The Threat Of Fear

chapter 25

         I need to call Shade.

"Are you alright?" Nick asked when he saw me through the front door.

No, I'm not alright.

But it's not like I would be able to tell you that.

"Yeah," I mumbled, taking my jacket and hanging it up. "I'm just fine."

I need to talk to him.

"You sure?" he pressed. "You look even more drained than usual and it looks like you've been crying."

I sighed, taking my shoes off.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Nick wondered, coming up to me and placing his hands on my shoulders.

"Yeah..." I repeated quietly, looking away from him.

Looks like I'm still unable to look at him in the eyes and lie.

"I'm just tired." I forcefully giggled, trying to muster up enough strength to smile at him. "As it turns out, it's difficult being a pregnant female cop entering her second trimester."

"You sure?" he hummed.

I nodded. "Yeah, I just need some rest."

I gently pushed his arms off of me and headed to my room without another word.

I really need to call Shade.

        I let out a sigh as I dialed Shade's number and press call.

It rang a few times before he answered.

"Hey," Shade said. "What's up?"

I sat down on my bed.

"Shade, I'm scared." I whimpered.

"What?" he hummed worriedly. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"Nothing has happened yet." I murmured. "I'm just scared something will."

"What happened, Rachel?" Shade asked.

"He got out. Peter broke out of jail." I cried softly. "I'm scared that he's going to try something."

"What?!" he exclaimed.

It sounded like someone hushed him on his end.

"Do you want me to head home?" Shade suggested, quieter, but still shocked sounding. "I could leave right now."

"N-no." I breathed out. "You don't have to do that. As long as I stay around other people I should be fine. I just, I just needed to hear your voice, I guess."

"Alright," he sighed. "I'll be home once this case is solved then I will not leave your side this that monster is caught."

He sounds so worried.

"Remember," Shade said. "None of this is your fault, so don't go blaming yourself."

"Alright," I whispered. "I'll try not to."

"I'll be home soon." he murmured. "I love you."

        A knock on the door woke me up.

"Hey, uhh," the person said. "It's Nick."

"Come on in," I sighed, sitting up.

I glanced at the mirror on my wall.

My hair's all matted and knotted and my eyes are all red and blotchy.

I look like a mess.

"You slept through dinner so I figured I would bring it to you." he murmured, handing me a plate with pizza on it. "Also Shade called, wanting us to keep an extra eye on you until he gets back."

Oh, that's right. I fell asleep while talking to him.

"Is everything alright?" Nick asked.

"Yeah, everything's fine." I gritted out, setting the pizza on my nightstand. "It was just a rough day at work."

"You wanna talk about it?" he suggested.

"No," I responded. "I really don't."

"Alright." he nodded. "Well, I'll leave you alone to get some rest."

"Thanks." I breathed out.