Page 49 of Taint
“I asked you for it,” he says as he hands me his phone.
I snatch it from his hand, and he smirks. My stomach flips at the sight of it. I need to get out of here, and he doesn’t need my phone number. Giggling maniacally deep down inside, I punch in867-5309and quickly save it.
I put on my angry face when all I want to do is bustout laughing. “There. Happy?”
“Very,” he says, slipping the phone from my fingers.
He steps aside, and I walk past him.
“Good. Don’t use it,” I say, a smile pulling at my lips.
***
My phone chimes as Erick drives aimlessly around Swanson. I have no idea what we are doing, and he won’t tell me. Something is eating away at him because he’s gripping the steering wheel likes he’s trying to choke it to death. It’s making me anxious, and I don’t like it one bit.
The chime sounds again, and I pull my phone out of my purse. Erick doesn’t even glance my way, lost in his own little world. What is up with him?
When I unlock my phone, I see two new texts waiting for me. I tap the icon and smirk at the unknown number.
Unknown: Very funny.
Unknown: Game on.
I thought it was hilarious. Now I’m not so sure. I don’t know what game he thinks we are going to play, but I have a feeling it’s not going to be Candy Land. Probably strip poker after this morning. My stomach flips as I slip my phone back into my purse and think about Dale’s comment. I should be furious, and I am in a way. Furious with myself for feeling anything toward that cocky bastard while I sit next to my boyfriend.
Erick pulls to a stop along a rundown street similar to the one Dustin lives on. I glance around and see nothing out of the ordinary. Just the same dilapidated homes and piece of shit cars lining the curbs and driveways.
“What are we doing here?” I ask as he drums his thumbs on the steering wheel.
He looks up and down the street. “Waiting.”
“For who?” My irritation skyrockets when he just shakes his head and keeps watch.
About ten minutes later, an old, blue, rusty work van drives past us and parks several houses up. Erick perks up at the sight of it. Now I understand why. Bobby steps from the vehicle and walks toward a house. After a few minutes, he returns and takes off in the van. Erick starts the car and follows.
“This is not a good idea, Erick,” I say, growing more and more nervous.
“What he is doing is not a good idea,” he spits. “I’m just trying to save my friend.”
“That’s the exact same thing he is doing! Except you’re gonna get him caught and killed,” I yell at him. “Take me home. Right fucking now.”
I know that Erick doesn’t want to upset me or get me in more trouble than all of us already are, but I can tell by the expression on his face that he’s made up his mind. He continues to follow Bobby, even when he turns down theold work roads behind abandoned factories. The windows are busted out, and graffiti tags are spray painted on the buildings. Broken glass and trash litter the ground. There’s a very ominous feel to this that sets me on edge. If Bobby wondered if he was being followed, now he knows for sure.
“He’s gonna know we are following him, Erick.”
“That’s the point,” he sneers.
After parking out of sight between two buildings, Bobby steps from the van. He watches Erick intently through the windshield as he brings the car to a stop.
Erick steps out and Bobby throws his hands out to his sides. “What the fuck man?”
“Have you lost your mind?” Erick points his finger at him and yells.
“No, have you?”
“You’re gonna get yourself killed,” Erick grits between his teeth.
Bobby gets up in Erick’s face. “The only person who’s gonna get me killed is you. Get back in the car and get her out of here,” he whispers. “Now.”
