It's Never Too Late

Chapter 10

            David called, but she let it go to voice mail, Emily was driving so she couldn’t answer. She had to drive, she heard her phone ring again, this time she answered, it was Mr. Emerson, “Emily, we’ve been looking for you, where are you?” He sounded relieved.

            “I’m outside the office in my car, what’s going on?” Emily was surprised.

            “Come on in. I’ll call David to tell him we found you,” he said happily.

            What is going on? I just got here. She looked at her watch, I’ve been gone two hours! She ran inside to see David, “I’m sorry, I was stuck in traffic I couldn’t answer.”

            They just stared at her, “where were you?” David asked concerned.

            Emily looked confused, “what’s going on you guys, I just told you that—”

            “I know what you said, where were you? I was trying to find you. Sam escaped from the hospital and he has a grudge against you,” David looked scared.

            “I went to clear my mind I had a lot to think about. Wait just a second, you aren’t taking me out of my story again, every job in the world is dangerous this is my job. I can’t be protected all the time! It’s hard when you don’t let me work!” Emily said angrily.

            “I’m sorry, Emily,” Mr. Emerson shook his head.

            “No, I can’t believe this! Are you two doing this to me again?” Emily argued.

            “No, we are not doing this to you! You’re no longer going anywhere alone, got it?!” David said.

            “What are you talking about?” I don’t need a sitter! Emily looked angry.

            “Sam Sanderson escaped again, he stabbed himself after killing an inmate. Hurry, you are coming on air in a few minutes.” Mr. Emerson said.

            “We’re on in five minutes.” Jimmy said aloud. She walked to the set, and David followed. Mr. Emerson stood behind the cameras, Emily and David began recording.

            As the cameras came off, Emily stood, “I’m not going to explain myself, all I can tell you is that I meet deadlines. That’s all that matters that’s all you should care about.”

            “Trust me, we aren’t trying to stop you. We’re looking out for you, and there‘s nothing wrong with that!” David glared.

            Emily lowered her voice, so that David would be the only one to hear, “in that case take better care of your girlfriend. She’s a police officer.”

            “A detective, she works with the police.” David explained.

            Emily looked annoyed, “what exactly do you want?”

            “We’re letting you do the story on one condition, that you have a body guard, you can’t be alone until Sam is found.” Mr. Emerson answered.

            “But—” Emily was shocked.

            “He won’t stop you from your work, he is going to protect you, it’s either that, or you’ll be out of your story, what do you say?” David cut her off.

            “I guess I have no choice.” Emily was disappointed.

            “Good because someone’s already on his way,” David said.

            “Actually, he just arrived. David be nice and show him in?” Mr. Emerson said.

            David looked around the lobby and found Jacob, “what are you doing here?!”

            “I came to see Emily, is she still busy?” Jacob asked.

            “Yes, she’s waiting for someone.” David said looking around.

            “I forgot,” Jacob handed him a paper.

            “You’re the one-” David looked astonished.

            “David? I thought he hadn’t made it.” Mr. Emerson came to get them. “Jacob is—”

            “Sir, I’m here since we have full knowledge that he might be going after Emily I came to protect her.” Jacob explained while glaring at David.

            “I know, how exactly did he get away?” Mr. Emerson asked.

            “He killed an inmate and stabbed himself so we took him to the hospital. He escaped from there, he wants vengeance against Emily since he got caught because of her, not once but twice” Jacob explained.

            “So you will take care of her?” David asked getting jealous.

            “Yes.” Jacob said, satisfied.

            Emily was listening, “I know how this is, but you will let me do my job, right?”

            “As long as we can do ours, we are only going to be outside your house and when you go out I’ll be with you.”

            Emily didn’t trust Jacob, since she knew how he felt about her now, “we’ll see.”

            “Emily, there’s someone in the office for you.” Jimmy said coming at the right time, she felt uncomfortable, being there with David and Jacob at the same time.

            “Who is it?” Emily asked Jimmy.

            “It’s Stanley.” Jimmy whispered as if knowing how she felt.

            Emily left them while she went to meet Stanley in her office, “Stanley, what are you doing here?”

            “I was in town, and decided to stop by to say hello, they told me you were busy so I waited, how have you been?” Stanley smiled widely.

