma’am we have a problem. We are being followed. We need to see if the black Nissan behind us will keep following us. Hold on ma’am.” At once, Alex stepped on the gas and I was immediately thrown back on my seat. Adam once again was on his phone talking to Luke, I think.

“Ma’am, Mr. Graham wants to speak to you.”

“Syd. Can you run?” Luke sounds a bit breathless.

“Of course I can. I have feet.” I think that sounded a bit more sarcastic than I thought. Luke scowled at me for making a smart remark.

“I don’t want your sarcasm or your smart mouth right now Sydney.” Sydney?

“You’re being followed. You need to lose them. Adam will drop you off on E 69th and you have to make a run for it. Make a detour through Alex J. Rosenberg and make your way to E 70th. Cross Madison Avenue, and immediately head towards St. James Church. I’ll pick you up there. Do you understand?”

“What’s happening Luke?”

“Just do as I say Sydney. I’ll tell you later.” The line went off. We were almost at E 69th and I was already getting ready to make a run for it. I felt nervous about what I’m about to do. My heart is racing. I can feel my heartbeat in my ears as it tries to escape my chest. Cold sweat was dripping down my cheeks and my hands were pale.

As Alex stopped the car, I opened the car door and sprinted towards the Alex J. Rosenberg. Fortunately, the owner of the establishment knew me, so it wasn’t a problem getting inside. I immediately head towards their backdoor and run towards the E 70th. As I was about to cross Madison Avenue, I see the black Nissan making a turn towards my direction. My heart was beating faster this time and at once, adrenaline hit me. I didn’t bother to wait for the go signal to cross; I just ran across the street, not giving a damn about the traffic.

I can already see St. James and I feel a little relieved all at once. I see a black Audi parked in front, windows down and I see Luke peeking through it. As I make eye contact with him a few meters away, I can see his worry and anxiety through his eyes. He was paler than usual and its like the whole world has just fallen on his shoulders. He looks so tense. Once again, not giving a shit about the traffic, I cross E 71st and make a run for the Audi. When I finally reached the car, I see that the door on the passenger side was already open. Without hesitation I take a seat, and Luke steps on the gas.