Trigger - Part 1

CHAPTER 10 - I Can't

Harris clears his throat and ushers Sage to enter, I follow but stop by his sudden pressure falling on my shoulder.

"Sage, Tammy will lead you to your room, why don't you freshen up and we'll all meet for lunch." His voice sounds flat while his eyes land on me. I nod at Sage and watch her walk with Tammy, constantly turning her head towards me before disappearing around the corner.

"So Colton... I hope I am not picking up on some tension between the two of you." His eyes glaring through me.

"She's just scared... So, any leads?" I walk with him towards his office.

"No, and they won't give up his location either. Has her memories improved?"

He sits behind his desk, holding his hand out gesturing towards the chair in front of me.

"We've been working on it. Look, I don't know if she knows anything about Devan, none of her dreams are about him. How does Nikolai know she's still alive? How did they find us? " I take my seat.

"I don't know Shane... but I have decided to call this whole thing off. She can go back to her old life. There's just not enough evidence to link his involvement and it's not necessary to keep Sage if she can't remember."

"You can't be serious Harris! Nikolai is dangerous. We both know that and you're willing to send her back to a life she has no memory of!"

Harris leans back and sighs.

"Shane, I've stuck my neck out for you. When you told me about Sage I arranged to have her placed at the facility with you. However, due to her memory we can't carry on like this. I'm sorry Shane; we are busy chasing ghosts and dragging her along with us. Maybe it's a good thing she can't remember him. With that being said there is nothing more I can do for her or you at this moment."

I sit forward resting my hands on my knees trying to push down the anger rising.

"Please tell me you have not really considered sending her back home, Captain?"

"Well it's not definite. But definitely considered."

Unable to contain the burning sensation inside me I stand up; pushing the chair back. The table rattles as my hands slam into it.

"YOU ARE NOT SERIOUS HARRIS! After everything she has been through! After everything we did to ensure her safety! Now you are basically throwing her to Nikolai! I can't allow this!"

His face turns bright red as he stands meeting me face to face. "WATCH YOUR TONE DETECTIVE!" He clears his throat and sits down.

"Look, I have seen the video. But you know that we cannot rely on that a hundred percent. There is another option; have her placed in a protection program and relocate her to start fresh."

I take a step back as I run my hand over my hair.

"I apologize for acting out, Sir... I just feel that we will be sending her into a death trap if she goes back. And I can guarantee you she won't go back. Okay, then arrange the protection program. I'll put in a transfer-" His hand cuts me off as he leans forward.

"-If we do agree on a protection program you will not be needed. That's not how it works and you know that." He speaks in a toneless voice.

"With all due respect sir, you can't make that choice for me... I am good at what I do and I will carry on protecting her, personally. She's Devans girl." I keep my eye contact then turn to go find Sage.

"Yes, she is Devans girl. Therefore I'm pulling you from the case. You will head home tomorrow morning first thing. As for Sage I will ensure the protection program carries out then and she will be safe. Shane, I am doing what is best for you... You have been away from home for a long time. Spend time with Grace. She already lost a son... Don't be the second."

Rage flying through me; I turn towards Harris.

"I advise you to turn around and walk out that door right now Shane, before you say anything else that will end you up being escorted out. I'll see you for lunch."

I make my way towards the corner I saw Sage go and look in every door. A sudden hit against me sends me grabbing at the thing I bumped into.

"Tammy! Where is Sage?"

Her blue eyes wide, she turns her head pointing her finger down the hall behind her.

"Three doors down on the left. Do you want me to show you to your room?" Her hands brush against her skirt then tugging at her shirt.

"No. Thanks. I'll find it later." I hurry past her and burst through the door walking straight to Sage. Her head spins towards me; she jumps off the bed and runs towards me throwing her arms around my neck.

"Shane, thank goodness I thought you left." She whispers in my ear. I pull her arms down, sliding my hands down until I reach hers; folding my fingers between them.

"Sage. Listen. I have to leave. You will be placed in a protection program. You'll receive a new name and start the life you always wanted. I thought it would be better if you hear it from me..."I wipe her tears with my thumbs looking over my shoulder, I lean to close the door and turn towards her again.

Her voice stutters as she wraps her hands around my wrists: "What Shane no! Please you cannot leave me please! Why are you not coming with me?"

"I can't... This is no longer my case and it's what's best. Look, you will be safe I promise. You'll have a job and start over. This is what you wanted; you'll see, you will be happy." I swallow deeply trying to hold back the emotions trying to show.

"How can you promise me I'll be safe if you're not even going to be with me? Please don't leave me... We'll figure something out, we have to Shane... I need you..." Her tears flowing down her cheeks grips my heart.

"Sage... If I had the choice I would be with you every single day! But I don't... Please don't cry..."

I pull her face towards me looking at her eyes starting to puff up.

"You do have a choice! When you told me you had feelings for me since you were sixteen it felt like my heart was being ripped from me. I don't know why you took so long to tell me but I am telling you now... I do feel something for you... I tried to fight it but I can't anymore, I don't want to anymore. So I am making my choice and I choose you!"

I grab her and pull her into me feeling my heart beating in my throat. I taste the saltiness of her tears as her lips burn mine; I press my head against hers as I regain my breath and whisper: "I can't."