Reckoning - 46. Chapter 46

Everyone watched as Arnold the giant rolled the dice. He gambled he’s able to leap over a pit of killer puppies. His roll landed on a 2.

“You tripped on a rock and fall into the pit. The puppies with toxic saliva lick you to death,” Mia said sitting back exasperated by her group. “Why in the world did you all try to jump that pit? Except for Dom the ghost who, might I say could have floated over it. But no, instead you dived in headfirst and was the first to die,”

“I couldn’t help it, they were so cute,” Dom said, finishing his beer.

“Now we have to start a fresh game, any suggestions?”

Everyone just shrugged their shoulders. Mia glanced at Patrick, who’s thoughts were elsewhere.

“I’m hungry, Dom can you and Arnold go order us some wings. Here you can use my card.”

“It’s cool,” said Arnold. It’s our turn to pay.” They left before Mia’s protest.

She turned her attention to Patrick, who had noticed none of the conversation. “Pat,” she said, nudging his arm.

He sat up, seeing empty chairs. “The game’s over?”

“No, Dom and Arnold went to order food. Pat, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.”

“You didn’t notice when they left. Where did you go?”

Patrick hesitated before he confessed. “I wasn’t being honest with you Mia.” Patrick told Mia about the events.

Dom, and Arnold held trays of food and drinks as they returned to their table when Mia cried out “WHAT!” causing the two to jerk and spill some liquid from the glasses.

“Hey,” called Jennifer, the owner of the Cave from behind the bar to Dom and Arnold. “Tell your friend to keep it down.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Dom said. When they reached the table. Mia was on her feet, glaring at Patrick, who remained seated. “Mia, what happened, we can hear you at the bar?”

Mia sat down, not taking her eyes off Patrick. She tried to respond when Arnold’s cell rang.

He placed the tray down and removed it, seeing the caller was his wife. “I have to take this,” he said, stepping away answering the call.

Dom placed his tray down and waited for Mia.

She took a deep breath before answering. “Sorry, I got some upsetting news.”

“What was it?” Dom asked.

Again, when she spoke, she got interrupted by Arnold returning to them.

“Hey, Summer is in labor,” he said smiling.

“What, that’s wonderful.” Mia said. “Get to her.”

“I know, but Dom’s my ride.”

“Then Dom’s taking you. Right, Dom.”

“I’m ready if he is?”

“Thanks Dom. We better go.”

“Good luck, Arnold,” Mia said.

“Thanks.”

“Tell Summer we’re thinking of her and the baby,” Patrick said.

“I will, thanks Patrick.”

The two left as Mia returned her attention to Patrick. “Now, as for you. I have the good mind to call Adam.”

“No, Mia, please don’t call Adam. I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“And I missed you. But to put your life in danger is not what I want you to do. Pat we can and will spend time together after you’re out of danger.” She held out her hand, and Patrick didn’t hesitate in placing his palm in hers. Mia grasped his hand a little harder than she meant. “Pat I want you to go back to your parent's house and stay put until Adam comes and get you.”

“All right.”

She noticed the silver charm around his neck. “Is that the necklace Adam gave you?”

Patrick touched the charm and blushed. “Yes. I love him.”

“I know you do. And I love Paul. Adam wouldn’t leave you somewhere if he didn’t believe you were in danger.”

“You’re right.”

“Come on, I’ll call Paul and he’ll drive you home.”

“No, don’t call him. I’ll take a cab. I’ll be fine.” Patrick reached into his pocket, pulling out his cell. Mia’s mouth dropped at the sight of the cell he used while with his ex.

“Why are you using that cell?”

Patrick stared back as if he got caught cheating. “It’s because the police confiscated mine.”

“Oh, so you read the text messages and emails?”

“No. And I won’t. I better go.” Patrick called for a cab and Mia text Paul that she got done early.

Mia held onto Patrick’s arm while they stepped outside. Patrick seemed annoyed to see the tinted window car that dropped him off.

“What is it?” Mia asked. “Do you know that car?”

“It belongs to my father.”

“That’s good, right?”

Patrick wanted to say no when he heard a horn, and Mia looked towards it and smile.

“It’s Paul.”

“You should get going.”

“No, what about you?”

“My ride is here.”

“Well, true. Promise to call me when you get home?”

“Only if you promise not to tell Adam.”

“Will you wait until he comes for you?”

“I will.”

“Then I promise.”

“So do I.”

They kissed each other on the cheek and hugged goodbye. Patrick waited until Mia boarded the truck before going to his car. The driver door opened and Tony jumped out rushing to the back passenger door opening it for him.

“Tony I thought you were taking the car to get fixed?”

“I was but my boss called to inform me they saw you sneaking out and ordered me to bring you back.”

“My father knows?”

“Not sure.”

“Great, let’s go.” Patrick climbed in as Tony shut the door returning to the driver seat. The drive was in silence, and Patrick could use his seatbelt. Tony didn’t speed and even turned on the radio to Patrick’s favorite station when the news interrupted.

“This just in. They found a copy-cat killer wearing a mask dead at the same scene of a gruesome murder last year. Police refuse to give a statement. Also, an officer and a civilian were injured on the scene. Details later.”

“A civilian?” Patrick whispered to himself. Please don’t let it be Adam.

A bright light was up ahead caused Tony to slow. “I think someone broke down. Should I stop?”

Patrick’s thoughts went to Adam and wonder if he was on his way back to get him.

“Young Valdez, what should I do?”

“Yes, stop.”

Tony pulled off to the side of the road, putting the car into park keeping the motor running. “I’ll be right back.” He climbed out.

As Patrick waited, he took out the cell phone. A knot grew in his stomach when he opened the text box. He input Adam’s info and typed an explanation to where he was and what he did. Patrick didn’t want any secrets between them as he cleared his conscious. He knew it would upset Adam, but it’s worth him finding out from him instead of his father. He sent the text and closed the phone. The passenger door on the driver's side opens and Tony bent inside. Patrick jerked back, not sure what his intentions were when he saw blood gushing from the side of his neck. Patrick pressed his back against the door as Tony moved his lips, but no sound came out. He slumped on the seat as he’s stabbed in the back by someone who wore a white mask covered with splattered blood and a crack under its eye. Patrick panicked and fumbled for the door handle crying out for help only for it to open, causing him to fall out onto his back leaving his legs dangling inside the car. He stared up in horror at the masked figure who stared back at him.

“Please don’t kill me,” Patrick cried.

The figure said nothing as he pulled the mask off, revealing a person Patrick thought was long dead.

“Gavin?”

He’s pushed aside and a woman stood wearing black pants, top, and boots, her hair hung free. Patrick recognized her from the postcard Gavin received from his mothers. Patrick opened his mouth to speak when she held up his Taser.

“You dropped this,” she said, before pressing the device against Patrick’s side sending the electric burn through his body.