The Royal Contract

1106 The old times

It was hard to explain how she felt about her friend now, or more or less the only brother she used to know. Her bond with him had been strong compared to her relationship with the other kids in the orphanage. But it had been such a long time.

Maybe this time, they could mend the time and distance they had been separated and return to what they used to be. Would that be so nice to have a family again besides Edison?

What about Zach? That was still questionable. It was still too early to tell if they could build a family together. She was afraid to presume anything.

“Yeah! I guess. I did make a lot of growing up.” He admitted. “Anyway, I called because I have something to discuss with you. But I don’t want to discuss them on the phone.” He told her. “Do you mind if I visit on Saturday? In the morning.” He asked.

She thought about it but only for a second. She knew she was going out with Zach, but that was still in the evening. Therefore, she was free around that time.

“Of course, I like that. We can finally catch up.” She believed it was time that they made up for the lost time. But she was also curious about his reason for visiting.

“That is great.” Tabby did sound excited, but she could also hear something else in his voice.

“Can you at least give me a hint?” She questioned. “I think we don’t have to wait until we meet for that.” She insisted, not wanting the mystery hanging over her head.

She believed she could not wait for Saturday to know what he had in mind. Somehow, he had piqued her interest or more of her anxiousness about what he had to say.

.....

With the things that happened to her these last few weeks, she did not want any more surprises that would shock her. She believed seeing Ryan was more than enough.

“As you said, I also think it is time for us to reconnect.” He said, but she could still hear something else in his voice. “I just want to make sure that you are ok.” That was it.

She believed it was his concern. She remembered that he was always reluctant to say anything when worrying about something. Then, she would urge him until he spilled it out.

“Why would I not be ok?” She was suddenly alert again. Her apprehension was back. Gone was her excitement earlier about seeing her childhood friend.

She could not help but assume that it could be something more than just a friendly visit or getting updated with each other. Her friend was coming here for something else.

“It could be nothing,” Tabby said as if reluctant to tell her more. “Maybe it is better once I am there and have more information.”

She knew it. Her friend knew something but was somewhat reluctant to share it with her. Need more information? What information? Her interest only grew more.

“What is it?” She could not stop her curiosity since she sensed it might be more than nothing. She wanted to know what it was, especially if it had something to do with her.

“You know what. I should not say anything. Now, I think I am making you nervous. But it might be nothing.” He continued as if trying to calm her down.

How could she even stay calm when her mind was already working overtime? He should not have said anything if he did not want her to ask questions. He should have known better. That was if he remembered what she was back in the day.

“You should have thought of that before you opened your big mouth.” She reprimanded him, thinking that he had already caused damage. The only way to resolve it was to spill his guts out.

“Ok. I get it now.” He said, seemingly apologetic for his blunder. “I heard something at work.” But he stopped as if thinking how to phrase his following sentences.

“Just say it.” She was running out of patience. She was exhausted but worried at the same time.

When he said work, she quickly rummaged through her memory about what he had told her the other day. He mentioned that he worked in the military. At least, he used to. Then, he came out there on a job.

“We have a new case. It was red-flagged as an urgent case and top priority. I am not sure yet, but I think your name is on it.” He finally informed her.

Now, she remembered that he was currently working as an investigator. Was someone having her investigated? That was the only explanation for her name coming up on his radar. For what?

“Are you sure it is me, not just someone who might have the same name as me?” She could not help but hope that it was just a mistaken identity.

It was very likely since her name might be usual in this part of the world. But that was wishful thinking, knowing that there might be one man looking for her at that very moment.

Damn! What did he want with her? Not her son, she hoped. Why could he not just leave her alone? She never broke their arrangement. She hoped that he would also stick to his end of the bargain.

But she guessed that was too much to ask from a man who had no honor and could not keep his word.

“That is what I am saying. I still have to see the entire case. I just called because I want to know if you are ok. But my big mouth doesn’t know how to filter its words.” He admitted, sounding contrite. “I am sorry again.” He added.

“Would you call me if you have more information? But you are still welcome to see me on Saturday. I am looking forward to that.” She asked him, wanting to be ready for whatever was coming her way.

She was not afraid, but she could not help but worry. Ryan had money and the backing of the law at his side. Compared to him, she was nothing.

“I will double-check everything before getting back to you. But don’t worry, as I said before. We are now family again. I have your back.” Tabby assured her, reminding her of the old times.