            It’s nice to have someone to talk to when I need a friend. But, not now! David walked in at that moment with Jacob, “this is our office,” David said looking at Emily.

            “Stanley this is Jacob, Jacob this is Stanley-my boyfriend,” Emily looked nervous back at Stanley who smiled at them.

            Jacob looked shocked, but shook hands with him with a stern face. He was jealous he couldn’t hide his feelings. “I will need to know this man’s address, phone number and I’ll need to see some ID, you know for security purposes.”

            “Jacob enough! He’s ok I’m sorry he’s here because a thief who is after me escaped. I’ll explain later, the police sent him to protect me.” Emily explained.

            “I want my girlfriend to be safe if this is how, so be it!” Stanley put an arm around her. Jacob glared at them and David looked angered.

            Emily left, leaving Stanley and Jacob talking. She looked worried for Stanley. David noticed and walked after her. “Don’t you worry too much, about your boyfriend?”

            “It’s not that!” Emily lowered her voice, “last time I saw Jacob, we parted in bad terms. I’m afraid he might say something to Stanley.”

            “So? It’s not like Stanley wouldn’t trust you, right?” David was angry.

            “David, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed today? Is everything ok?” Emily looked at him surprised.

            David sighed, the truth is that I had feelings and I’m too afraid to tell you. We were so close, yet, there is some kind of an invisible wall not letting us through.

            “David, what’s wrong? You look mad,” Emily noticed he was glaring at her.

            “Never mind, it’s just-a lot’s has happen. Like, the lady from yesterday startled me, I don’t know why I feel I’ve got to talk to her. You’re gonna think it’s crazy, but I’m sure that I know her.” David thought quickly changing the conversation.

            “Trust me, you’re not crazy, you said she knew your mother. Do you remember if you probably had a baby sitter?” Emily felt bad not being able to tell him.

            “Not really.” David shook his head.

            “David, there’s something I have to tell you,” Emily looked scared.

            “Yeah, what is it?” David said.

            Emily, wanted to tell him, that she was his mother, was it better to make him think that I’m helping him? What if I hurt him? She felt guilty, she knew what it meant not to have a mother. David was lucky to have both of his parents, alive! Her eyes filled with tears and she stayed silent.

            “I know there’s something wrong-since yesterday actually, what’s going on?” David looked worried.

            “Nothing, I was talking to your father, I’ve been thinking about Sam, what if he comes? It’s not only me he’s after, I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to you guys. You guys were threatened too, I wonder if I should…” Emily started crying.

            “Don’t think like that, you know nothing can happen,” David sounded angry.

            “David! I’m not worried about me, it’s you guys! I should call Helen, tell her not to come. I’d rather have her far away than in danger. I might have to get away from you and your father, I been thinking about it and it’s for the best,” Emily said.

            “NO! FORGET IT, I WON’T ALLOW IT! YOU WILL HAVE TO KILL ME!” David said loudly.

            Mr. Emerson heard David and went to investigate, “what’s going on in here? If you two are going to argue, take it outside.”

            “Emily—”

            “Sorry Mr. Emerson we won’t do it here.” Emily glared at David, “right David?”

            Mr. Emerson left thinking it was just another argument, David kept glaring at her.

            “I’m sorry David you have no choice, I made reservations,” she lied, hey! I will. “the police will be at the house, you and your father will be safe. I’ll stay later once everyone’s gone I’ll go to the hotel, tell your father tomorrow that I left for work early.

            If Sam looks for me, he’ll try the house first and when he knows I’m gone he’ll have no choice but to give up. Promise me you’ll help, like I’m helping you with that woman, although it’s going against your father’s wishes.” Emily begged.

            “SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU BEEN PLANNING? YOU HAD IT THOUGHT OUT. YOU ARE SO STUBBORN THAT, YOU’LL NEVER STOP UNTIL—” David stopped himself.

            “Until?” Emily asked, David was silently glaring at her.

            He grabbed her from the shoulders and shook her, “I’m not covering for you, come up with something else, you hear me?” He clenched his teeth.

            “David, you’re hurting me, I have everything ready, sort of. I won’t let anything happen. You worry too much, I won’t forgive myself if you were left fatherless because of me. I’ll talk to Jacob he has to let me do this, I’ll sign anything, he will be taking care of you two.” Emily tried to leave.

