Chapter seventeen

Mary.....

We got to the apartment with two other men.

"Go in first. We'll come after ten minutes or when we're sure no suspicions we're made." Luke said to me.

"Marcus, you stay here and keep watch."

I came down from the car and went to the apartment. Almost about fifteen minutes later, Luke and Jock came in.

"Why don't we look for perfect angles if you know what I mean." Luke said smirking as he patted me on the shoulder.

"There isn't any perfect angle..."He said looking around the apartment.

"The book shelf." He said as he walked to it.

"Jock, get behind the book shelf and turn the lights to the kitchen off.  And I'll be in there, listening from your bedroom." He walked to my bedroom and turned the lights off. He pushed the door open a little.

"And make sure your loud, I need to hear everything." he said as he stuck his head out through the door.

I sat on the couch and took a deep breath in and out as I pleaded in my heart that something would come up and stop John from coming. Maybe work? Or something....... I probably shouldn't have told him the complete truth..... It wouldn't make things easier. But then again it felt right letting him know.

As we waited, about ten minutes later I heard a knock on the door.

My heart dropped as I reached for the door. I wished it wouldn't be him but-

"Hey" he said as I opened the door. There he was, that gorgeous smile, speaking of which began fading away.

"Are you okay? " He asked.

"Yeah, yeah" I said suddenly realising I didn't smile back. But I'm trying to save him right?

I stepped back letting him in. He tried to hug me but I pushed him back.

"Hey, are you sure you're okay? " He asked worried.

"I'm fine, John. I just wanted to tell you, we......that we can't do this" The words coming out like daggers, not just to his heart but to mine too.

"What do you mean we can't-"

"We just can't! Okay."

"Whoa Mary....what is it?  You can tell me anything you know that, did Luke do something to you?"

"No that's....It has nothing to do with him"

"Then why are you trying to push me away, again? It's Luke, isn't it?"

I took a quick glanced at Jock and saw the gun head stick out beside a book. I tried my possible best to push down any tear coming up.

"No... I said it's not Luke, this has nothing to do with Luke" I sighed.

"Then tell me, what is it" He stepped closer and placed his hand on my cheek. As he caressed, I hesitated before pushing his hand away.

I have to let him go or I'll have myself to blame.

"We can't and you know it. Why can't you just leave me alone!"

He was taken aback by my tone. Hurt obvious in his eyes. He looked at me confused.

"Just tell me, please, what is it?  You love me, I love you. What, what can't work?"

"Us John! Us, we can't, we can't work!  You'll find someone else-"

"someone else? don't you realize that I'm in love with you?!"

"Well I'm not John."

"What do you mean you're not, that night you said-"

"I said what I thought I felt but I realized I didn't. I said what I wanted to feel but didn't."

"I don't, I don't understand-"

"just leave John, leave" I said desperate for this to end with him being okay.

"Why would I just-"

"just go John! Just go!  Okay! I lied about my feelings and I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking straight."

He took another step closer reaching for my arm.

"Don't touch me!" I yelled pushing him back.

"What is it? Mary...I" he stuttered, hurt, looking at me desperate for answers.

"What don't you understand.... I don't love you. I could give you back the necklace if you want it back...." I'm being too cruel! I couldn't stop even if I wanted to.

"No, J-just keep it" he said. My heart clenched as I saw somewhat tears form in his eyes.

"Just don't ever call me or try to contact me again okay? And please don't try to do anything stupid." I said pretending to ignore his hurt.

"What is it? what are you not telling me?!"

"Nothing John! Okay just please leave! Come on get out, get out!"

"This isn't you Mary-"

"well I guess you didn't know me then. Just go, go! And don't come back." I said looking down.

"I won't." My heart dropped hearing those words.

"You know I've being trying to figure you out since day one and when I thought I finally did, I realized that I didn't and probably never will. Either ways, I still love you.... Just know that. You could have at least had some sympathy for a broken heart. Good bye Mary." With that he left slamming the door.

I couldn't control the tears any more. Did he actually believe me? That was the plan but.....He should have showed more doubt at least but, I wanted him safe right? Please God let him know that I didn't mean anything I said. After everything we've been through...But he's okay right? Right?

"Okay, that was intense. Painful to hear, convincing, a little too much but convincing which is good" Luke said turning back the light on After some minutes.

"I hate you."

"I thought you we're supposed to love your neighbor as yourself no matter what...right? "

I looked at him with fury as he smirked.

He reached out for my phone in his jacket, threw it on the ground and smashed it with his foot. I didn't say anything but watched him in disgust.

"Wipe those tears sweet heart." He said to me. He walked to the door and stopped to make a call.

"Hey Marcus. I need you to follow the kid, make sure he doesn't turn back."

