My Guardian

Chapter 17

My phone rings obnoxiously in the quiet lobby. So much for an easy going day. Not that anything had happened, but I had been praying for no phone calls. Besides maybe from Angel... or Snake. The unknown number sits tauntingly on my screen. "Hello?" I answer tentatively, unsure of what drama this will lead to.

"Sarah, didn't your mother tell you it isn't nice to ignore your boss?" The sound of Martin's voice grates on my nerves and makes me loose all patience.

"Martin, I have told you on multiple occasions that you aren't my boss! I quit- so stop calling me, stop contacting me, stop with all of the harassment! I won't come back to work for you- ever again. You're a disgusting individual that runs a shady, corrupt business. Contact me again and I'll report you to the police." My hands shake as I drop my phone to the desk after hanging up. Why can't he take a hint? Teas of frustration sprout in my eyes as I stare at my phone, blocking the new number.

The desk phone rings and I glare at the device, tempted to let it ring through. But it's not my business. I take a deep breath before I answer it. "Missy's Motel, this is Sarah speaking, how can I help you today?" I'm only met with heavy breathing, a chill runs down my spine at the eerie feeling that washes over me. Creepy. "Hello?" There's a deep chuckle and a muttered word I can't decipher before the line goes dead.

Has Kathy always gotten prank calls? I don't want to see that as being anything but that as I set the phone down. On a sticky note I write down the number and time with a lot of questions marks. That has to be a prank call. My phone rings again and I stare at it, unsure if I should answer it or not. It's probably Martin again... I don't know why I answer it.

"Hello?" My voice is timid, trembling with unease. Could I sound anymore obvious. I'm met with silence before there's a dark chuckle.

"Mr. Martin's disappointed in you." The ghostly whisper is followed with a deep masculine chuckle before he hangs up. Holy crap... I can't deny that, this isn't a prank call anymore. Could be kids... that know I work for Martin? Not likely. The desk phone rings again, from a different number. Business? Please be business. My heart races as I pick up the phone.

"Missy's Motel, this is Sarah speaking, how can I help you?" Please be business.

"That was a big mistake little girl- you're gonna regret this." Martin's voice is a dark growl, the threat sends my hair standing on end. I slam the phone down shocked. He knows where I work? How? I've been very careful to not mention where I was to my mother- or anything about here. No- she doesn't know, I know she would've told him. My hands shake as the phone rings again- I don't bother to answer, just stare at it as it rings through to voicemail. How does he know?

My skin crawls with unease, the motel suddenly feels incredibly unsafe. How did he find out where I work? Why does he care so much? It's not a tone of voice I've heard from Martin much, certainly never directed my way. What is that supposed to mean? The light blinks red as the call is ended. What sort of message did he leave? Why is he doing this? I don't know what to do. The sound of my phone has me cringing. Again?

I'm afraid to even glance at my phone again, scared to get another phone call from Martin... and whoever that was. I don't even know who else would do that. Not that I ever imagined Martin to be this crazy. I nervously peek at my phone and sigh as I read Snakes name across the screen. I was going to lose my mind if it was an unknown number. I answer Snake with a shaky sigh. "Hello?"

"What are you feeling for dinner Red? I'll be getting off soon and figured I'd come check on you." The sound of Snakes voice makes my shoulders drop and relax. I'm so close to tears over this.