A Path Crossed Over

.6.

Why didn't he tell her to run, to go back to her hotel. Why did he just get her involved. Just like before. Just like Gregory did with Annabelle. He didn't want things to happen again. For him and his secrets, his own demons be the cause of Sarah's death. This life seemed so close to the last. He didn't want to lose her again, but he couldn't stand being without her. Without the soul he loved once upon a time. 

Her clammy hands showed him, that she was nervous. He needed to explain some things. He couldn't tell her everything without sounding like a lunatic, but he had to at least be a little honest. 

"So, there's some things I should probably tell you." He grabbed her face lightly, his eyes finding hers. "First off this pub is not the only thing I inherited from my father." 

She looked confused,  Her eyes lost. 

"My great grandfather was a well known crime lord. His legacy passed down with the pub. My father's recent fall with cancer means I am now in charge. We don't do much these days. Sell guns and drugs, bootleg, launder cash. It's not very often my family had to murder anyone. It happens, but it's work. It's in my blood." Noah had a look of seriousness. 

"Paulie Sweeney is a bad man, and has wanted this pub since I was a young lad. More so he wants the Walsh's out of his way. He can't sell his drugs, when we have a larger grow op and factory. There is too much competition, and the Sweeney clan has been losing a lot more assets lately. That is until my dad fell ill. He wants to rough me up, make me weak. I understand that running or hiring is weak itself, but I am just not ready." 

It was a lot for Sarah to take in. Noah could tell by the glazed look of astonishment on her face.  

"I won't ever let him hurt you. We have to go up higher, there is a secret room, please trust me."

Sarah looked nervous, but took his hand anyways. He pushed over a shelf, and pulled out a piece of the wall. He helped Sarah through the small crack, before pushing self into the small space, and pulling the shelf back. He covered up the hole, and grabbed a flashlight. Up ahead was a small string. When Noah pulled down on it some stairs came down, followed by an accumulation of dust, and cobwebs. Noah led the way up, and Sarah followed. 

Dust particles filled the air, as Sarah and Noah nestled beneath a small window. This attic space was quite cramped and they had to squish close, bodies tight against the other. Noah grabbed a shabby looking blanket, and threw it over Sarah and himself. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for this. I hope you will still come to the river with me." 

Sarah nodded her head before leaning it against his shoulder.  

"Believe it or not, but yes. I would still love to see the river with you. I'm not hiding bodies in the river with you though." She laughed and it was like a sweet symphony to Noah. She had a cute giggle, and it made him laugh as well. 

"Well, I can't make any promises," 

Sarah giggled again, but Noah had to cover her mouth. He heard sounds from below. 

"See, I told you he wasn't here, just leave us alone right now. Noah doesn't have time for this." He could hear his sister talking with Paulie. He must of came upstairs. 

"Well when you see him, tell him Paulie wants a word. Tell that chicken shit, I will eventually find him." 

Footsteps followed, then the sound of a door slamming echoed. Sarah held onto Noah tight, her heartbeat fluttered like the wings of a hummingbird. Noah brushed a lock of hair over her head, and held her in closer. He would protect her, better than he did last time. He wasn't going to let her go, not this time. No matter what, Noah wouldn't let any harm come to her. He looked down at her, as she looked up at him. He wanted so much to kiss her, but he had to contain himself for now. If she fell in love with him again, she could end up in trouble. He didn't know which path to choose, but he kept safe for now.

"What now?" She asked, her voice a whisper. 

"Let's just wait a bit. Just to be safe." 

She nodded at him, he felt her head bob up and down against his shoulder. Her hair smelled like pinacoladas. 

Could they be together. Could their hearts once again entwine? There were many things he wanted to tell her. Maybe this time they would be prepared for anything. He still wasn't sure however, how she would take it all in.