Page 87 of Breaking Matt

But one hour became two, and then three.

When I saw Mark start to check the time, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. While he had remained calm I had been able to hold on to the hope that things would be okay, but seeing him start to worry made me face the idea that something had gone wrong.

Mark started to make calls, but no one could reach Matthew.

I sat down, feeling stunned that my worst fears were becoming a reality. But it wasn't in me to just accept it. I loved him, irrespective of the events that had made me pull away from him. I'd only done whatever I could to save him.

Leaving the estate was out of the question; my parents wouldn't allow it and I couldn't sneak out with Mark around. I concentrated on finding a way to escape. I would need a way out without anyone realizing and I knew I couldn't do it alone. There was no way to know if Matthew was even still alive but I couldn't stay here and do nothing.

I began to formulate a plan to get out without anyone being able to stop me. First I would need a way of distracting Mark and then I would need a way out of the property without anyone noticing.

While everyone started to become more concerned about finding Matthew, I went upstairs. In the privacy of my room where no one could overhear me, I made a phone call to a friend who lived nearby. I hadn't seen much of her since I'd left to go to college but I knew I could depend on her.

"Hi, stranger," Brandy answered in her usual drawl.

"I need your help."

"Sure. What do you need?" she asked.

I began to tell her.

"I can be there in thirty minutes." I felt relief that I could put the plan into action sooner than later. Every moment mattered.

Once I got off the phone with her, I did some research on the web. While everyone was still downstairs dealing with the whereabouts of Matthew, I was already starting to implement my plan.

Every time my emotions got hold of me and I wanted to give in to the fear, I pushed through it. I couldn't help him if I fell apart now. I had to be strong.

Chapter Twenty-Six

There was a flurry of activity. Everyone was trying to find Matthew. A cop car arrived soon after and two police officers entered the house, going directly to the study. Everyone was in the study when Brandy pulled up in front of the house. I wrung my hands as I waited for her.

"Geez, what's with the security?" she asked, looking more than a little annoyed. She opened the door to her car as I stood waiting for her. "I had to wait forever for them to let me in."

The security had been tightened up since I'd come home.

She gave a pointed look at the cop car beside hers. "What's going on?"

"It's a long story," I said. "Come in."

She followed me into the house and I led her to the kitchen, away from everyone else. I was thankful Mark was too preoccupied with Matthew to be aware of what I was planning.

"What's going on?" she whispered to me.

"Like I said, it's a long story."

"So give me the short version." She crossed her arms and looked at me expectantly.

I glanced around to ensure there was no one in the area outside the kitchen before I gave Brandy my attention. There was no way I could tell her everything. She wouldn't help me if I did.

"I need you to trust me," I said.

She frowned before she dropped her arms. "Okay."

"I need you to get me out of here."

"Why can't you just leave on your own?" she asked, looking a little baffled. "Am I missing something?"

"I don't want to go into the details but no one can see me leave."