Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Without wasting any time,  I got to my car with my hands shaking as I inserted the key to the hole. Please let her live. I kept chanting the words as I drove until I finally there. The sight in front of me was horrific.

The firemen were already there, trying to put the fire off. The warehouse was coated with big fire, so big that nobody could get inside. There was no sign of her or Larry. I found myself running towards the warehouse but I was stopped.

"Sir, you can't go in there", one of the firemen shouted, pushing me out of my way.

"My girlfriend's in there", I said pushing him back.

"It's dangerous. The fire has reached the door. We can't get in there", he said in a sad tone. "I'm sorry"

"No", I muttered. My whole body was numb.

"No, no", my hands were on my hair, pulling it so hard that it hurt. But nothing hurts more than this.

I lost her. I've failed her. She's gone because of me.

I set my blurry eyes again to the scene in front of me. The firemen were still trying to put it out but it looked like it got bigger.

I turned around so that my back was facing the horror. I couldn't bare standing here knowing that she was in there, dead. Thinking that I hadn't been a good boyfriend to her. And I regretted that I didn't get the chance to say that I loved her.

"We got survivors here", I heard one of the man shouted. I instantly turned around and there I saw her. And Larry. She's alive.

They stumbled as the firemen came to get them. I couldn't help myself as I ran towards them.

"Valerie", I came to hug her but I was pushed again by the same guy earlier.

"I'm sorry, sir but they need the room to breathe", he said in stern voice as he led them to the paramedics. I wanted to punch him but I knew he was right. She looked tired and her face was covered in ashes. She looked at me and I knew she wanted to seek comfort from me.

The officer gave each of them the oxygen masks as they had them checked out. Larry was fine, but Valerie had a little burn on her forearm. My heart ached as she hissed in pain when they tried to cover it with a bandage.

"Tell me everything", I whispered slowly to Larry who was already standing on his own feet. "How do you know she's here?"

"I didn't actually. When I got to the address and found it was empty, I knew something didn't seem right", Larry said in hushed tone.

"But then I remembered that Jonathan used to have one more warehouse near here, but it was named under his cousin, Josh. You remember him? The one you killed?", of course I remembered him. He was the reason why Jonathan wanted me dead.

"Jonathan was smart and I didn't think he'd be keeping Valerie in his own warehouse, well at least not under his name", Larry said.

"Thank you, Larry. You saved her and I don't think I could thank you enough", I said sincerely.

"Well, I wouldn't have known about this place if you didn't sign me to do the dirty job", he chuckled. I used to assign Larry as my spy trying to find out more about Josh by working for him. This warehouse used to be their base.

"I knew this place like the back of my hand so I knew all the way out", he stated.

Then a thought came into me. "When I came to your address, I found your car, why did you leave it there?"

He rolled his eyes. "The car died. I had no choice but ran. Luckily there was a car passing and I had to used my gun to threaten the poor old man's life"

I chuckled,  trying to imagine the situation. "Thanks again, man. I really owe you, big time", I said patting his shoulder.

"Anytime, man. I'd do anything to save her, knowing that she's the only person who can whip your ass"

"Oh, shut up", I blurted ad he laughed.

My phone rang and I saw the id before answered. "Yeah?"

I listened then my body went rigid. "Alright. I'll be there. Don't do anything yet. I'll be the one they deal with", I gritted my teeth was I hung up.

"What is it?", Larry asked.

"It's Jonathan and Tyler. They're in the house", I said in monotone voice.

//

The three of us rode the in the same car and silence filled in the air. Valerie hasn't said anything to me except when I asked if she was cold or the pain from the burn.

She admitted that she was fine but I knew it was a lie. She almost died today so of course I didn't expect her to be alright. God knew what they did to her while she was there.

My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I drove faster to the house. Valerie noticed my rigid position as she took glances towards my direction.

After the 10 minute drive, we finally made it to the house. Larry was the first one to exit the car and directly walked inside the house.

I waited for Valerie until she shut the car door. I extended my hand towards her, hoping that she would take it. She was hesitated at first but she received it eventually.

I walked slowly beside her, trying not to make sudden move that would scare her. I didn't want her fear me.

I led her upstairs to my room. I let herself in before I shut the door. She examined the room for a moment then turned around facing me.

"Do you mind if I take a nap?", she whispered softly. How much I missed her voice.

"Or course. I'll make sure to have someone fetch you some food and your medicine when you wake up", I replied.

"You're not coming back?", she asked. Hurt was evident in her voice.

"There's something that I need to do", I answered her truthfully

"Is it about Tyler?", she asked.

"You know Tyler?", I asked confused.

"Yeah, I guess. I've met him once at school", she said. He'd been spying on her this whole time?

"I was shocked when I saw him there, but then he told me everything", she added. "That he used to work for you and.. "

"And what?", I asked impatient.

She gulped before spoke, "He said you killed his father"

I frowned. His father? I didn't even know who his father was.

She noticed my confusion as she spoke again. "He said that you killed him because he couldn't pay the debt he had from you"

Now I was even more confused. I'd never kill someone just because they couldn't pay their debt.

"What's wrong?", Valerie asked when she noticed my distress.

"It wasn't me, I swear. I didn't even know who his father is. Also, I wouldn't end someone's life because of a debt. It's ridiculous", I blurted.

"Then why he said that?", she asked, more confused than I was.

"I don't know", I replied. "But whatever it is, I'll find out"

She nodded slowly then she let out a yawn.

"You need to rest. It's been a long day", I said and she nodded.

"Yeah. I'm going to have a shower first", she mumbled but she didn't move an inch.

"Alright", I muttered then turned on my heels towards the door.

"Sean", she called and I instantly turned.

"Yeah?"

"Where's Jonathan?", she asked. I didn't expect her to ask about him.

"Downstairs at the basement. He won't come for you anymore", I assured her.

She slowly nodded and stood there with her hands folded and her eyes burned into mine. Next thing I knew, I made my way towards her as I claimed her lips. But to my surprise, she pushed me back.

"What's wrong?", I frowned.

"I just really need to shower and go to bed. I'm exhausted", she replied but I knew there was something more.

"Valerie, what is it?", I asked.

"Nothing", she muttered, turning her back.

I touched her shoulder and she quickly sway away like I was a disease.

"Please, don't touch me", her voice was shaky.

"Baby, you're shivering", I stepped towards her but she took a step back.

"Please, leave me alone", my heart broke when she said this. She left to the bathroom and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on with her.

Then the unpleasant thought crossed me. No, it couldn't be. I'd kill Jonathan for this. No one touched my girl and got away with it.