My Hockey Boy

Chapter 43

Haley's POV

I tried to breathe stedily in and out. Charlie and I were in the car, driving to the address in the text. I ran over a simple prayer in my head, over and over again. Pleading to not let them take my brother. I couldn't bear that. The loss of my father ripped a hole through my entire being, I don't want to think of losing another so close to me.

Charlie must've glanced over at me a thousand times in the expanse of the drive to this address. He seemed worried. About me? My brother? Both? I don't know, I couldn't speak in that time. Goosebumps pricked my skin as I slightly shook. It felt as if the temperature had dropped to the negatives and it was the middle of winter. I soon felt Charlie's hand reach over to take mine that rested on the center console.

"It'll be ok. I promise." He attempted to soothe me. It didn't do much.

I still felt lightheaded and sick to my stomach. But then another attribute struck me. Something we had forgot.

"The money." I said.

"What about it?'

"At most, I have $40 in my wallet. That's not gonna be enough, Charlie." I shook my head frantically.

"Calm down, ok? I'll take care of it."

I furrowed my eyebrows at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean don't worry about it. I've got it."

I sucked my bottom lip in between my teeth to bite down on it. I still didn't get it. Charlie most likely had as much money as I had right now. Why would he tell me not to worry about this? I'm sure $80 wouldn't win over my brother's kidnappers. I still shook, awaiting the arrival of this mysterious place where my brother's life dangled in the hands of strangers.

****

"Haley," Charlie started. "I think this is it." He nodded towards the massive building that sat to the right of the car.

The road was mostly clear except for one or two cars that were passing through. This was a secluded part of our town, barely anybody lived down this way. I had driven down this road a couple times when I was younger with my brother and parents, when my dad would come home, there was this restaurant not far from here that he used to love. I squeezed my eyes shut for a split second, sucking in a brave breath before turning to Charlie.

"Let's go."

The sound of our doors shutting were heard as we climbed out of Charlie's car. I tried my hardest to ignore the chills that were raking down my spine. My thoughts were clouded with all too vivid pictures of my brother's lifeless body. I walked closely behind Charlie as he started towards the tall, dark building. It didn't look like anyone was here.

"Charlie," I stopped him, grabbing onto his arm. "What if they purposely sent us the wrong address so they could just get rid of my brother?"

He fully turned to me, taking my face in his hands. His touch was warm despite the cool evening air that had taken over the atmosphere. "Don't worry. Nothing's going to happen to your brother."

Just as he said this, the sound of another door opening was heard. We turned towards the direction of the noise. Two largly built men stepped out of the entrance of the building. Charlie and I exchanged glances before he took my hand in his, beginning to take steps towards the men.

I stood next to Charlie, attempting to show bravery as we came face to face with the men. Their icy stares burned through me as Charlie and I awaited for them to say something.

"You Haley?" The one closest to me said. He was much taller than me as he looked down at me.

I nodded as Charlie's grip tightened around my hand. "I want my brother." I forced the words out, praying they didn't sound shaky or weak.