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“Take only what you need for travel – essentials, legal paperwork, anything that would make our trip easier. I have money. Whatever we’re missing, we’ll figure it out as we go.”
Rian nods and rushes to the bedroom, Ty following him closely, still holding his hand. His head snaps back, when they get there.
Ri implores him, “Go to Bran. Make sure…no matter what happens, make sure Bran and Margarita are safe. Don’t leave without them. Please, don’t leave Bran behind.” He stops and quickly amends that. “Don’t leave Bran. Ever. If anything, ever happens to him…” he trails off, not willing to voice his biggest fears.
Ty hesitates for a moment, but with a curt nod, he frees his fingers from Rian’s hold and walks down the corridor where they can hear Margarita talking to the little one. The wide expanse of his back and his tall stature make the hall look narrow and dark. His imposing presence brings only a sense of relief to Rian. This is his friend, his savior, and the love of his life. With Ty back in his life, Ri fears nothing but time itself. They must run. Every second is of the essence.
With that thought, Rian runs to his bedroom and grabs the bag he has hidden with the paperwork from Rick. He still has some money, and he stuffs another backpack full of essentials, then quickly runs to Bran’s room to get him packed as well.
Ty is outside his door waiting, glancing tensely between the hall and Margarita.
“How many men?” he asks as he reaches for the back of his jacket to reveal a gun holster.
Rian shakes his head. “Only three. They’re outside. We can’t do this with Bran and Margarita here.” He calmly pulls Ty’s hand away from beneath his jacket, holding it lightly in his for a moment. “Margarita will leave with us,” Ri says as he reluctantly releases him.
Ty nods and they enter the nursery. Margarita is about to exit with Bran dressed in a clean outfit. The little boy immediately reaches for Ty as if it is the most natural thing in the world and the woman hands him over, without thinking. Only once the child is in his arms does she turn to Rian, but he reassures her with a quick nod.
Bran is safe with him.
Rian turns to Ty. “Take him to the car. I’m coming. Margarita, you too. Get in your car, drive away before us. That way you can deny ever seeing me leave.”
“Ray…don’t let him find you,” she whispers, her eyes filled with fear for him.
She gives him one last brief hug and walks away, wiping her tears. Who knows if they will ever see each other again?
Ty glances over his shoulder as he walks down the corridor after Margarita, but Rian reassures him, “It’s okay. I’m right behind you.” He grabs a few more essentials from the room and gives himself a moment to think if he is missing something.
Most things he can buy on the go, but he has no idea where they are going and if they will be able to stop at all. He wants to at least be prepared for the next twenty-four hours. Once he has his backpack stuffed to the brim with Bran’s things, he walks out, moving down the long corridor leading to the stairs that go down straight to the garage.
He stops by his office door briefly, feeling like a complete fool for even considering that he might miss the space. Rian takes a deep breath and keeps moving forward without walking into the room. His art, his writing, and his work are in his head. No one can take those away from him. He can be inspired and create anywhere.
Nothing from this life he’s leaving behind matters anymore. This house, this fucking jail, could burn to the ground for all he cares. What he needs to live and breathe is in the car waiting for him.
He has in his carry-on the paperwork Rick had given him. He forces his thoughts not to linger on what would happen to Rick once Harris caught on to their deceit. Rick had made his choices, and it is time for Rian to do everything in his power to honor his sacrifice, by ensuring the survival of his little family. Not for the first time in the last few weeks, does it dawn on him, that his inaction would be worse than making the wrong choice.
Even so, Rian feels lightheaded and sick with worry as he’s going down the stairs, his escape finally within reach. What if they get caught? What if Bran is hurt? What if Ty disappears again? What if Harris hurts anyone else he suspects might be trying to help Rian?
All his worries melt as fast as they have emerged in his mind when he lays eyes on Ty and Bran, waiting for him.
Ty has come prepared with a car seat for Bran and is just finishing buckling him in. The little one is squishing his cheeks, making happy babbling sounds. The sight of them together is so beautiful.
Rian hates the twisted circumstances, they’re in. How can he relish the instant comfortable bond between Ty and Bran when they are still in so much danger?
Ri swallows hard and forces himself to move.This isn’t the time to get lost in bitter thoughts, he scolds himself. He sits in the front passenger seat, feeling clammy, sick, and excited all at the same time. Ty settles next to him, his palms pressed open on the wheel, taking deep breaths. They slowly face each other. Their eyes lock. Time stands still long enough for Rian to lose himself in those deep brown eyes focused entirely on him. A barely perceptible nod follows.
Are you ready?
They turn their attention to the front yard, looking out to the driveway showered in sunlight. It is completely empty, but the dread in his belly tells Rian some catastrophic immediate danger is lurking out there, waiting to swallow them whole.
“Margarita left. I’m sorry. She wanted to stay behind, but I told her it was too risky to wait.” Ty mutters, glancing at Rian briefly.
“You did well. Thank you,” Rian murmurs.
They look at each other again. After a beat, Rian gives Ty a curt nod, answering the wordless question in his eyes.
I’m ready.
* * *
