Page 51 of Treasured
He winked at me with all confidence, and he pressed speakerphone as he said, “Oh, I have security measures. Trust me.”
Someone on the line typed, but I whispered, “I’m scared.”
Dwayne returned, kissed my forehead, and said, “He’s got terrorists as clients, but he’s not used to being told no. I’ve seen his type.”
I heard his words, but it was like I was living in an alternate reality. He stepped back. “Okay, but still,” I said.
“I love you,” he said and closed the door.
I needed to tell him the same. I rested my head on the closed door, locked it, and said, “That’s why I need you in my life.”
I heard the officer speaking to someone, but their voices were muffled. Suddenly, a female voice came on the phone and asked, “Are you still in the house?”
“We’re still in.” I sat on the floor and watched my son as he used the chairs to help him balance. “Arthur Waterstone is outside, and I think he’s here to kill me and my one-year-old.”
The woman sounded more concerned. “Are you safe?”
I swallowed. It was best to be honest, so I said, “We’re locked in the office, but my boyfriend is closer to the door. Please hurry.”
My son put his head on the carpet and sucked down his milk. I refused to move an inch while he drank himself to sleep.
Finally, I heard his light breathing and inched closer. Then I knelt down, kissed his cheek, and whispered, “Bruce, stay asleep, sweetheart. I’ll be right back.”
I inched over to the bulletproof window and peeked out. Men I didn’t recognize were near the door.
Dwayne was alone. I had to warn him.
I grabbed a letter opener, squared my shoulders, and then unlocked the door. I heard nothing, so I popped my head out. Dwayne was at the kitchen counter with a tablet surrounded by weapons and wearing black Kevlar. I trotted over, ignoring the guns that were bigger than my arm, and said, “There are people out back. What are you doing, Dwayne?”
His eyes widened as he asked, “Where is Bruce?”
I swallowed and said fast, “Sleeping. The police are coming.”
He showed me his tablet and explained the various screens. “There are six men. Two are trying to pry open my garage. One is at the end of the street. Two more are at the back door.”
My gut twisted, but what held me still was Dwayne’s calmness. I also pointed to the only man I recognized onscreen. “And Arthur?”
He pointed behind him to the front door. “He’s right there.”
I pressed my hand on his shoulder and asked in a quiet voice so no one would hear us, “And how are you just watching this so calmly?”
He showed me a phone-like device in his hand. “Oh, I have weapons aimed at all six of their heads.”
I let go of him and honestly couldn’t move for a moment. “Weapons?” My pulse accelerated.
“My security is advanced, and I have clearances.”
I pointed to the microphone on his tablet and asked, “Can I talk to Arthur?”
He nodded. “Sure. Hit the camera and then the talk button.”
Maybe I was crazy, but my insides were practically on fire. A moment later, I coughed to announce myself and asked, “Why are you here and not fleeing the country? How stupid are you?”
His thin lips pressed together as he banged on the door. He stopped when he said, “On no planet do you get to live some fairy tale while I lose everything, sweetheart. Not when you brought this trouble to me, you heartless bitch.”
Sirens screeched behind him. I stood absolutely still, gazing at Dwayne. “Arthur, sounds like the police are here. Good. But let me tell you that while I didn’t bring Dwayne into your life directly, I’m fucking glad he’s here with me. Goodbye.”
Dwayne gave me a half smile and tapped my arm to support me. “Good going. Head back in with Bruce until this is over.”
