Red

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

Jacob

I spent no longer than necessary in that itchy hospital bed - two hours from the time I woke up, to be precise. Mom insisted I stay longer, along with my appointed doctor who was concerned for my mental health, but I put my hand up and told them no. They tried to argue but I just blocked them out while sorting my things. The last thing I wanted to do was be rude to my doctor, they work hard day and night treating rude people all day, they don't need me adding to it; but I was sick of being controlled and told I needed 'rest'. What I need is to find my girl and my baby.

She may have ran away and denied me rights to my own child, but she has reasons. Her father is a psychotic human being; in fact, no, he's an animal. She had the right to fear my life, but I put her and our baby first always. She will forever be in my heart and I need them both. I feel as though life is treading on because it needs to, not because I want it to. Until I get them back, I won't be satisfied.

So as I walk through to my desk, head held high, and several questioning eyes burning into the back of my head, I tell myself I'm only here to find my girl. I need information from her father without revealing my intentions and why. He's a clever man, a few questions too many and he will be on my radar instantly. I'll have people following me all day until he gets the truth. I have to be careful. Starting with how I present myself. He's already aware of my previous panic attack - as are the whole office by the looks of it - but he doesn't need to know why. Me and my family have agreed to lie and say that my mental health has been suffering for months, not work related just family, so he doesn't think otherwise. It wasn't the ideal option, the last thing I need is my boss thinking I'm incapable, but I also don't want him getting suspicious in any way. So I've agreed to the plan and sent him an email informing him yesterday afternoon. His reply was simple and understanding, now just to see if he approaches me about it.

I set my briefcase down on my desk, noticing it's been recently cleaned and polished to my standards. I'm not petty, but I can't stand dust. I unlock my computer and prepare myself for the day. Seen as Monday was yesterday and that's when we hold our staff meetings, I'm a little apprehensive for the day ahead. Most of my clients I'm in contact with anyway, they're unaware of yesterday's events for professional reasons, but they know I wasn't available. Anything company related though, I haven't a clue because I was off. So I check all my work emails. One in particular intrigued me mostly. One from Mr Reds assistant, declaring he's taking a fucking week off for personal and family reasons. As of today too. Fuck!

I slam myself backwards in my seat, kicking the drawers in anger. I can't wait a week to get information from him, and I'm guessing this is why he's off.

I take a minute to consider my options, realising that I need to phone Em and mom. Never have I once, since the age of fourteen, needed the help of my mother, never mind my sister who I've never requested it from. Even homework she seemed to be more clever at, I never asked. This was degrading for my ego. But as moms sweet voice came down the phone, relief flooded me that I had someone who understand and cared.

"He's taking a week off," I whisper, just in case anyone was to hear me. "What am I going to do mom?"

"Shit!" Her curse is surprising. She never once swears, I can't help be taken back by it. "Well we need to talk to him, maybe you could visit him?"

I nearly laugh at how ridiculous that suggestion is. Is she mad? That's just asking to be shot. He'll know instantly that isn't normal, I never visit if he goes off work. Not that he ever does, but he knows that's not something we do here. We look out for each other, but not like that. Especially like that.

"Next option, you know as much as I do that isn't an idea we can afford to entertain. Do you want to drop me six feet under in a casket?"

"Jacob Black! Don't ever say such things to your mother! I never want to see that day, ever!" I hear her sigh and then sniffle away a tear. Shit.

"Sorry mom, I didn't mean to upset you but I can't do that. You know it too." I rub my temple as a tension headache begins again. How am I supposed to concentrate on my work when I know I'm no closer to finding Rhiannon.

"I know, J. I just don't know what else to do, it seems the only logical and understanding way." She sniffles again, I want nothing more than to just give her a hug. "I want to meet my grandson - or it could be a girl, but I'm convinced we're getting a Jacob Junior."

I can't help smile at that. I'd love either, a healthy baby is enough - well, being able to hold him/her is my starting point - but I just want that little bundle to be happy and healthy. But, baby JJ eh? That name makes my heart spring to life for the first time in the past twenty four hours, and I want nothing more than to be able to name my baby with Rhi. I have to find her. I've got to.

"J?"

"Hmm?" I stop my daydreaming and focus back on mom.

"I've been shouting you for how long, what made you go so quiet?"

"JJ, that's what." At my declaration of the name I want to call my son - if it is a boy - I hear her smile. I don't need to see it to know that the sniffles that are now more intense are actually happy tears and she's smiling with them.

"I love it, now let me find your sister so we can come up with another idea-"

"No," I interrupt, knowing I'm going to regret this.

"No?"

"I'll drop him an email, ask he if he needs any support, what's happening etc." Let's hope he doesn't catch on though, because as soon as I press send I'm practically throwing my own life away. But I'd do anything to find my girl.

"No, look, don't worry, your sister will come up with something better. It was a silly idea, I should never have suggested it-"

"Done." I click send on the email. It took me two seconds to write. Two seconds to kill myself. Well, not literally, but potentially.

"Jacob, please tell me you are joking."

"Stop stressing mom, it will be okay." I hope.

"At least read it out to me." She suggests, but frustration is laced through her words.

"Okay, I put: Hi, Mr Red. Just saw the email from Mel, I hope everything is okay. Sounds like we're both not having a good week, eh? Let me know if you need anything or want me to pop by. I know it's not like you to take time off work, so I'm presuming it's not good. Anyway, hope everything is all well. Speak to you soon!

P.s. I'll leave a box of your favourite chocolates on your desk if I don't see you till next week. I know you eat them when no one is looking!

"Did the last bit sound flirty? I was trying to be friendly and not suspicious."

"No, son, it sounds good. I'm still worried though. What if he does catch on? What if he already knows and has something planned for when you get there?"

Jesus. My mother really did like to stress.

"If he knows then it's clearly just a bit of bad luck, but I think I'd already be six foot under if that was the case."

I hear her gasp and realise I shouldn't have said it.

"Sorry mom, pretend I didn't say that." I wince, feeling awful. Again.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I just hate hearing what he could do to you." Her voice breaks and I know I need to end the call.

"I'm going to go mom, I'll speak to you soon. Don't worry about me, I'm fine. I'll text you an update as soon as I know anything. I love you."

"Love you too, son. Speak soon."

The call ends and I stare helplessly at my computer, waiting for his reply. But if I don't get any work done soon, I'm not going to have a job. No job means no getting through to Mr Red, so unfortunately I have no choice but to get on with my clients work.