Finding Scarlett (Sequel to Scarlett's secrets)

Chapter Eighteen - Prepared

Caleb 

I was nervous as I sat in the other room as Scarlett and Brendan talked. I swear if they try to arrest her, then I will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening. I am not losing her. 

I heard movement, suddenly, and Scarlett appeared in the room. I could tell she has been crying. 

“Scarlett, are you OK? What is wrong? What is happening?”

“We are having a break,” she said, “I am a horrible human being, Caleb,” she added in a whimper. 

I rushed to her and wrapped my arms around her. 

“No, you aren’t,” I said. 

“Yes, I am. I have killed people, Caleb,” she sobbed. 

“Not because it was what you wanted, though, Scarlett, because you were told it was the right thing to do.” I squeezed her as tight as I could without hurting myself.

“You are too good to me, Caleb.” She smiled up at me.

“I only want the best for you, and if that means squeezing you tight until you smile, then that is what I will do.” I planted a kiss on her forehead.

Scarlett giggled and sniffed at the same time, but I was glad to see her smile and laugh a little. I still had her held close to me but wasn’t squeezing anymore as I could feel my ribs begin to hurt. I hope Brendan finishes with her soon, as I do not want to see her coming through to me this upset again. It breaks my heart watching her cry. I know she feels like she is the bad guy here, but she isn’t. She was young and brainwashed by PJ and his gang of idiots. 

“I should get back through and find out my fate,” she sighed. 

“No matter what way this goes, my love, we will be free. I promise you that,” I whispered and kissed her softly. 

“Don’t get your hopes up, Caleb, please,” 

There was a sadness to her tone when she said it. I went to respond, but before I could, she walked out of the room. I know she said she doesn't want to go on the run, but if that is our only option, then we need to. 

I sat for a bit longer, just trying not to think about anything. I just wanted to have a clear head, so I could think straight about what we will do when we get out of this mess. I struggled to not think about what Scarlett must be feeling just now sitting through there being questioned, having all her past brought up. I’m sure it was a past that she would rather not re-live. I got up and made my way through to where they were sitting.

“Can I get either of you something to drink? Another coffee?” I asked them both. 

“Yes, please, Caleb, can I have another coffee.” Scarlett smiled before turning to look at Brendan. 

“Yes, another coffee would be great,” Brendan said.

As I left the room to go and make the coffees, I could hear Brendan begin to ask Scarlett questions again. I just want to be in there with her, but I don’t think Brendan will allow me to sit in, in case Scarlett doesn’t tell him everything with me sitting there. 

I tried listening as I made the drinks, but they were not speaking loud enough for me to hear. One thing I could make out, though, was Scarlett crying again. I hate that I can’t wrap my arms around. 

I took the coffee to them. The moment I arrived, he stopped talking. I sighed and knew he would stay silent until I disappeared. I kissed Scarlett’s cheek before leaving. I need to find something to do to keep me busy and away from the room they are in.

I went upstairs and turned on the shower. I may as well kill some time roasting myself here as I am no use downstairs, even though I already had one this morning. I waited for the room to fill up with steam before pressing play on my phone to shuffle some music. I then stripped off and went into the heat, it felt fantastic on my skin, and it definitely took my mind off what was happening downstairs. 

I belted out a few songs as I got washed and ready to go back out into the unknown. Switching off the shower, I got out and wrapped a towel around my waist. I got another towel and began drying my hair and parts of my body with it. I felt terrible inside knowing I had just had the best shower and got to enjoy listening to music when Scarlett was sitting downstairs being questioned about her past.

I went to the bedroom, pulled some joggers and a tee on, and lay down on the bed. My aches and pains seemed to be easing. I grabbed a book to read. I would wait here until they finish up. I just hoped it wouldn’t be too long. I needed to know what was going to happen. 

I looked around and decided to do something more productive. I took the cases from under the bed and started packing our things away. If we need to go on the run, then at least we are ready. We don’t have a lot of stuff here, but at least we have something. The cases were packed in no time, so I closed them both back over and slid them back under the bed so they didn’t look suspicious if anyone came into the bedroom.  

I wonder if I can offer them another drink, it has been over one hour since I last made them a coffee. I could maybe get them a cold drink this time. I am currently wracking my brain, trying to find anything I could do to get back down the stairs and see Scarlett. I need to make sure she is alright. 

Having one more quick look around the bedroom to make sure there was nothing else I needed to pack. When I was happy, there was nothing I needed to do. I headed downstairs. I stood at the bottom of the stairs, and I could hear muffled voices, but I couldn’t make out what was being said. All I could hear was a male voice and a female voice. After a few deep breaths, I chapped on the door and popped my head into the room. Both Scarlett and Brendan smiled at me, which made me relax a little more. 

“Everything OK?” I asked. 

“We hope it will be. I need to get a few things sorted before anything is official. I will let Scarlett fill you in with the information she is allowed to tell you,” Brendan said. 

“You are done?” I questioned. 

“For now, yes, but I will be back first thing tomorrow,” he said. 

He said goodbye to us before heading out. Scarlett didn’t seem as upset as earlier, so I will take that as a good sign. 

“Can you please tell me what is going on? Everything is packed if we need to go,” I said and made sure to whisper the last part. 

“We don’t need to go anywhere. Brendan said we should be OK for witness protection, but he needs to talk to some people before he can give an official word,” she smiled. 

“That is brilliant, Scarlett. I honestly thought we were maybe going to have to do a runner.” I gave Scarlett a tight squeeze.

“No running yet.” She laughed as she hugged me back.

I can only hope that is still true when tomorrow comes.