Trigger - Part 2

CHAPTER 19 - I am scared

•SHANE•

"We have a problem."

I look up and see Luke throw his keys and wallet onto the coffee table.
"Watch it!" Liam shouts as he moves to the side trying to see the TV past Luke.

"Put the fucking game off. I said we have a problem!" He takes a seat on the couch on my right and throws the remote at Liam.

"What the fuck Luke!" Liam barks, sits upright and throws the gaming remote next to him.

"What do you have for us that will ruin our moods this time?" I copy Liam, feeling slight relief as my arse was being handed to me in the combat game we were playing.

"Ivankov... early release next week Monday. The word is that he is pissed and he is coming for Sage."

"Are you certain?" I sit more upright.
"Does it look like I am not certain?"

"Then we take him out, as planned." Liam stretches his arm above his head and leans against it.

"Agree, but we need to make sure Sage is locked away." Luke sits back.

"Guys, as much as I agree, I just see one problem." I say.
"What problem?" Liam's gaze falls on me.

"She is basically living her life independently. She also has a job and is working on her future. She will not voluntarily just walk into house arrest."

"Who said anything about volunteeringly?" Liam answers.

"And have her hate our fucking guts? Nah man, we can't just force her."
"For her safety she does not get a choice."

"Are you fucking serious?" I feel my blood inside warming steadily.
"Yes! When it comes to Sage I am always fucking serious! Unlike-"

"-Liam! Enough!"
"No, Luke. Let him finish!"

"No Shane! This is not the time for us to fight! Shane has a point, Liam. We can't force her. Not again. But we can speak to Wyatt. He can help us by talking her into being under house arrest. The guy clearly views her as more than just an assistant."

"That fucking guy? Are you serious?"
"Yes, Liam. I am being serious. We can use him to keep her safe."

"I agree Liam... as much as it pains me to say it, I think he might be the only one she will listen to." 

All three of us look at each other and slowly nod in agreement.

"Okay then, I will contact him and then we can arrange for her to move Friday." Luke looks at his phone and swipes a couple of times with his thumb.

"Wait. Friday is the seventh right?"
"Yeah?" Luke has a confused expression.

"We can't move her on the seventh," I state.
"And why the fuck not?" Liam barks.

"It's her birthday."

•
•
•

•SAGE•

"Hey, Mia? I went over the financials you gave me this morning and there are massive payments made yesterday. Do you know what is going on?"
I stand in front of Mia's reception desk and hand her the report.

Her eyes widen as she looks at it and back at me.
"Ah, Sage! Ah I mean Miss Adley-" 
"-Sage is fine when Wyatt is not here."

"Oh um, Sage... I am so stupid. You were not supposed to see that. It was a surprise!"
"A surprise?"

"I shouldn't... "
"Mia..." My voice turns slightly stern.

"Ag okay. But please you need to act surprised please. If Mr Whitner finds out I spilled the beans I'll be in so much trouble. He really is looking forward to it..."
"What are you talking about? Out with it!"

"Mr Whitner has arranged a huge party on the Tropical island for your birthday."
"What!? A party on his Island for my birthday?"

"Yes. Everyone will be there. He has also arranged for you to stay on the island for a while. I think he will still tell you about it but he wants you to work remotely."

"Remotely? I don't understand?"
"I don't know all the details but when you find out you need to act surprised please!" She jumps up and firmly wraps her hand in mine with an anxious expression.

I wrap my other hand over Mia's.
"Relax, I promise I'll act surprised. I mean how can't I? A party on an island for my birthday! Who does that?"

"Oh thank goodness! Thank you Sage!" She lets out a nervous giggle and sits back down.

"You're welcome... Thank you for telling me." I smile.
"Not by choice! Remember that!"

I roll my eyes and walk towards the door leading onto Wyatt's office behind the reception. I pause and turn to Mia.

"How did he know it's my birthday?"
"I am guessing either Liam, Luke or Shane told him."

"Wait what? How do you know that?"
"Yeah, they came in on Monday when you had that board meeting with Flex." She turns around in her chair.

"If you don't mind me asking. Who are they?" Her eyes look riddled with sparkles as she continues.
"Ah, they are...friends."

"Oh, even Liam?"
"Yes, why?"

"Oh! That's great... he seems really nice." Her grin reaches her ears on either side.
"Is he nice?" She continues.

Okay? What is happening?

"Ah, yeah... you can say that."
"Oh great! I am glad to hear that... you can never be too careful... he did seem nice. Quite a flirt too." She chuckles.

What. The. Fuck?

"Fli-"
"-Mr Whitner! Good morning sir." Her eyes widen as she smiles and nudges her head to the side. I turn and see Wyatt dressed as professional as always.

"Good morning Miss, Wilson. Miss Adley, please join me for a cup of coffee." Holding a tray of two white takeaway cups, He walks towards me and gestures for me to enter his office. I accept and hear the door close behind me.

I take a seat and he copies while setting my cup in front of me.

"We don't have much time, so I will just get to it. I need you to pack. We are leaving for Tropical Island tomorrow. You will be overseeing some developments." He lifts his cup and takes a sip.

"For how long should I pack?"

His eyebrows arches as he slowly placed the cup back down on the desk.

"Six months."

Six! No... remain calm.

"Okay then... I assume you have already booked flights and shuttles right?"
"Something like that." I notice an expression I can't quite make out.

"I take it, that will be all sir." I stand and walk towards my office door.
"Sage?"

I turn around and see him stand and slowly walk towards me.
"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I am fine. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Are you upset with me?" His eyes look concerned.

"Upset?"
"For taking you to the Hospital."

"No, that was a while ago though... But it wasn't necessary."
"Not necessary? You nearly died and when I brought you home after taking you to the hospital I found you unresponsive on the floor. How is that not necessary?"

"I get it. I do. I am just so tired of everyone being so dramatic over me. I just want to live my life without drama for once."

I notice a vein bulge a little on his forehead while his jaw clenches.
"Dramatic..." He scoffs. "I am not being dramatic. I fucking care about you. Be ready tomorrow morning at five am. I'll see you then."

I turn and watch him walk out the door. My heart pounds at the sudden slam of the door.

Ah great!

"Damn it Sage!" I open my office door and slam it shut too. I lean my head against the door and close my eyes.
"I didn't mean it like that Wyatt," I whisper.
"I want you to care for me, I just... I am scared."