Open Doors

Chapter 21

"Patton, what do you know?" Logan's mind was shutting down to protect himself. His eyes had gone blank and his voice was eerily calm.

"I'm sure it's just a strange coincidence, but Roman has been hanging around with one of the people from his play, his name is also Lewis."

"I see." Logan pushed up his glasses and though his voice was steady, both Dee and Patton noticed the tremble in Logan's hand. "This man is the one that you described to me?"

Patton nodded hesitantly.

"How has Roman doing as of late when you visit him?"

"He isn't doing very well," Patton said with a pout. "I'm really worried about him. The first time I visit he was excited and showed me around but after that, it almost seems like he has been avoiding the cast."

Dee wanted to smack Patton. This was not the time for the truth. Logan was obviously two stray words from a panic attack and this ball of sunshine and energy thought the truth was the best course of action? "It could possibly just be the stress that he is under. We are close to the actual performance after all." Of course, it was a possibility. Not a likely one and Dee knew that there was something going on, but still, Logan did not need to know that right now, especially not after last night.

"Of course," Logan said. Dee knew he didn't mean it. He could see the wheels turning in Logan's head. Patton really needed to understand the importance of a good lie.

"I think it would be best if I take a walk." Logan stood up, his voice still monotone and controlled. It was his eyes that gave everything away, his eyes that shone with fear. Somewhere in the back of Logan's head, he knew if he didn't get out of the house, the thoughts would come back to control him. Lewis was invading every part of his life. He saw him at work when he went out to exercise, and now Lewis had found a way to invade his home. Lewis was taking over everything he had.

He should have just said yes. He should have gone back with Lewis, then his friends wouldn't be targeted. If he had returned to Lewis, Roman wouldn't be going through all of this on his own.

"Logan, stop." Dee was in front of him now. There was no color left in Logan's face. "Hey, focus on me. It's going to be okay." Beautiful little lies. "I have a plan, but let's just take in a few deep breaths and try to get ahold of ourselves." He wasn't as good at this as his brother was. He wished Virgil was here.

Logan attempted to breathe with Dee, shutting his eyes as he focused on breathing, listening to Dee's rhythm. It wasn't easy, there were a few stuttered gasps and a few failed attempts and Logan fought with his failing composure.

"This is my fault." He finally whispered, his breath even but his eyes on the verge of tears. "I brought him into our lives."

"No," Dee cooed, rubbing Logan's arms. "This Lewis' fault and no one else's. Never tell yourself that type of lie." Dee flicked him in the forehead gently now that he had calmed. "Don't let the abuser win by taking away the only safe place you have." He tapped Logan's head and Logan looked at him confused but completely focused on Dee, which is what the tattooed man needed.

"Now, as I said, I have a plan. I noticed something was off the minute I met Roman, especially since Virgil described him as a 'high energy lunatic who was constantly singing and quoting Disney." Dee rubbed his eyes, and Virgil called him the dramatic one. He waved his hand dismissing the thought. "Lewis is the overly confident type, and he is very good at manipulating people who are unaware of his nature. I think I've gained his trust. He wants me to bring Logan to the play alone. I'm assumed so that Roman would feel isolated, but now that I know he is Logan's ex, I think it's two-fold. He wants you back, and he will use Roman to get you. So I think we should give him exactly what he wants."

"What?!" Patton shot up, slamming his hands on the table.

"Calm down." Dee pretended to be looking at his gloved fingers. "I'm not suggesting we leave Logan to go back to Lewis. I'm suggesting you and Virgil sit in the back, bouquets of flowers and other forms of encouragement for Roman on hand. Logan and I will sit in the front. When the play is over you two will wait outside for Roman, don't text him because Lewis probably monitors his phone. Logan and I will go meet with them..." He continued to explain his plan. He would have preferred to do this while Virgil was home. They were going to have questions and he didn't want to have to answer the same stupid questions over again.

"Is this really a good idea Dee? We could be putting Logan in danger."

"No, but I believe that this is a pretty well thought out plan. Yes, there are some potentially dangerous situations that could arise from it, but it also would be the best way to help get Roman away Lewis." Logan knew that this was a decent plan, but he also knew that there was a large possibility that he would end up back in Lewis' clutches. As long as his family was safe, that was all that mattered.

"We aren't done talking about this." Patton stood. "But I have to go to work." He looked at Logan, "please don't do anything while I'm gone, kiddo."

"I'm not your son," Logan stated but nodded his head anyway. He and Dee sat in silence as Patton walked around the house and got everything together.

"I will see you two later, Dee don't do anything and don't have him do anything." Patton pointed at both of them, and then closed the door.

The silence continued to suffocate the house until Dee spoke up. "Are you really okay with this?" He looked at Logan, who seemed to once again be lost in his thoughts.

"Yes, it is a well thought out plan."

"If you aren't careful or emotionally prepared he might try to drag you back. You will have to be strong."

"I know. He has never been violent before, and once we are sure Roman is safe and understands, I'll just walk out."

Dee frowned but nodded. He had another plan in place, just in case they had to storm the apartment and get Logan out, but he was worried that this very smart man was going to do something stupid.

AN: Hey everyone! For those of you who don't know, November is National Novel Writing Month! I'm very excited as it is the first time in a long time that I am getting the chance to participate. I'm going to be posting a message on my profile talking about my plan for next month. I have been working to make sure none of you will be missing a chapter while I focus on a new story!