            David followed and stopped her before she left, “Emily! No Emily you can’t do this, if you want I can-I could-I’m not letting you do this!”

            “I’m not asking! David, it’s a fact I’m doing this with or without your permission, got it?! I’m not a child, I can take care of myself.” Emily left.

            David walked past her saying, “I’m not finished with you.”

            Emily followed David to Mr. Emerson’s office, “Mr. Emerson, I’m going out to lunch, there was too much traffic before I couldn’t go.”

            “That’s fine, go with Jacob.” Mr. Emerson told her.

            “I’ll take Stanley as well I told him we’d have a lunch date.” Emily said.

            “Ok,” Mr. Emerson said.

            David looked at Emily, I know where she’s really going, “I would like to go, will you wait for me?”

            Damn! Emily sighed, “fine! I’ll be waiting in the car.”

            David got his keys, when he looked out the window, he saw Emily driving off, stupid girl! He went out and practically leapt downstairs, I’ll do whatever it takes to stop her, I couldn’t do anything for her before, now I have a chance.

            David followed, he didn’t notice the red light until it was almost too late, the car behind him honked, “watch out you i***t!”

            He looked at his watch, she’s packing and I’m stuck in traffic, the light turned green he sped, cutting through cars. Suddenly, he saw the traffic was due to an accident.

            David turned pale, No it can’t be! “Emily!” He got out of the car, the police wouldn’t let him through. “Please! It’s my sister, please?”

            “Ok stay with me,” the officer walked to the ambulance, a young girl was covered in blood, unconscious. David was relieved.

            “It’s not her, thank you.” He ran his fingers through his hair. Thank God! Why is she so stubborn? I have to get home. “I have to go. My sister has the same car, do you know if she came through?”

            “Let me ask,” a little while later he came back, “yes she went through about two minutes ago.”

            “Thank you,” David left, the traffic was clearing. He arrived home sooner than expected, Emily’s car was parked outside he got out and ran inside to catch up to her.

            “Emily!” David leaped up the stairs. She looked astonished, he took her bags and threw them aside, “you don’t know what I’ve been through on my way here. I thought I saw your car and that it was you.” David looked scared.

            “I thought I told you not to worry!” Emily said angrily.

            “Well, your ‘over protective brother’ can’t help it, remember? Where is Jacob? I thought he was supposed to take care of you,” Emily wouldn’t answer, “and Stanley?”

            “I got away from them, I can’t stay here, I have to go,” Emily said.

            “I am calling dad, he has to talk some sense into you, since you won’t listen to me,” David said angrily.

            “I don’t think you’re listening to me!” Emily screamed.

            “No. You aren’t listening. I said, I thought you’ve had an accident, you’re not paying attention.”

            “I’m afraid of staying and putting you in danger, I’d rather die,” Emily said before David pulled her.

            “No, you’re coming with me,” Emily tried freeing herself, but David’s grip was too tight on her wrist, I’ll do something, I have to!

            “David, let go! What is wrong with you? You’re hurting me!”

            David let go and instead he carried her over his shoulders, “you’re not getting away! Got that?” He said angrily.

            “I will never forgive you for this!” Emily cried.

            David drove her to the office, Mr. Emerson was talking to Jacob and Stanley. When they heard David coming from the drive way with Emily in the car. “You are not doing this! You know what? I don’t know why I’m even trying, you never listen, you’re so stubborn!”

            “You can think you were my hero today but you weren’t, you didn’t do anyone a favor by stopping me. Don’t think you’ve stopped me, got it!”

            “You know it doesn’t matter, I’m not letting you out of my sight, no more Mr. nice guy.” David glared at her and crossed his arms over his chest.

            “I’m keeping your secret, don’t make me tell your father, about her,” Emily said.

            “You wouldn’t dare!”

            “No- would I?” Emily said.

            Mr. Emerson came out, “what’s going on with you two?” David and Emily kept glaring at each other. David walked away, Mr. Emerson looked at Emily for an explanation.

            “It’s nothing, a small quarrel between, ‘siblings.’” Emily said.

            Mr. Emerson didn’t believe it he let it go, he was happy to know they were fine. “I’ll talk to him if you guys have arguments, you should come to an understanding.”

            “No! He was right I should apologize, if anything I should thank him.” Emily said.

            “For what?” Mr. Emerson looked confused.

