Page 44 of Sweet Dreams
God, it’s so good to hear his voice “Nancy is waiting for me at the shop.”
“Dimples, it’ll be alright. Are the doors locked?”
“Yeah, I’m in my office. I called Jace. He and the guys are coming, but I’m scared she might try to force herself in.” I feel my voice cracking and tears welling up.
“That’s good, love.” His voice softened. “Don’t leave that office; stay there until Jace shows up. I’m sorry that I can’t be there.”
I stay silent to avoid breaking down in tears. I nod, sniffling. “You left me.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“Why?”
He’s quiet. “We aren’t having this conversation right now. We can talk when you are safe.”
“Okay.”
“Where is Jace?”
I check my phone even though I would get a notification. “I’m not sure. Jace said he would call.” I feel a tear slipping down my nose, so I quickly wipe it away while sniffing abit.
“It’s okay, breathe. He’ll be there shortly. Stay on the phone until then. Can you do that?”
“Yeah.”
“Perfect, love. Tell me about the shop. How does it look.”
I smile; the shop is beautiful. “It’s amazing, Sunshine. You can’t tell a stupid fire hydrant took it out.” He chuckles. “The shelves are all stocked, and I decided not to do a coffee bar. I’m going to turn it into a small retail spot instead; I think that would be better.”
“Sounds perfect. No more screaming demons is even better in my books.”
“Oh, tell me about it. My books will be safe now.”
I missed talking to him, and I’m trying not to think about when I have to hang the phone up and our time will come to an end. I want to ask so many questions, but I know it would be pointless. He’ll never answer them.
A deafening bang echoed from the front of the store, sending waves of fear coursing through me.
“Teagan?” Silas yells. “Teagan, answer me. What the fuck was that?” calls again when I don’t say anything.
“I…I don’t know.” I could barely force the words out.
“Lock the office door. I’m coming back to get you, Dimples.”
I try to calm my breathing when I hear voices I don’t know in the shop. “I’m so scared. What do I do?”
“Hide, call the cops. I’m hanging up. Call the cops. Teagan.”
The line goes dead, and I stare at the wall. I’m slowly losing my will; this was supposed to be my happy day, but now it’s becoming a nightmare. I’m on autopilot at this point as I hit Taylor's number. I barely remember what I said to him, but I remember something about the shop and Nancy. I’m sure he’ll blame me. The voices continue along with banging and destruction.
I sink down between my desk and the wall and bury my head in my hands. And the tears finally fall. I wipe them away so I can see the screen on my phone.
Me: Where the hell are you?
I shouldn’t have to ask Jace where he is. It never takes him this long unless he’s out on a call. I close my eyes and try to escape, but it’s not enough. I’ll never get that sound out of my ears. I want to call Dad, but I don’t need to get him mixed up with whatever is happening out there. I cover my ears when I hear the bookshelves being pushed over. Nancymust've called in people to do this because I’ve had loyal customers for years, and I know they wouldn’t do this to me.
I’m unsure how long time has passed until a knock on the door had me jolting away from the desk. I don’t say a word. All I can do is stare at the door, waiting for someone to kick it down.
“Tee, baby, it’s me. Open up.”