Dangerous Hearts

The Car Ride

Charlie's POV

Alexander led me to the huge basement garage full of vehicles of all different shapes, styles, makes and models, and colors. It was insane how big and spacey it all was, which made me all the more surprised when he picked out a low-riding, sleek black Ferrari. The echo of the car's beep made me jump when he unlocked it and opened the door for me. It took me a second to pick my jaw up off the floor. This car rode lower than my precious old Chevy Cruz, but he was picking this very expensive sports car to take me home.

He looked expectantly at me as he held the door open, "Coming?"

"I thought Joseph said my car wouldn't make it on these roads, but yours rides lower than mine?" I managed to say over my shock.

He chuckled as I finally made my way over to him to get in, "Our cars have all been modified to withstand any situation, your little car has not, but I imagine he really said that because he didn't want you to drive by yourself in the dark while you were nervous to come."

"What a turd," I muttered as I buckled my seat belt. He chuckled as he closed the door and skirted around the front before getting in the driver's seat.

"I will tell him you said that," he said as he started the car, still chuckling at me and calling his friend a turd. I grinned to myself as he turned the radio on at a low volume. We stayed in a comfortable silence and I took the time to check my messages on my phone. I had a message from one of my co-workers that asked if I could take her Tuesday shift next week, and she would take my Thursday. I sighed, but ended up agreeing. The more money I could get for us, the better. My next three missed calls, ten missed messages, and scathing voicemails from Stella. So, after gaining my courage, because I knew she was going to ask me about last night and demand details that I probably couldn't give her because Stephen could somehow get it out of her, I finally called her.

"Where in the world have you been for the last ten hours?!" Was shouted in my ear immediately after the first ring. "You didn't text me or call me back, and you know how much that worries me!! What if Stephen had gotten to you? How the hell would I have known?"

I looked over at Alexander, who I knew could hear the tirade in my ear because of how loudly she was yelling at me. He arched an eyebrow and I giggled at him.

"I'm okay Stella, I'm sorry I didn't answer you back. I met up with a friend and the time went by."

"A friend? What friend?" Of course, with her one-track mind, she would latch onto me having a new friend.

I laughed softly, "We just recently met. I helped them out and was invited to dinner after my shift at the hospital."

"Do I know 'them?'" She asked, her voice now calm again.

"I doubt it, but we do have something to ask you if you'd be willing to come by the house sometime today?" She blew out a breath, thinking about it because her and her boyfriend, Jeff, had plans for the weekend that consisted of the horizontal proportions.

"Alright. We'll come by in an hour. Will your friend be there?"

I looked at Alexander again and gave him a smile, "Yes, we will both be there."

"Good. Tell him I'm watching him." I laughed, knowing that he wouldn't be scared off by a woman shorter than I was with how he handled business. I glanced over to see him grinning and trying to hide it behind his hand, which made me laugh harder. "What in the world are you laughing at like that?"

Through my giggles, I said, "You don't know the irony of that statement, girl. We will see you soon."

"Okay. Byie!!"

I hung up and turned to him, "I hope you know that she's going to lose her mind when she figures out what you do for a living."

"I don't know. I think she'll be able to handle it just like you did," he turned to give me a pointed look. Yes, but she hasn't stared down the barrel of a gun before like I have.

"She's a school teacher. Her upbringing was way different from mine, she will go ballistic."

"I'm sure it'll be fine, Charlie. Once I explain to her what I told you, she'll have a different reaction to me. I do get that 'freak out' reaction quite a bit, you know? I know how to handle it, and it will be just fine."

I sighed, "Alright, boss. If you think she can handle it, then take the lead." He chuckled as he shook his head in amusement."