Running Blind

Chapter 25

As Vin entered his office, he noticed a dark haired boy sitting in front of his desk. He was about to say something but then noticed Karl standing off to the side. Turning his head, he scanned the room seeing Sean sitting in one of the darken corners. “Just fucking great,” Vin muttered to himself. Sighing, Vin walked behind his desk, his eyes fastened onto the nervous young man in front of him.

Propping his elbows upon the desk, Vin steepled his finger, his eyes fastened on the blue-eyed boy. “Well?” Vin asked, his impatience showing on his voice.

Karl stepped forward. “This is the young man who came with Eric.”

Vin’s eyes darted to Karl.

“I want everyone the fuck out, now!” Vin roared.

Karl jumped at Vin’s voice, confusion showing on his face.

“But…but…”

“What the fuck did I say, Karl? Do I need to repeat myself?”

“No, Mr. Diesel.”

“OUT!”

Jake just stared at both men, his confusion obvious on his face. He didn’t understand what was going on. First he was told he had to meet Vin in order to stay and now the stern man didn’t even want to see him? Would he be staying or not?

“What do you want me to do about him?” Karl asked, nodding his head toward Jake.

“He can stay, but just stay out of the way.” Vin’s stern voice echoed through the room. “Now leave.”

+

Eric followed the laughter as he made his way across the hall, all else forgotten. He needed to get to Orlando and make sure his brother was well.

Eric’s body froze as he approached the French doors that led to the backyard. His eyes widened, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He watched as Orlando ran around the backyard being chased by an energetic puppy.

Eric opened the door and stepped out, his eyes only focused on Orlando. He was startled when he heard a voice beside him.

+

Ian was startled when he heard the door open behind him. He was scared that Vin had changed his mind and would make Orlando go up stairs. Turning as the footsteps moved closer, Ian was shocked by who it was.

Ian watched as Eric came up beside him. “Master Eric,” Ian said, his voice full of shock.

“Hi, Ian,” Eric replied, his eyes still glued on Orlando.

“Do you want me to call him in?” Ian asked as he followed Eric’s gaze.

“No,” Eric said quickly. “What…how?”

Ian knew what Eric was trying to ask. “Sean and it was this morning, as a birthday present.”

“Sean,” Eric whispered to himself. “I’ve never seen Orlando look so happy.”

Ian stayed quite. He still couldn’t believe what he was seeing either. Orlando, for the first time in many years, was acting like the boy he was.

Eric shook his head, a smile spreading across his lips. Only Sean would defy Vin’s orders, Eric thought. The man was hard and cruel like his stepfather but always had a soft spot for Orlando. Eric’s smile vanished at the thought. He watched as Orlando dropped to the ground, the puppy jumping on him, trying to get to his face.

“How’s he been doing, Ian?” Eric asked, voice shaky.

“He’s been doing well, Sir.”

Closing his eyes, Eric’s nostrils flared. His brother shouldn’t be doing well. He should be doing great, having a great life. Not stuck here in this… this prison.

”ERIC!!!” a voice screamed across the yard.

Eric’s eyes snapped open; he watched as Orlando lay there, looking at him. He could see Orlando eye’s light up as he gazed at him. Eric laughed as he watched Orlando try to stand up but the puppy kept pulling him back down. Finally Orlando gave up and lay where he was, a big smile on his face as the puppy started licking his cheek.

Walking over, Eric stared down at his little brother and the energetic puppy that was licking Orlando’s face off. A smile touched Eric’s lips as he saw happiness in his brother’s eyes. Reaching down, he snatched the puppy up so Orlando could stand.

As soon as he was on his feet, Orlando launched himself into his brother’s arms. “Eric, you came,” Orlando sobbed into Eric’s neck.

Eric wrapped his free arm around his little brother and held him. Eric closed his eyes, a tear leaked out as he held his brother closer. “How could you doubt that I would come?” Eric whispered quietly.

“Vin said you were busy with friends and school, that you might not have time to make it,” Orlando whispered back.

“You know better than that.” Eric’s voice became stern. He pulled his head back and stared at the top of Orlando’s head.

“Yes,” a hesitant whisper floated between them.

“Orlando, look at me.”

When Orlando didn’t, Eric took his free hand from around Orlando’s waist and brought a finger under his chin and lifted the boy’s face until their eyes met.

Eric could see doubt floating across those dark orbs. ‘God,’ Eric thought to himself, ‘there is no telling what bullshit Vin put in his head.’

Hearing a low growl, Eric looked down and saw the squirming puppy staring back at him. Eric looked into the puppy’s eyes and saw determination and also a protective stare.

Letting Orlando go, Eric leaned down and set the puppy on the ground. Straightening up, he grabbed Orlando head in both his hands and stared hard into his brother’s eyes.

“I want you to listen to me, little brother.” Eric’s hot whisper brushed against Orlando’s face. “I love you and one day I will release you from this prison. I swear it on my life!”

“No!” Orlando cried out. “Please, Eric, leave things as they are. I didn’t believe Vin and I know you love me. Please don’t do anything foolish. You are free and happy and that makes me happy.”

At that moment, Eric felt the life drain out him. He still couldn’t believe his life was nightmare it had turned into.

“Please, Eric, if you try anything, I won’t be able to see you again. You know what happened last time. Please, promise me.”

Looking at Orlando, Eric could see the boy getting agitated and needed to calm him down.

“Say it, Eric!”

“I promise.”

TBC

Please review and let me know what you think. I also want to thank everyone who reviewed. I really appreciate it!