            “He saved my life, I don’t like to admit it. He’s right I’ve been trying to do the right thing, but maybe it’s not. I’ll talk to him it’ll be alright.” I have to make him understand my point of view.

            David was at his computer typing, “David? I want you to understand, if I don’t do something- Sam will and I won’t forgive myself.” Emily explained.

            David kept typing without turning an inch, she sat across from him knowing he’d keep ignoring her. David received a new e-mail, he saw it was from Emily.

            “Don’t you get it? When I saw you leave and I followed you, then I saw that car destroyed, I thought it was you. You were lucky this time, but there might not be a next time.” David said.

            “Who says there won’t?”

            “It’s the way you’ve been acting, I have a bad feeling like there’s something wrong, since yesterday.” David looked at her.

            Emily turned away to hide her tears and cleared her throat. This secret was going to kill her, if not it would break their friendship and that was all she had from him.

            Maybe it was for the best that she kept both of their secrets, she wouldn’t tell David who the woman was and she wouldn’t tell Mr. Emerson, what David wanted to do. David, felt bad to hear her cry, “Emily, what’s wrong?”

            “I can’t take it, I just can’t! I’m sorry David, after you find out what I’ve been keeping from you, you’re going to hate me. So, don’t be nice, it’s worse!” Emily said.

            “What are you—?” David looked astonished.

            “Just promise me, no matter what you’ll always be my friend. Even if you don’t trust me after you find out, promise me that, you’re all I have left, after your dad and my sister.” Emily turned to look at him.

            “Emily, what’s going on?” David looked worried.

            “I have to be alone, I have some things to sort out, including Sam,” Emily said.

            David stepped in and hugged her, as he whispered, “I’ll never leave you.”

            Emily hugged him back, “because you don’t know, but you will. I know it.”

            “What’s happened to you Emily? You’ve been acting strange since yesterday, you can’t say it’s because of Sam, he escaped today,” David said looking down at her.

            Emily freed herself, “I need to talk to Stanley, I promised him lunch, it’s in my car. I guess I left it in there it‘s probably cold.”

            “You aren’t leaving, until you talk to me,” David said warningly.

            “Later,” maybe “I have to talk to Stanley, we’ll go out this time, with Jacob since he has to come with us.” Emily said to change the conversation.

            “Fine! I’ll ask dad, I’m sure he’ll tell me.” David looked at her.

            Emily went to meet Jacob and Stanley, she saw how they started to get along. She was glad and weirded out, hope Jacob isn’t trying anything. “Hey Stanley, I forgot your lunch in my car. Is it ok if we go out?” Emily said.

            “Sure.” Stanley said.

            They went to a restaurant she told them about her plan, “I’ll reserve a room for you too, don’t worry about getting in trouble. Stanley I need you to go to my house and grab my bags and give them to Jacob, make sure no one sees you. Jacob, I need you to put them in your trunk. I’ll leave after everyone.”

            “What about your car?” Jacob asked.

            “Emily, hold on a minute,” to Jacob, “aren’t you going to stop her? You’re supposed to be protecting her.” Stanley reminded.

            “If I try she’ll do it anyways, I have to take care of her, I can’t stop her. All I can do is protect her.” Jacob explained.

            “I guess you know me well, Jacob.” Emily smiled, glad to have him on her side.

            “Alright, what do you want me to do then?” Stanley asked.

            Emily was glad Stanley was joining too, “take my bags and call Jacob when you’re here to give them to him, please make sure no one sees you. I’ll make sure to keep Mr. Emerson and David busy, while you do that.”

            “I don’t want you in danger though.” Stanley seemed worried.

            “Don’t worry, I’ll call you,” she stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek.

            They went to the office, “Emily, I need you in my office, now.” Mr. Emerson waited until she sat, “I know what’s going on with you and David. I didn’t stop to think how my secret might affect you, I want you to know why I’m doing this.”

            “I’m sorry Mr. Emerson, this probably isn’t my place I couldn’t let you and David separate because of this. I decided, not to tell him that his mother is alive, but with one condition. After all this with Sam is cleared I’ll leave and come back after Helen’s graduation. I’ll find a temporary job in Nashville. I’m not quitting I need time to myself,” Emily explained.

            “When will you leave?” Mr. Emerson asked.