"Take everything you need, Mary, we're going for a vacation tomorrow and we are definitely not coming back. Don't try to do anything stupid. I'll call Ryan to pick us up now."

What? I can't leave.

"Why? To where?" I asked Luke.

"Well because you've made a mess and we have to go. Where? well somewhere nice, a bit distant, you don't have to know."

"Why? why me, why are you doing this to me, I did nothing, nothing!"

"You have your brother to blame you know right. He was stupid. Your father wanted nothing to do with me. But the mistake he did was not telling his kids about me and why. He tried to help me though but I had my own business to handle. I didn't want his help. Trying to preach the word to me. What did God ever do for me? All this is me, me! "

"But this isn't right!"

"You damn right it ain't right, but I'm making a hella money aren't I?"

"I don't understand, what did I have to do with this, you already have what you want, why can't you just let me go?"

"You had nothing to do with this and I didn't need you, but now I've a made a lot with you, haven't I? That's enough digging of the past, it's time to go. Get what you need because you are not coming back. And yeah Ima have the rest of that money that boy gave you. Okay?"

"Okay" There was no point trying to fight back or argue.

This really feels like the end of me God. Please help me. Help John.

•~•~•~•

John.....

Driving back I couldn't think straight. I didn't understand. After everything how would she just want me to leave like that. How could she talk to me like that.....with such, cruelty. I stepped on the break quickly, seeing the red light.

"Watch where you're going you bat!" a man yelled as he drove passed me.

"If I was a bat I wouldn't see the red light and you'd get hit don't you think! No there's no point......" I said realizing he wouldn't even hear me and it wouldn't benefit any of us.

I still couldn't stop thinking about what happened. How could she. I mean I love her. They way she spoke to me..... really, really hurt. It's like she was someone else, like I didn't know her. Maybe I thought I did. But something kept telling me to just leave, was it the Holy Spirit? I guess but why?

Does she really not love me?

As I got back home, walking in,  someone stood up immediately recognizing my presence.

I stood bewildered at the sight of Mr Jarius.

"look my Dad, doesn't live here, You should have been told that, it's at the pent house where we have meetings, and I'm sure there isn't any meeting that I'm aware of. Unless-"

"That's not why I'm here." Mr Jarius said cutting me off. His expression was sad and of guilt? Why?

"So, then what is it?" I asked trying to hide my hurt and look normal as possible.

"I... I'm sorry about the way I spoke to you the other day, I didn't want to get my hopes up. Every time I did, it ended up in disappointment."

"What are you sayin-"

"what I'm saying is that, the girl you spoke about could be my sister....I don't know but there's a chance she is"

"I don't know anymore, it was just a coincidence, I don't think she's the one" I deadpanned, clearly not in the mood.

"But you said-"

"I'm sorry but it's not her! I thought it was but, no"

"a few days ago you seemed hopeful now it's, it's all gone, what happened, are you ok-"

"I'm fine Mr Jarius, I just need some time alone. I'm sorry if you'd just excuse m-"

"wait, please."

I stopped.

"If you have the slightest clue, even if you have a doubt, please I beg you, at least tell me her name." Mr Jarius said desperately.

Climbing the stairs I said "Mary, her name's Mary"

Mr Jarius nodded, he then said. "Please if you know anything, please."

"Okay," I sighed.

Mr Jarius thanked Roland, then left.

As I  was climbing up the stairs to my room, Roland called.

"John, are you alright?"

"I'm fine-"

"no you're not what is it" Shanon asked walking in from the kitchen.

"Guys please I-"

"it's Mary right? what happened?" Roland asked concerned.

"Please just tell us." Shanon begged.

I sighed a bit exasperated.

"She doesn't love me."

"Why would you say that" Shanon asked.

"Look it's a long story I-"

"After everything?" Roland said.

"Yeah, exactly what I thought" I said.

"You don't think there could be a reason....its just, why would she-"

"I don't know Shannon I don't know."

"You decide for yourself John, you know her more than we do, we know a bit of what she's going through, you probably know a whole more, what makes you think she'll say that?"

"Roland, I-"

Then it hit me. She has been trying to protect me.  She didn't want me to get involved. She was so sincere when she said she loved me and opened up, why would she back out all of a sudden.  But what if she meant what she said? But why? I know what she's been through.... something probably made her say that, or someone...but what if- again with the what ifs!

"I'm so stupid! "

"John-"

"Roland something's up I need to call Dad and. Mr Jarius...I think Mary is in trouble of some sorts I don't, I just....." I can't believe I almost thought for a second she meant what she said. Well more than a second. Even if she did mean it, I deserve more explanation.

Roland and Shannon both looked at me confused.

"look guys I'll probably explain it later but thank you, so, so much." I can't believe myself! With everything she told me about Luke...... It all makes sense. How could Luke probably found out. But how? Or was she doing it to save me from something?

