Page 30 of Instant Bond

It was almost time for class to start. Kids and other teachers had started walking by in the hallway, so it was time for me to go. I walked back over to the side of the classroom where Ty waspatiently waiting. The paralyzing fear that someone would take him suddenly seized me, and I wanted to choke. He was all I had, the only constant in my life, for six years. He was the motivation for everything I did, and everything I chose.

“Do you want to take my art home, Daddy?” He asked. One wall of the classroom was papered with the special pieces of art each student had created for the parent teacher conferences. Ty’s was pretty close to what I had expected. Ducks and cake for his favorites, and an astronaut for what he wanted to be when he grew up. That one I hadn’t been sure of, since it seemed to change from month to month.

“I think they’re supposed to stay up until all the parents get to see them, and then you can bring it home to me.”

“Oh, okay!” He was agreeable as always, but all I felt was fear and numbness.

I told him I loved him and hugged him before leaving. For a brief moment, I had the overwhelming urge to bundle him up in my arms and race out, hiding away with him where no one could ever find us. But I couldn’t do that.

Ordering yet another ride from the app, I planted myself down onto the curb in front of the school. I wanted to call Karter, but I knew if I started talking about what was going on I would just break down in tears. I was going straight to work from here, and I was pretty sure tear-streaked cheeks and red, puffy eyes would freak out the customers. Still, I knew I couldn’t hold it in for long. And I needed to understand exactly what I should do to make sure Ty stayed with me. Karter would probably be able to help me with researching that.

I can’t talk right now, heading into work, but is there any way I could see you after? I really need to talk.

I’d come to expect immediate replies from him, and this time was no different.

I’ll pick you up when your shift is done. Are you alright?

Was I alright? I didn’t really know until I knew how serious this whole thing was.

I found out something bad and I might need your help.

I didn’t want to be too specific or let him know how scared I was, otherwise I was pretty sure he’d show up at my work before I even got there and demand to know what was going on. He was just like that.

Did something happen at Ty’s school? Is he okay?

Of course he would remember I had the conference today. The fact that he had even thought to ask about Ty tried to send a warm feeling through me, but the chill from earlier was too deep in my bones.

Ty’s fine. I’ll explain everything when I see you.

As I hit the send button, the ride-share driver pulled up to where I was sitting, a woman with a friendly smile. I piled into her backseat, giving quick answers to the dreaded small talk that so many of these drivers forced me into.

Then I’ll see you soon. Try not to worry so much.

Like that was ever going to happen.

Work was okay, until the end of my shift. I hadn’t had any rude customers, or any of the crazy ones that wanted vegan, organic, grass-fed, gluten-free food at a family sports pub that mostly served chicken wings, cheeseburgers, and beer.

I was delivering the check to my final table, a young couple that were too busy making mushy eyes at each other to take much notice of me, when I noticed a man at a booth in my section staring holes into me.

It was odd, but I quickly realized where I recognized him from. He was a regular at the strip club I waited tables at. But he’d never made conversation with me or seemed to even really notice me. I was pretty sure he was only attracted to women, since all the dancers he cozied up to and threw money at weregirls. Despite that, he was definitely staring at me and in a pretty creepy way.

I wanted to ignore him, but it was kind of impossible. Not only was he creeping me out with his intense stare, but in general he looked pretty suspicious. It was hot as balls outside, but he was huddled in a coat. Never a good sign. When I went up to his table, I was instantly smacked with a wall of whiskey smell. Trying to hide my grimace, I asked him if there was anything I could get him. He’d been staring at me before, but he couldn’t meet my eyes now.

“Just some water.”

So I went to the back to get him some water. I’d noticed when I’d gotten up close that he was twitching a little. I hoped he wasn’t on drugs or something.

When I brought it out and set it down on his table, his hand shot out to grab my wrist. Shocked, I tried to stumble back but his grip was too strong.

“I want something else,” he said. His voice was kind of wild and desperate.

“W-what are you talking about, sir?” My customer service mannerisms automatically slipped out even though I was scared out of my mind.

“You know what I’m asking, boy. You want this,” he paused, reaching into a pocket on the inside of his coat with his free hand, partially pulling out a bundle of cash wrapped in a thick rubber band. “Then you got to give me something.”

I could barely process what was going on. Was he offering me money for sex? Where had this even come from? This guy had barely ever glanced in my direction, and I’d waited on him a lot at the club. If he wanted me bad enough to pay for it, he’d definitely never made any indication of that before.

“Hey! What’s going on?” Hana’s voice sounded out behind me, loud and concerned. Relieved that someone had seen that Iwas currently being held hostage by my wrist, I shook my head at her.

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