            “After New Year’s I’ll go with Helen, don’t worry about getting a temp, I’ll find someone who can replace me temporarily.” Emily explained.

            “I understand and you’re right, promise you’ll come back. I’m glad I can trust you, I don’t want my son to be hurt.” Mr. Emerson said.

            “Mr. Emerson, wouldn’t it be better if you explained? I’m sure—”

            “No! I don’t think so, it’ll kill him, he can’t find out it’s better to think his mom died, instead of finding out she abandoned him,” Mr. Emerson said quickly.

            “I think if you were able to explain it to him, he’d understand,” Emily pleaded.

            “I’m sorry Emily.” Mr. Emerson sighed.

            She knew it wouldn’t happen, but it was worth a try. “Well, I’m going to work I think if we can help find Sam, the sooner the better.” Emily said.

            “Emily don’t try anything like the last time, promise?” Mr. Emerson warned.

            “Mr. Emerson, I promise that, I won’t let anything harm you or David, you are my only family aside from my sister. If I can do something to protect you, I will.”

            Mr. Emerson never looked confused, is she promising or not? “I’ll take that as a promise. You can go, but remember don’t go out alone anymore, I know you tried before.”

            Emily left the office, David stood outside and startled her, “I don’t care if you’ll never forgive me, I am going to tell my father what you’re up to.”

            “Try, go ahead, and I’ll tell him what you’re up to he needs to know, I wonder how he’d take it? Do you think it’ll only be worse for you?” Emily said.

            David’s faced her, “I’m doing this for your own good, if you won’t help me talk to her, my only chance of finding out about my mother, so be it.”

            “Why do you annoy me? Do you like to make me suffer? You don’t have to worry, I promise. I promised your father I wasn’t going to do anything to hurt you.” Emily said.

            “What does that mean?” David crossed his arms and looked at her accusingly.

            “I will do whatever it takes to take you out of harm’s way. I won’t put you or your father in danger. Now, changing the subject, did she try to get a hold of you?”

            “Not yet, I wonder if she ever will, why?” David said.

            “David I need to talk to you,” they went to their desks, she didn’t know what to do, at least she’d be honest, maybe finding out about his mother will hurt him and if I help him get hurt, it’d be my fault. “I don’t think I can help you with that, talk to your father he is doing this for your own good. You’ll understand, someday.”

            “What? I understand if you can’t help, at least give me a good reason, what can hurt me, if she’s going to talk to me about my mother?” David sounded bothered.

            “I spoke to your father yesterday, he told me finding out could only hurt you. I know it sounds weird but trust me, you’d only be hurt.” Emily assured.

            David looked baffled, “you are very confusing at times, you know that? Whatever it is, I have a right to know, if it was about your mother, wouldn’t you want to know?”

            “I won’t stop you,” Emily turned her computer on, she saw she had new messages waiting for her to read one was from Helen, saying she was coming over from her trip a little late, but she’d get to San Francisco in time to celebrate. “David, my sister sent me an email, she will make it for Christmas, do you think it’s a good idea? What if Sam knows her and tries to hurt her?”

            David looked serious, “No! He doesn’t know her, he only knows you.”

            “I worry. What can I say she’s my little sister,” Emily shrugged.

            David looked at Emily, “glad to see you understand, I thought you said I worried too much seriously, too much is still not enough.”

            “Hey, let’s get back to work, we need to hurry, remember?” Emily said.

            “Uh-huh.” David rolled his eyes.

            Emily checked the rest of her e-mails. After replying back to her sister, ‘that’s ok just arrive safely, and be careful, Sam escaped, still not found, write back ASAP.’ The second e-mail was from Jacob saying that her bags were in the trunk, and asking if it was such a good idea to go through with this, and to contact him ASAP, if she wants to take it back it was not too late.

            She had to think about that, she checked her other e-mail, it was from Stanley, saying that he asked about Sam and Jacob explained everything. He asked her to stop what she was trying to do. Stanley can’t stop me, why would he?

            Emily replied to the both of them, ‘I can’t give up, if he easily escape the well-guarded hospital, he can surely go in and out of a house, without being caught. I’m sorry guys, I’m going through with it. If you guys don’t want to help, I’ll understand. I won’t hold it against you.

