Page 148 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“This isn’t a friendly call, Eden. This is a warning. If you value your life, find a far, far away place and pray to God every day my family doesn’t find you. They will not spare you.”

“I–”

Another call ended before I could say another word. I look up, catching a glimpse of the long, slim figure I’d laid with a hundred times more. It belonged to the man I loved, unconditionally and without reservation. It belonged to the man I’d betrayed. The man I had crossed.

In an instant, I was out of the car, rushing toward Bradford and Jack, who were both escorting him to their car. The shades were back on my face, masking the emotional turmoil I found myself in.

In Chem-fashion, he strolled slowly, refusing to increase his speed under the silent demands of the agents. The defeat I’d imagined I’d witness on his face was nowhere to be found. In an immaculately tailored suit, his usual attire, he was dressed. Baffled, I tried making sense of his attire at six o’clock in the morning.

His chalky skin made it clear he’d lapped the swimming pool this morning. His face was the last to be moisturized and it was usually after he was fully dressed. Eagerly, I cut through the sea of cars.

“Johanson,” Bradford called out once he’d noticed me.

Jack and Chemistry turned simultaneously. “Johanson.”

“Can I… I need a minute with him, Jack.”

“Can’t do that, Johanson,” Jack stated firmly.

“Jack. Please. A few seconds. I–”

“Johans–”

“Jack!” Singer yelled, waving him back into the house. “You might want to see this.”

“Get him in the car and don’t take your eyes off him.”

“Got it, Boss,” Bradford assured Jack.

He took off in the opposite direction as Chem lowered his head and sat in the backseat. The sight was terrifying. Though he’d committed countless crimes, he didn’t belong there. He was better than that… better than this all.

“Brad–”

“Don’t beg, Johanson. I always hated when you did that.”

“A few seconds.”

“Thirty,” he agreed, nodding toward Chem. “Just crouch down. I don’t want Macy or Jack seeing you.”

“Thank you so much.”

I rounded him, coming into close contact with Chemistry. I’d expected the pain residing in his eyes. I’d expected the look of disappointment. What I hadn’t expected was the smile on his face. The same way he’d looked at me since the day he’d demanded I meet him outside in five minutes was the same way he was looking at me now. Only this time, there was so much regret, emotion, and love in those eyes.

“Hello, Egypt.”

“I’m sorry,” I claimed, lowering my body so Bradford wouldn’t get the fire that would come from his disobedience.

“You are,” he disclosed.

There was so much hidden in those words. Of course, I was, but hearing him say it made it so much worse.

“I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

I felt around in my hair, in search of the thin, black bobby pin. It wasn’t long before I located it. I was responsible for his capture. I felt equally inclined to assist in his escape.

It didn’t matter how much I was putting on the line, my heart was hurting and it wouldn’t beat properly again until Chemistry was free. At the moment, he was my priority. Not the force. Not my friend. And not my boss.

“I’m sorry. I can fix th–”

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