Oh God please help me, Help her.

"Mr Jarius!" I exclaimed hearing him start up his car. I began to run after him as the car moved.

"Wait! Wait! Mr Jarius stop!" I said as I kept running after.

"Don't let him out!" I shouted to the security.

The car came to a sudden halt and Mr Jarius came out shocked.

"Boy you want to get killed?!" Panicked he said slamming the door and walked up to me.

"She could be your sister, the girl. I'm sorry, there's a whole lot." I said catching my breath.

"What do you mean"

"please just, come on in. There's at least an 80 percent chance she could be your sister. Hopefully. I don't know."

"What, you know something?"

"yes, I-"

"what do you know!"

"Mr Jarius please just calm down "

"do you know where she is? An address anything!"

"Mr Jarius please!  Just, just calm down."

"What do you mean I should calm down I can't calm down! Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for her! What do you mean calm down! I can't calm d-"

"I'm in love with her okay!"

That'll calm him down a bit.

"What?" he asked confused and thrown off.

"The girl who could be your sister....I'm in love with her, please just come with me and I'll tell you what I know, please. "

Mr Jarius sighed rubbing his temple. He nodded. Still confused at the unexpected, he followed me back in.

I wasn't sure if he was completely calm. He obviously wasn't. So I decided to get him a drink. A time to cool off. But I have to tell him what I know as soon as possible.

I decided to call my Dad to come over. At least I could let him now know what was going on too.

My Dad arrived and Mr Jarius lost his patience.

"Where-when last did you see her! tell me how do you know her? " Mr Jarius asked pacing around my living room.

"Look I'll tell you the truth if you'd just calm down okay, please. " I said still trying to calm him down.

"You don't understand....What have I done? This is all my fault." Mr Jarius said filled with regret as he sat.

"Are you okay Mr Jarius?" My Dad asked.

"Of course I'm not! Sorry it's just, this girl could be my sister, and it's my fault she's not with me."

"Do you mind me asking what happened?" I asked.

He let out a sigh.

"I sent her to my uncle here in America. After our parents died I just wanted the best for her. Ever since I haven't laid my eyes on her. I tried reaching out. But my uncle kept telling me that she was doing great and didn't want to see me or talk to me. I guess I couldn't blame her. I kept paying for her financial support School fees, but, she still didn't want to see me, so I was told. I guess she was pissed I took her away from her friends and well me.

I stopped paying because, I lost contact almost as if they vanished."

"Wait so you thought sending her to another country with an uncle you barely knew was the best for her?" I asked.

"Well you can say I wasn't exactly smart for an eighteen year old" Mr Jarius said looking at his hands.

"No don't, don't say that." Dad said to him.

"I should have been there for here. I should have let her school back in Nigeria then maybe when she was old enough she'd come here to study" Mr Jarius shook his head. But on the bright side I probably would have never met her. I shake the selfish thought away. But maybe I would have but in a rather different circumstance. Maybe.

"I hired private investigators but all was vain."  Mr Jarius continued.

"We spent months here searching, but... nothing. she probably doesn't want anything to do with me. But I just hope that she's okay."

"Yeah, we hope she is" I said to him.

"Tell me, when did you meet her? what was her last address?" he asked desperately.

"I'll tell you everything, please forgive my attitude the last time. I'll tell you nothing but the truth."

"Okay" Mr Jarius replied. He was clearly hurt and regrets sending Mary away. I just hope she'll see it.

It's confirmed that he's her brother, I know that but he doesn't for sure. And this can be the ticket to Mary's freedom. But how?

I got a call from my security.

"Uh.. Give me a second Dad, Mr Jarius" I said excusing myself.

As I left, I could her my Dad consoling Mr Jarius and telling him everything would be alright. It was all unexpected to him but he did a good job calming Mr Jarius.

"Sir, someone wants to see you. Uh an FBI agent."

The security said.

"uh....Okay?" I said confused. What does an FBI agent want with me?

"let him in"

"Son he is a mess you better tell him what you know, now,  I can't keep up he's almost crying." My Dad said whispering as he walked to me.

"I will Dad its just, something came up"

"what? "

"It's fine, an FBI agent wants to see me but I don't know-"

"an FBI agent? What does an FBI agent want with you? I hope you-"

"Dad, really it's fine, let Roland and I handle this, okay?" I said assuring him.

"Fine, you better hurry up."

"I will Dad. Just, tell Shannon to make some tea"

"Fine...but still, make it quick"

"okay okay "

Roland and I came out of the house to meet the agent.

"Sir I hope there isn't any problem-"

"Mr Patterson Jr?" he cut in.

"uh.... Yes how do you-"

"I'd like to have a word with you. Concerning a girl. Mary Jarius"

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