            I’ve put you through a lot there is no going back, I can’t. I’m doing this for my sister, brother, father and friends. Please you guys, if you won’t help me, I want you to keep this a secret. Don’t tell anyone ESPECIALLY DAVID. He would never understand.

            Finally, thank you guys, I want you to know there are no regrets.

Emily…’

            Jacob and Stanley were together when they received the message, they decided to help. After all, it was better than leaving her alone, that way they’d still protect her. They would keep her secret, and work together to catch Sam, Emily made reservations online.

            That drove Jacob nuts. How was he planning to attack? When? That was crucial information if he didn’t figure it out soon, it might just be too late for her later.

            Stanley didn’t work for the law, but came to understand the deep trouble Emily was in. What was worse, she put herself in danger and would do whatever it took to save her loved ones, even if along the way she was lost. He hated not being able to do anything but sit and hope for the best.

            Emily ran her fingers through her hair, David looked at her, “what’s wrong?”

            “I can’t help but think of Helen, I sent her an e-mail to answer me, but she hasn’t.”

            “I know how that feels.” David said sarcastically.

            “What?” Emily glanced at him.

            “Nothing! Just that now you know why I worry. What are we working on right now?” David asked.

            “Ah, yes our story.” Emily started typing. David and Emily were happy working on their story and everyone in the office was busy.

            Mr. Emerson was in his office receiving the call from the same woman. “Irene I told you never to call again, how many times?…No, you know it’s the same story. I’m not going to allow myself to trust you again, I can’t!”

            “Please William, for our son, I need to see him. You can come with him, I won’t tell him who I am, I just want to see him, if you just gave me a chance-” Irene said.

            “YOU THINK YOU CAN COME AND I WOULD FORGET ABOUT THE PAST? I DON’T THINK SO IRENE. I’M NOT LETTING YOU SEE MY SON. WHEN YOU LEFT, YOU SAID YOU NEVER WANTED TO DO ANYTHING WITH US. HE WAS FIVE YEARS OLD! I DON’T NEED TO FORGIVE YOU FOR LEAVING ME. IT’S HIM, MY SON YOU LEFT, HE’S NOT YOURS ANYMORE SO DON’T EVER CALL ME AGAIN. LOSE THE NUMBER. YOU WERE GOOD AT LOSING US.” Mr. Emerson said loudly.          

            “William!” Irene sighed.

            “ENOUGH! That’s enough, I’m at work, I can talk to you later, if you want. After I finish,” Mr. Emerson said.

            David and Emily were done typing their story, Terry came to visit David to leave for their date. “Emily, are you going to be fine when I leave?” David asked, Terry hated when he worried about her.

            “Fine,” Emily was nervous. She had always done something dangerous, like sneaking into a place to get the scoop. She placed cameras, voice recorders in their rooms she always uncovered mysteries. But this? This was crazy, it was for the best. No options, I have to! I will protect them.

            “I’ll help you tomorrow, we may be done by then.” David said.

            “We will, I will stay late, until I can get an answer from Helen, I can finish the story no problem.”

            Terry was jealous and she wanted to let Emily know that she had to stay away from him, “hon, can we go? I left my car on and all my keys are there.”

            “Ok! I’ll leave, talk to you later,” David turned to Emily before leaving.

            Emily couldn’t tell him “as I said before, I’ll be working late, we’ll talk later.”

            “Emily?” David asked.

            Emily was thankful that it was getting dark and the computer didn’t give much light with the screen protector it had on, that way David wouldn’t see that her eyes had tears, “don’t worry.” She said smiling at him.

            “I’ll talk to you soon.” David left and she wiped her eyes, everything is ready, no going back, this is it, it's all or nothing, they would catch him, if everything went well.

            Terry came back, “ok missy, I’m only gonna tell you this once, listen and you listen good. I don’t believe, any bull coming out of you, saying you see my David as a brother. I don’t want you near him, if I ever catch you even looking at him I swear—”

            “What? Are you jealous? Do you think I would steep so low as to take David away? No! I’m not like you. So leave me alone.”

            “You're an orphan and you'll die an orphan, you will always be a hopeless martyr.”

            Emily could not believe it! Just days ago, she was saying they were friends, she didn’t believe it but, what a hypocrite! How could she? Did David tell her? “How dare you?!” Emily thought aloud.

             “I found my purse, David! When did you get here?” Terry turned nervously to him standing on the doorway.