Page 58 of Saving Noah

Noah felt like Zach or Connor should be able to see the guilt written all over his face the very second they mentioned his cell. Quickly, before either of them could see what a liar he was, he jumped up and went after his phone and computer. After only a few minutes, he’d successfully lied to the man he loved and a man he loved like a friend. He felt like a pathetic piece of shit but was determined to direct all of Moretti’s attention away from anyone except him.

Two hours later, Zach finally left for work. Connor was settled in front of the television with his phone in one hand and working on his laptop with his other hand while Noah hid in his bedroom, trying to gather the courage to be a man. He had to face Moretti on his own. Something told him if he could just be brave enough to step outside his safety zone, Moretti would have somebody there to swoop in and whisk him away. When that happened, Zach and Connor would be safe from the bastard who ruined his life.

The problem was, and always had been, Noah couldn’t find the courage. Every time he thought about sneaking out of the apartment, a panic attack threatened. What was wrong with him? How had he let himself get in this shape…too cowardly to leave his fucking apartment building?

Of course, he could always take some of his old medications. He still had leftovers in the bathroom cabinet. Maybe a handful of anxiety pills would give him the strength to do what had to be done?

He was about to walk in that direction when he heard Connor start yelling his name, screaming for him to get into the living room.What the fuck?

Fear for Zach’s safety suddenly clutched at his heart, and he took off running down the hall. What if Moretti had gotten to Zach?

“What? What’s happened?” he yelled as soon as he rounded the corner. Connor still sat on the couch, but this time, his eyes were glued to the television screen. Noah followed Connor’s gaze until he stared at the face of the man who’d haunted him for years. Bigger than life, right there in his living room, smack ass in the middle of his safe zone, was Donovan Moretti’s arrogant face…smirking at him from the other side of the television screen. Behind the smirk was a picture of the prison where they housed Moretti. “Did he get released? Escape? Is he out of prison?” Noah demanded. If Moretti was out, Zach definitely wasn’t safe.

“Oh, he’s out all right,” Connor answered smugly. “The coroner’s van picked up his body a few minutes ago.” He turned to look at Noah, a huge smile on his face. “Donovan Moretti’s dead. As of now, the news media isn’t sure if it’s a suicide or murder…but nobody actually gives a fuck. He’s dead.”

Noah couldn’t believe what he heard. “Dead?”

“Fucking dead,” Connor answered. “The guards found him this morning during their first security check. He was hanging and dangling. Fucking dead, Noah. The bastard is a goner.”

Noah wouldn’t let himself get excited. There had to be a catch somewhere. Was this a joke? Had he somehow faked his death and was right then overpowering whomever was in that coroner’s van? There was absolutely no way he was lucky enough for Moretti to be dead. That kind of luck just didn’t come his way.

“Call your friend, Connor. Make sure he’s dead,” Noah pleaded.

“Way ahead of you, little man,” Connor answered. “I’ve already texted Caleb, and we should have confirmation in minutes.” He grinned and added, “Not that we need it, though. It’s all over the news, Noah. He’s dead. They don’t make mistakes like that. We’ve got to call Zach. He’s going to be over the moon. I’m not lying to you. That man was ready to kill Moretti for you.” Connor reached for his cell and fiddled with the screen as he talked. “Call me, Zachary,” Connor said into the phone. “We’ve got some news. Call as soon as you get this.”

Noah plopped down on the couch and watched the news play out in front of him. Donovan Moretti really was dead. As he soaked it all up, he wondered if his parents knew, if they were happy they would all finally be safe. Would they want to see him again?

He doubted it. He also didn’t give a fuck.

He stood on the threshold of having a future with Zach, and for the first time in several years, hope took hold of his heart and gripped it so tightly he struggled to breathe. Hope…such a vindictive bitch.

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