"One thing, where's Nolan? Alex told me you were with him." Garan asked as he drove up HWY 35 to the diner.
"Oh, he had left before me. Paul had called him away….something important."
Marc fiddled with his pocket and pulled out a pack of Newports. He proceeded to light one. "Yo Garan, don't you think that they'll come looking for me?"
"I'm counting on it my friend."
"O I C. So you're using me as a type of bait."
"Hopefully." He answered as he lit a cigarette himself.
"So…how are we gonna beat them?"
"We'll figure something out."
Garan and Marc pulled into the lot of the Town & Country Inn. Danielle, Rob, Megan, and Wendell's cars were all there. As soon as Danielle saw the truck she again flew over the table and out the door. Before Marc could take two steps she had him in a deathgrip hug. "Oh my god! I missed you so much! Are you ok?" she screeched, and started kissing him before he could even answer. Garan smiled at the reunion they had all been waiting for, and walked inside to give them some time alone. As he approached the table Rob was the first to greet him.
"Yo Gar, what's up?" he said as he shook his hand.
"Not much. I settled the fight between Marc and Danielle. I had to go all the way to NYC to find him."
Wendell shook his hand next; Megan hopped up and squealed, "Garan!" as she hugged him. Carol the waitress sauntered over and took down everyone's order, save for Garan.
"I actually just stopped by to say hi, I really have to get going." Garan said.
"Already?" Megan whined, "But you just got here!"
"I know, but I have important business to take care of."
"Alright man, take care." Rob said as he again shook hands. Megan and Wendell bid him farewell and he walked back out to his car. Danielle and Marc were sitting on the cement wall waiting for him. "Garan, what's the plan here? I know Paul will come for Marc, and for Crystal. You need to have Gerard bring her back. She's safer with you." Danielle said.
Marc inquired, "But why is he after Crystal? I don't know that whole story…"
Garan cleared his throat. "I'm not sure myself. And to top it off Jae and I killed his lover. So he's out for revenge as well." He replied with a sly grin, "For now, why don't the two of you go home and get some rest? I know it's been a very long night. Meet with me at Crystal's place tomorrow night at dusk. And watch your backs."
Danielle nodded. "Understood." She closed her eyes and a hawk flew in and circled over her head for a moment. It landed on her shoulder. My friend, keep a watchful eye over us, she asked of it. It once again flew up and circled over her. Garan chuckled, "That is a good idea actually. Good day, I'll see you both tomorrow."
Garan got into his truck and drove off. Danielle and Marc got in her car and she headed up Hwy 35 to her house. She looked in her rearview mirror; the hawk was still following them.
Garan arrived at his destination, the old house where Gerard and Crystal were. He called to Gerard telepathically. Come, let's go.
Gerard ran into Crystal's bedroom rather hastily. "Crystal, wake up. We have to go." He said as he gently shook her sleeping form. It was dark again already, though no light shone through the barricaded windows any time of day. He escorted her out to the car and held the door for her. She clutched his arm and asked, "What's going on Gerard?"
"You're going home."
Why can't I go with Garan? she thought to herself Does he hate me so? I don't understand. Hearing her agonizing thoughts, Garan winced...almost as if he was in pain, but got in his truck alone and drove off. Gerard and Crystal followed in the Mustang.
They arrived at Crystal's townhouse to wait for Danielle and Marc. Inside, Crystal still felt uneasy. She sat next to Gerard on the couch, and stared at Garan while he was pacing back and forth. I hate this. I don't know what to say or do right now.
Gerard, why is he acting this way? she inquired.
"Sweet Lydian, you can only imagine what he's been through for you, and how much he fears losing you again. You should go talk to him."
Crystal looked at him and smiled, then got up off the couch to approach Garan. She gave him a big hug from behind and his cold hard look softened. He turned around and kissed her forehead. "Thank you." he said, "I needed that." Gerard looked out the window. I wonder what is taking Danielle so long....
Chapter 15 >>>